All Doubt Removed: The Dick Is Steering The Ship Of State

Image of Original Painting, "Dick," Used With Permission of the Artist, Mark Bryan














For those of us who remained in the dark about who's really running things, especially in the sensitive area of foreign relations, Dick Cheney's address in Russia seems to have left no doubt.

Besides a case of the pot calling the kettle black again on so many fronts, Demon Princess has the temerity to observe that it's a fine way to make friends & influence people, especially ones holding permanent seats in the UN & whom we hope to persuade to assist us with the Iran problem.

What drama is scheduled next, inquiring minds want to know? Can a tongue-lashing for China regarding democracy & human rights be far behind?

We are, after all, the do-as-I-say, not-as-I-do country.

The Associated Press has just reported: "Vice President Dick Cheney on Thursday accused Russia of cracking down on religious and political rights and using its energy reserves as 'tools of intimidation or blackmail'. It was a hard slap at Vladimir Putin as the United States seeks Russia's cooperation in punishing Iran.

"Cheney's criticism — some of the administration's toughest language about Russia — came just two months before President Bush joins Putin in St. Petersburg for a summit of major industrial powers. Cheney warned that Russia's backsliding could harm Moscow's relations with the United States and Europe.

Said Cheney, "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," the vice president said in remarks to Eastern European leaders who govern in Moscow's enormous shadow.

"Russian officials reacted angrily."