U.S. hypocrisy over Georgia

LEE SUSTAR ("A newer world order") may be right that John McCain deserves "the prize for setting the most outrageous double standard" for his denunciation of Russia's invasion of Georgia ("In the 21st century, nations don't invade other nations"), but if so, he should share it with that hilarious comedy double act George W. Bush and Condoleezza Rice.

"Bullying and intimidation are not acceptable ways to conduct foreign policy in the 21st century," Bush told the world on August 15. Not to be outdone, Rice condemned Russia for "using the one tool that it has always used whenever it wishes to deliver a message and that's its military power. That's not the way to deal in the 21st century."

As Salon.com columnist Glenn Greenwald pointed out in response to Rice, "It's simply a fact that the U.S. invades, bombs, occupies and interferes in the internal affairs of other countries far more than any other country on the planet. It's not even a close competition...The most enduring and predominant rule of American politics is that every national politician must demonstrate their willingness, even eagerness, to start wars."

The second rule of American politics, of course, is that the mainstream media won't point any of this out.
Phil Gasper, Madison, Wis.