Democracy is truly spreading around the world. Now thanks to the Cheney Doctrine, it has taken root even in the darkest corners of Siberia.
HEILIGENDAMM, Germany, June 6 -- President Bush Wednesday struck a more conciliatory tone in advance of a planned Thursday meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the two countries had a post-Cold War "friendship" that transcends current controversy over a proposed U.S. missile defense system and concerns about the direction of Russian democracy.
Rhetoric on both sides has been sharp in recent days, with Putin saying he would retarget Russian missiles at Europe if the United States proceeds with a plan to station missile defense facilities in Poland and the Czech Republic, and Bush saying Tuesday that Russia had "derailed" democratic reforms.
But as he arrived here for a summit of the Group of Eight industrialized nations and prepared for a session with Putin Thursday, Bush downplayed the war of words and suggested that Putin's comments may have been tailored for hometown consumption -- a sign, Bush said, that democracy is taking root in the country.
"Russia is not a threat . . . I don't think Vladimir Putin intends to attack Europe," Bush said. "Do you think he is trying to position himself at home? . . . When public opinion influences leadership, it is an indication that there is involvement of the people.
It's hard to see how even the most liberal democrat would object to increasingly apparent involvement of the Russian people in the affairs of their government. I'm sure they'll find a way, though.
1 comment:
What are you talking about Liberals, when your own President says he doesn't see them as a threat. Sounds to me like the Re pubic cans are doing nothing about it.
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