Comments on Russia: McCain and Obama

Both John McCain and Barrack Obama have voiced their unwavering support for the actions of Georgia, along with a condemnation of Russia. This makes me wonder if they don't read the news or even worse, do not mind supporting a corrupt ally, as long as that ally is a transit point for crude oil and gas exports which supply much of the oil to the western world. The truth of the matter is that Georgia violently invaded South Ossetia, a region that has been independent from them since the early 1990's, in a bid to take over that region. Georgia brutally mass murdered innocent civilians, and that is when Russia got involved, in order to protect the people of South Ossetia.

The majority of people in South Ossetia, actually carry Russian passports. They have a strong dislike for Georgia, and have voiced their desire to become part of Russia again. Georgia attempting to regain power, entered South Ossetia in tanks and began opening fire on innocent civilians. According to ABC news, many survivors have spoken of the brutal events witnessed. One women reports of a family of four, fired on by Georgian tanks, burning to death in their car. Another of a pregnant woman trying to run away from tanks with her family, who was fired upon, and nothing remained of them. Most of the survivors of South Ossetia had to hide in their basements, until the Russian troops moved in to rescue them.

In the primary I did not vote for John McCain or Barrack Obama. I was supporting a different candidate that lost by a landslide. At a certain point, I realized that the end result would be to make a choice between McCain or Obama. After careful consideration, and many reservations, I decided on John McCain. I supported the McCain candidacy for two weeks, before I decided to chuck the whole thing, and not vote at all. How can I vote for a candidate that would support this type of action from an ally? If McCain would have just said, "I do not support what Georgia did, but they are still an ally, and I am hoping for a peaceful resolution", that would have been more acceptable in my eyes. Instead he misleads the American people and chooses to try to make Russia out as the villain, which is completely inaccurate.

This is what John McCain has to say about the conflict with Georgia and Russia:

"Russian aggression against Georgia is both a matter of urgent moral and strategic importance to the United States of America."

"Whatever tensions and hostilities might have existed between Georgians and Ossetians, they in no way justify Moscow's path of violent aggression. Russian actions, in clear violation of international law, have no place in 21st century Europe."

"The implications of Russian actions go beyond their threat to the territorial integrity and independence of a democratic Georgia. Russia is using violence against Georgia, in part, to intimidate other neighbors such as Ukraine for choosing to associate with the West and adhering to Western political and economic values."

These statements were all taken from the John McCain website at: http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/PressReleases/Read.aspx?guid=612817d8-e377-44df-9ebe-aca0ea95e945

This is what Barack Obama has to say about the conflict with Georgia and Russia:

"No matter how this conflict started, Russia has escalated it well beyond the dispute over South Ossetia and invaded another country. Russia has escalated its military campaign through strategic bombing and the movement of its ground forces into the heart of Georgia. There is no possible justification for these attacks."

"The United States, Europe and all other concerned countries must stand united in condemning this aggression, and seeking a peaceful resolution to this crisis. We should continue to push for a United Nations Security Council Resolution calling for an immediate end to the violence. This is a clear violation of the sovereignty and internationally recognized borders of Georgia - the UN must stand up for the sovereignty of its members, and peace in the world."

"Going forward, the United States and Europe must support the people of Georgia. Beyond immediate humanitarian assistance, we must provide economic assistance, and help rebuild what has been destroyed. I have consistently called for deepening relations between Georgia and transatlantic institutions, including a Membership Action Plan for NATO, and we must continue to press for that deeper relationship."

These statements were all taken from the Barack Obama website at:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/laurinmanning/gG5bh2

The scary thing about John McCain is that it sounds like he would be willing to sacrifice American lives for Georgia. Georgia could get the land they so desperately want, American politicians would gain more control over oil supplies, and the average American citizen can be used as a pawn risking their life to obtain these goals. It sounds cynical, yet ignoring the murdering of South Ossetians by Georgians, does makes me wonder. According to the Moscow Times, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has committed acts of genocide against the South Ossetians, and they are hoping that America will stand against this. Meanwhile, both of our candidates have already stated after Russia gets through with the bombing, they are planning to completely rebuild Georgia. At the courtesy of the American taxpayer, of course.

Sources:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/11/2331118.htm

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1020/42/369804.htm