Tensions Between U.S. And Russia Grow

Last week, the beacon of freedom known as Vice President Cheney, took many opportunities to criticize Russia on several issues. This just smacks of hypocrisy.

(Guardian)"Russia has a choice to make," Mr Cheney told Baltic leaders during a summit in Vilnius. "No legitimate interest is served when oil and gas become tools of intimidation or blackmail, either by supply manipulation or attempts to monopolise transportation."

If that wasn't enough he also said

(AP/Yahoo)"Russia has a choice to make. And there is no question that a return to democratic reform in Russia will generate future success for its people and greater respect among fellow nations,"
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"In many areas of civil society — from religion and the news media to advocacy groups and political parties — the government has unfairly and improperly restricted the rights of her people," Cheney said.
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"Other actions by the Russian government have been counterproductive and could begin to affect relations with other countries,"

It would be great if Cheney felt that way about his own country. Putin found the comments somewhat odd also. And Putin is now using terms or phrases like.

(AP/Yaoo)"Where is all this pathos about protecting human rights and democracy when it comes to the need to pursue their own interests?
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"We are aware what is going on in the world," he said. "Comrade wolf knows whom to eat, it eats without listening and it's clearly not going to listen to anyone."
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"Their house is their fortress — good for them," he said. "But that means that we also must make our house strong and reliable."

"We must always be ready to counter any attempts to pressure Russia in order to strengthen positions at our expense," Putin said. "The stronger our military is, the less temptation there will be to exert such pressure on us."

Good times everywhere in the world. So who is next to be on the White House hit list?