Just about every decision President Bush makes is a reaction or an inaction. America needs a true leader real quick, someone who would step out with an original thought. I already been flamed for saying it but most of his campaign promises have not been delivered.
Just about every decision President Bush makes is a reaction or an inaction. America needs a true leader real quick, someone who would step out with an original thought. "
"Too late" is not operative here. There is nothing Bush could have done to stop Putin before he invaded, or reverse the course after he invaded. ,p> Putin is not stupid. He surely went through all scenarios before invading, and it was clear that the West could do nothing. Nothing. Well, OK, we could nuke Russia over it but that wasn't on the table.
The fact is, there are no economic or military sanctions that would turn around Putin. Europe needs his oil and gas. He also knows that Europe and America will not send 50,000 troops to fight for Georgian independence.
What else can we do? Cut off tourist visas? Stop buying Russian vodka? Cease international currency transfers? Do you think these will threaten an old-school Communist? Do you think that maybe Putin didn't consider these already and find them all impotent?
So, really, give Bush a break here. Short of war between the Soviets and Americans, there is no response possible other than UN condemnation.
I think most conservatives would have to agree with you. Bush has exacerbated a serious border crisis by his amnesty position, spent like a drunken sailor his first six years (and created another big entitlement along the way), and waffled on such issues as affirmative action. Having said that, I think on foreign policy he’s still better than we could have expected from Gore/Karry.