The situation at the Russian school is angering me. I feel frustrated, sad, angry... I am more emotional about it than I thought I would be. Perhaps because of my new lifetime connection to the country. Perhaps because there are so many children involved; and it's a school, for crying out loud!

Many things bother me about this. Russia, I feel, did the right thing in allowing their commandos to storm the school. From all reports I can find, the rebels had told emergency workers they could come get the dead people out; as soon as the EW went in, explosions were heard and part of the roof collapsed. So the commandos felt it necessary to rush the school, as hostages took the explosions as a chance to escape (and were subsequently shot at).

The numbers keep going up. Now it's 28 rebels, and close to 1500 in the school. Kids are coming out of the school covered in blood - I'm assuming not their own. Held in a sweltering gymnasium with no food or water, for three days. It absolutely disgusts me.

The other thing that bothers me - trivial, I know - is that these people aren't following the rules. This is what makes them so despicable, in my opinion. Countries have Rules of War - I teach about them. Two things are totally off limits - the Red Cross, and schools. Museums are a close third. Not that some countries paid attention to that in the past; but at least it's written down. This is why I supported going into Iraq, WMDs or not. Hussein routinely placed missiles in schools and neighborhoods, so when we would attempt to destroy them, he could point out that we were attacking civilians. Jerk.

If I were Putin, I would do a couple things. I would have a secret talk with W. Bush; Putin has the upper hand right now in that relationship. Bush needs support for the global war on terror; Putin has a reason to join him now. But he could get something out of a deal with Bush if he tried. I think Bush needs Russia's backing more than Russia needs help with Chechnya. I would also suck up my pride and tell Chechnya, "screw you. You want to be independent? Fine. No help from Russia, ever. B#$%@&$s."

It's times like these when I support walls. Or moats. Or big destructive bombs. As a SS teacher, I am paid to stay neutral and guide students to see all sides of an issue. As a Republican who is fond of a strong military, I say if we're going to fight this "war on terror," let's haul out the weapons that mean business and let 'em have it. Civilians? You have harbored terrorists in your midst and often aided them; at least, never made an attempt to eradicate them.

Necessary casualties. Sometimes you gotta decide that it's worth it.