Stupid International Relations

I had a strange feeling on the way to work this morning. I was thinking about the Dalai Lama (there were some awesome Burmese monks on my train), and at first I couldn't identify the feeling in my stomach. Then I realized it was something akin to pride in my government - and, sort of, the president.

I'm actually proud of Bush for meeting with the Dalai Lama. It's what he should have done. He should say "fuck you" to China for condoning the slaughter of Burmese civilians and continuing to commit human rights atrocities against its own people, the people of Tawain, and the people of Tibet. China has no right to blackmail us for supporting human rights. Way to go, Bush.

Unfortunately, he's apparently willing to piss off China but not Turkey. While we're at it, fuck Turkey too. They committed genocide, a really long time ago. They should humbly accept the fact they murdered 1.5 million Aremenians, and refocus the conversation on their efforts to make sure it never happens again. Instead, they're recalling their diplomats, threatening to attack Iraq, and threatening to expell our military? All because we're calling you out on something you did nearly a century ago?

I was actually proud of our military for standing up to Turkey and saying "fine. We'll work around it." And then, one by one, the Congress started to disappoint me. Again. Turkey says "don't do that," and we say fine? Really? No wonder we're not a moral leader. Did we not think this was going to happen? Did we think Turkey would make a sad face and walk away? Once again, Congress reveals its cowardice. Here's a list. I'm especially ashamed of Hank Johnson, (D-GA). He's Buddist, and used to be awesome.