Bush himself never said anything in favor of the Chechens.
But the U.S. State Department routinely issues statements in support of Chechen "independence" and critical of the Russian handling of Chechnya.
Chechnya is about the size and population of Vermont.
Imagine Vermont being predominantly Muslim, separating from the United States, and forming a Wahabbi/Taliban Muslim State with Shari'a Law.
Imagine the Vermont Muslim army raiding Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Massachusetts, and taking non-Muslim ("infidel") hostages for ransom money and killing them when their demands are not met.
Imagine the Vermont Taliban beheading Catholic Priests and Baptist ministers in the streets of Vermont.
Imagine the Russian Foreign Ministry routinely issuing statements calling for the United States to stop meddling in Vermont and for Vermont's Muslim Republic State to be recognized with full diplomatic missions.
Imagine Russia's allies harboring terrorists from Vermont and calling them "statesmen".
There is much more, but I think you get the picture.
Well said.
Perfect analogy.