My question is what keeps us from disposing of annoyances in our sphere–Chavez, for instance–in the manner the Russians seek to remove theirs?

I meant the question and answer rhetorically, but on further thought I believe acting as the Russians are is an admission of weakness. I think they fear nothing more than a successful and happy, free populace next door. Why else demand Saakashvilli’s head?

In the long run we are probably better to patiently endure idiots like Castro and Chavez. Their reigns are the best argument we could make for our way of life, and sooner or later people living under tyranny come to know it, better than we alone could ever instruct them.