I can certainly agree to an extent anyway that Russia and USA aren’t really worth defending in this conflict, but my point really wasn’t about which nation was right or wrong, but just about the motivations of those who appear to have “knee jerk reactions” to Bush’s policies by being critical of him and the USA.

I believe a lot of the (apparently) ‘reactionary left’ aren’t simply believers in US super-hegemony, or that the US is the epitome and source of all international strife, but that as US citizens, or citizens of the western world, they are responsible for the actions of their democratic governments and therefore incumbent to react against even the minor missteps their country makes.

I don’t ascribe this feeling to all who you describe in your post, but I really do believe that’s a component to the thinking of many, and the prime motivator for some. And doesn’t it make sense to use your leverage as a voting US citizen to try to right the heading of your nation, rather than make almost-entirely-futile gestures against a foreign nation that may be more at fault?

btw, I have been reading your blog for a long time and it is partially the reason why I decided to start my own lately. I can’t say I consider myself totally simpatico with your thinking, but I certainly wouldn’t have known about Wordpress without your endorsement and example.