on the war path

We are finally seeing where all our NATO expansion is leading us. Not to mention our Star Wars plans. What, you may ask is the purpose of NATO and Star Wars now that Soviet Union is gone? It appears the answer is, to promote its comeback. Because that is just what we are doing. We are pushing Russia into a corner, and they don't like it.

While all of us are busy watching the Olympics, Russia decided to take care of a few outstanding issues. They were only too happy to respond to Georgia's assault on Tskhinvali in South Ossetia. Surely Mikheil Saakashvili should have known better. Did he really think his "friend" George W. was going to bail him out and endorse his nationalistic drive? Did he really think the Russians were going to roll over?

Putin's reign is a clear sign that Russia is tired of being treated like a second-class citizen. They do not like our Eastward expansion. The European oil and gas "wars" have already made that clear to anyone with a bit of international sense. Now the Poles are getting worried. And they should. History has shown time and again that Poland is easily overrun. Despite treaties of various sorts, Poland is extremely vulnerable. The treaties did not stop Hitler and they surely did not stop Stalin.

The Bush administration appears nonchalant. It is no stranger to riling up tensions. As a matter of fact, someone there seems to enjoy making trouble. But we do need to point out that whole NATO issue started with Clinton. You see, when it comes to short-sightedness, everyone wants their fair share.

The current energy crisis is only making matters worse. The smart response would be for all to cut back on energy usage and do the environment a favor. Instead, everyone from the reddest redneck down to the dyed-in-the-wool environmentalist is crying foul. They all want their cheap gas, everything else be damned. Everyone driving an SUV is already an implicit supporter of the Iraq war. Soon we may see some action in Iran as well. All areas where Russia has considerable influence. For those of you not so clued-in, remember that the so-called war on terror is really a war about oil and gas.

If you want trouble, rest assured it is coming. Energy is one area where Putin holds a lot of cards. And he is willing to play hardball to avenge Russia's loss of status. Those who taunt the bear better beware!