THANK YOU, SECRETARY GATES

I feel a little better now that Gates has thrown some cold water on the neo-cons. I have no sympathy for what appears to be Russian aggression but I also have no sympathy for the many conservatives who see war as one of the Higher Values.

Gates: Russia must step back from 'aggressive posture'
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday that if Russia doesn't step back from its "aggressive posture" it will adversely affect U.S.-Russian relations for years.

However, Gates said he did not "see any prospect for the use of military force" by the United States in the conflict involving Russian and Georgian troops within Georgia.

"The United States spent 45 years working very hard to avoid a military confrontation with Russia," he said. "I see no reason to change that approach today."