Russia Attacks Georgia, Bush Attacks the Olympic Mountain Bike Course

Get your news from a source that’s not owned and controlled by oligarchs. Sign up for the free Mother Jones Daily.


Both Jon McCain and Barack Obama commented yesterday on Russia’s invasion of Georgia, an event in some ways overshadowed by John Edwards’ shenanigans, and the opening of the Olympic games. McCain is taking an aggressive stance saying Russia should “unconditionally cease its military operations and withdraw all forces.” Obama offered that “now is the time for Georgia and Russia to show restraint, and to avoid an escalation to full-scale war.”

Menwhile, George Bush had a busy Saturday in Beijing, biking the Olympic mountain bike course, volleying with beach volleyball players, and posing with the US softball team. Of the course, Bush called it “really, really difficult.” In general, Bush seemed to be in his element, that is, among people who see it as their jobs to work out all day. He did take time out at one point to tell reporters that he’s “deeply concerned” about “a dangerous escalation in the crisis” in Georgia.

A senior US official has called Russia’s attack on Georgia “far disproportionate” to Georgia’s alleged attack on Russian peacekeepers. Russia, meanwhile, is likely motivated by Georgia’s bid to join NATO, which would bring the alliance to a 475-mile shared border with Russia. Already five of Russia’s 14 neighbors are NATO member countries.

DEFEND THE TRUTH. DEFEND JOURNALISM.

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things it doesn’t like—which is most things that are true.

We’ll say it loud and clear: At Mother Jones, no one gets to tell us what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please do your part and help us reach our $150,000 membership goal by May 31.

payment methods

DEFEND THE TRUTH. DEFEND JOURNALISM.

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things it doesn’t like—which is most things that are true.

We’ll say it loud and clear: At Mother Jones, no one gets to tell us what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please do your part and help us reach our $150,000 membership goal by May 31.

payment methods

We Recommend

Latest

Sign up for our free newsletter

Subscribe to the Mother Jones Daily to have our top stories delivered directly to your inbox.

Get our award-winning magazine

Save big on a full year of investigations, ideas, and insights.

Subscribe

Support our journalism

Help Mother Jones' reporters dig deep with a tax-deductible donation.

Donate