Gotta Love 'Em

It's generating few headlines, but Operation Enduring Freedom -- otherwise known as the war in Afghanistan -- could soon result in less freedom for the people of Uzbekistan, if the Obama administration gets its way.

The ruling dictatorship of Uzbekistan, which borders Afghanistan to the north, has been a kind of beneficiary of the war and the American need to transport supplies and troops in and out of Afghanistan. (See a map of the supply routes here.)

Prompted by the the current crisis in U.S.-Pakistani relations, the Obama administration has reportedly shifted supply lines to rely even more on the Central Asian corridor. And in an effort to improve relations with Uzbekistan, it is now asking Congress to OK military aid to that country, over the furious objections of human rights groups. Several groups signed a strongly worded letter to senators this week, asking that they turn down the administration's requests for aid.
~ from Obama Cozies Up to Central Asian Dictator by Justin Elliott ~

From the very beginning, American presidents have told us that they will not tolerate despots and totalitarianism. The United States is a nation built on freedom and democracy; it is our moral responsibility to spread these ideas throughout the world -- whether the world wants it or not.

Yet, for all our grand talk, it just ain't true!! We love despots and dictators. You could be the meanest, vilest, and most murderous dictator known to human history and our leaders will welcome you with open arms as long as you don't stand in the way of our various machinations. As long as you don't foul up any of our plans, we could care less how many of your own people you torture, imprison and kill. As long as you let us have our way, you can steal your country blind and we won't say a thing.

Just don't try to double cross us. If you do, then we get to give our speeches about being protectors of democracy and we'll hunt you down like a dog!!