Bush gets conflicting signals over Russia policy (Reuters)

[Eugene]

Bush gets conflicting signals over Russia policy

By Matt Spetalnick
Reuters
Thursday, July 13, 2006; 10:53 AM

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Fifteen years after the collapse of the Soviet Union,
conflicting forces are once again vying to shape U.S. policy toward Moscow.

With language sometimes echoing Cold War mistrust, lawmakers from across the
political spectrum are urging Washington to use this weekend's Group of Eight
summit to get tough with Russia over what they see as backsliding on democracy.

Behind the scenes, however, American business interests are lobbying against
anything that might offend Moscow's political sensibilities and endanger access
to Russia's booming economy.

"Some of the rhetoric has gone too far," said Blake Marshall, executive vice-
president of the U.S.-Russia Business Council, a Washington-based lobbying group.
"When politics starts to get in the way of commerce, that's a concern to us."

<snip>

Full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/13/AR2006071300682.html

[cliss]

1. I don't understand this statement.

Lawmakers are urging Washington to get tough with Russia, backsliding on democracy.

Why do they give a crap about democracy? This statement makes no sense, none. Lawmakers care about other things.....like profit margins.....revenue.....P & L's... perks.....kickbacks......crony deals....

Who are they trying to kid?