Vultures feast on death and carrion. It is in their nature to do so and clean the landscape from stink and fetid flesh. Humans should not do what vultures do. You’d think this needs no stating, but look at what politicians are doing and you’d be surprised to see that we are no humbler than a vulture and in no way near being of the honor and stature of a falcon that kills to eat and eats fresh all the time.
President Putin of Russia is redrawing the nature of democracy to suit his Soviet upbringing. Using the tragic events of the school, he has just announced that the “reforms” he intends to make include “centralization” of all power, stop independents from running for office, and have delegates to the Duma nominated by him. Ring a bell? Yes, the politburo is still alive.
I am sure that the West will “criticize” the Hong Kong elections where more votes mean fewer seats. That is what happened. The pro-democracy party won more votes than the pro-Beijing party but the rules of the game say that no matter what happens, our people get the majority.
Now I don’t expect Bush to protest such an event since he won the presidency when his opponent won the popular vote, but if he does not react, the world is sliding into another century of dictatorship of the non-benevolent type.
We in this area have a stake in what is going on. All the leaders are watching to see what Putin gets away with and they will attempt to do the same. Changing clothes does not mean changing skin. We want our freedom; we do not want our clothes changed.
I for one do not expect America or anyone else to help make my freedom come true. But I do expect and demand that America, with its massive economic and military power, not lend support and approval to those who cosmetically change to satisfy its vocal but world-ignorant legislators.
Those who abuse our sorrows and tragedies should not be given a chance to do so. President Bush values his “moral” approach to politics. If this is true, he should stand up to Putin like he stands up to other dictators and “rogue states.”
The stakes are high enough. If North Korea has nuclear weapons, then it should disarm. But what of the latest scandal about South Korea?
Why should Iran not have a nuclear weapon when Israel has many? If Putin wants to “centralize” his power and create a Czardom, why shouldn’t others?
Enough is enough. Don’t deal with them. That goes for all those who decry the horror of dictatorship and terror.
Blair should pray less and look more closely at his actions. Bush, if he really wants to be on a mission, has to look closer at those whom he invites to his ranch, including Putin.
