John McCain’s attempt to turn the conflict between Georgia and Russia, which has bad actors on both sides by the way, into some renewed crusade against a resurgent Soviet Union has taken a fairly absurd turn:
YORK, Pa. — Sen. John McCain said he talked with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili this morning and told him he and his country have the support of Americans in their struggle for “freedom and independence.”
McCain considers himself a close friend and fervent supporter of Saakashvili and Georgia, and has taken a hard line against Russia since hostilities between the two countries began last week. He told a town hall meeting here today that Russia’s aggression had ominous implications.
(…)
McCain told the audience that Saakashvili “knows that the thoughts and prayers and support of the American people are with that brave little nation as they struggle today for their freedom and independence. He wanted me to say thank you, to give you his heartfelt thanks for the support of the American people.”
McCain said he told him “that I know I speak for every American when I say to him today, we are all Georgians.”
Doug Bandow responds for me when he says:
Actually, John, I am not a Georgian. I don’t like folks who initiate hostilities and kill innocent people. And I especially don’t like people who do that expecting aid and support from America.
Which makes me thankful the fact that the absurd idea of granting Georgia NATO membership was shot down earlier this year.
