Comments

Edite Lynch

No, voices are not enough. Not unless there are millions throughout the world raised in unison with common purpose. Determined singing voices occasionally achieve results as well. However, actions are known to always speak louder than words and are a vital element in developing trust and a belief that further action will be taken in whatever the present situation demands. It need not be a military attack but certainly action of a kind that will leave no doubt in the mind of the aggressor that further operations will be initiated. With Russia feeling its oats right now and chomping at the bit to get moving, there is a definite degree of hostility and fear not knowing how they will next attempt to try and shock the world out of its complacency vis a vis former occupied countries. The fact that billions of aid dollars ended up in the pockets of oligarchs is galling. Eastern European countries and especially the Baltics have reason to be somewhat cynical about the West's relative inaction in spite of the fact that America was the first and only country to send a naval ship with aid for Georgia. America will also bear the cost of rebuilding Georgia's infrastructure as it has done in many other countries. Has Russia ever taken responsibility and restored anything it has ravaged. No, and it never will. Recently, only the G7 met in Washington, not the G8. That action should be applauded. Russia is not an island unto itself and will suffer the effects of isolation by the West. The cynicism mentioned above is simply based on past history and it does appear to repeat itself, many times over. Yalta in 1945 was the trigger point that enslaved millions for over fifty years and that, my friends, is very hard to forget or erase from one's mind. Since much of what really goes on in the world is done diplomatically, behind the scenes, the best that one can hope for is that those pulling the strings are honorable, trustworthy and knowledgable. It therefore is imperative that Senator John McCain becomes President of America. He spent five long, agonizing years incarcerated in a Communist prison cell with all of his civil, human rights and basic freedoms denied him. What other American President has ever endured that and can speak for all of us who love freedom and democracy. His voice will be heard, loud and very clear.

13 Oct 2008 (Canada)

Jeremy

This is not a political advertisement - it was actually for the recent sculpture quadrennial.

13 Oct 2008 (Latvia)

Edite Lynch

A statement made in my initial letter on this topic requires a slight revision. Just recently, the European Union, America and several other international entities have pledged 4.5 billion dollars for the rebuilding of structural damage in certain areas caused by Russia's recent intrusion, invasion and devastation in Georgia. Once again, Russia takes no responsibility for its devisive actions and the ultimate damage it causes.

23 Oct 2008 (Canada)