Most Russians support invasion of Georgia

[Terri]

By MARIA DANILOVA
Associated Press
August 20, 2008

MOSCOW (AP) -- While Western officials are mulling how to punish Russia for invading neighboring Georgia, most Russians view Georgia as the aggressor -- aided and abetted by a hostile West.

Many Russians take pride in what they see as their country's ability to stand up to the West, come to the rescue of a small and vulnerable community in South Ossetia, and assert its military and political might in the region nearly 17 years after the breakup of the Soviet Union.

"Russian citizens are proud that Russia came to the defense of the weaker one, that it came to the defense of its compatriots ... that it stopped bloodshed," said Leonid Sedov, a senior pollster and political analyst at the respected Levada Analytical Center.

More

[papajaxxx]

More than half -- 53 percent -- said Russia was right to send troops into South Ossetia as opposed to 36 percent who opposed the idea.

The article never mentioned that 36% of those polled are on their way to vacation in Siberia.

[Ralph Cringely]

This is no surprise.

When the Cold War was over, did we disband NATO? Did we let it atrophy? No, the West expanded and strengthened this anti-Russian military alliance. Why should the Russian public be anything but happy when their government finally pushes back?

[lpara]

Most Russians support invasion of Georgia

Like they have a choice.

When I think of Russia, I think of an oppressed people who do not have free speech--if they disagree with anything the government does, they lose . . . everything.

[schillerbjr]

Russians are more patriotic about invasion of Georgia than Americans were about invasion of
Iraq.


See the difference.

[autocad]

When the Cold War was over, did we disband NATO? Did we let it atrophy? No, the West expanded and strengthened this anti-Russian military alliance. Why should the Russian public be anything but happy when their government finally pushes back

No kidding. If this turns into a shooting war (I think it will), I put the blame on OUR politicians.
They do not understand the Russian mind-set.

The Russians have been invaded twice in the last century. The Nazis killed MILLIONS. So they are concerned when missiles are pointing at them. (Even defensive ones)

IF (a BIG if) Ms. Rice had any brains she would give this a cooling off period. Talking is better than shooting anyday.

[Terri]

No kidding. If this turns into a shooting war (I think it will), I put the blame on OUR politicians.

Of course, you do. That's what the blame America first crowd always does.

So, you're a full out Obama guy?

Or a Ron Paul supporter?

Not that it really matters. There's not a nickle's worth of difference when it comes right now to it.

[STEELMAN]

"Russian citizens are proud that Russia came to the defense of the weaker one, that it came to the defense of its compatriots ... that it stopped bloodshed," said Leonid Sedov, a senior pollster and political analyst at the respected Levada Analytical Center.

Russian citizens never get the truth from their communist government and are afraid to say anything against it.

The article never mentioned that 36% of those polled are on their way to vacation in Siberia.

Right Pappajaxx! There's more truth in that than one can imagine!

Like they have a choice.

Precisely! The Russian people are victims of their own rotten form of government unless they over throw it which I doubt will ever happen.

And if Obama gets in as president (God forbid) we will have the same experience I fear.

Talking is better than shooting anyday.

Depends on the situation doesn't it? No one has fired a shot from our side against the Russians. We have been assessing the problem from the start. Secretary Rice is still on the job and is conferring with her associates and the president on how to handle this event.

The only time shooting is better than talking is when you have exhausted all options on the table of diplomacy and your enemy is attacking you or your allies.

Aggression from an enemy that threatens one's security and freedom has only two options IMO.

1. Diplomacy 2. Military action.

The choice depends upon the actions of the enemy doesnt it?

No kidding. If this turns into a shooting war (I think it will), I put the blame on OUR politicians.

I don't agree. Our politicians had nothing to do with the Russian aggression into Georgia.

But if Russia extends her aggression to the point our freedom and that of our allies are threatened; then we have no choice but to defend ourselves and our allies like it or not.

War is not a convenience for anyone and can burst out right in the middle of peactime or any other time. No one can stand idly by and expect things to get better or run from it.

It must be faced with all reality and determination to win or be destroyed.

[clovers]

Interesting to note that both Patrick J. Buchanan and Dr. Thomas Sowell look with disfavor on any American attempt to intervene in the Georgian situation. It, is, after all, not our immediate concern. As Dr. Sowell pointed out, in the past we may have incurred the resentment of those whom we need as allies with our readiness to "step in" in the name of democracy.

Putin is not stupid, and he has years of training and experience as a KGB officer. He may, indeed, be intent upon re-establishing the former Soviet Union, but he will also not risk World War III by challenging the US. (That's just my )

We should have learned from Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan. Operate and negotiate from a position of strength. That means beefing up our military forces as well as our weaponry - and that will never happen with a Democrat in the White House!

LT

[STEELMAN]

That means beefing up our military forces as well as our weaponry - and that will never happen with a Democrat in the White House!

You can say that again Clovers! Amen!