Mischief? Is that really what we are going to call Russia’s malicious actions around the world and particularly towards Georgia? During the second presidential debate, Barack Obama stated that “if we can reduce our energy consumption, that reduces the amount of petro dollars that they (Russians) have to make mischief around the world.” Although most—if not all reporters—did not speak about it, this comment made by Senator Obama stands out to me. In some ways I was appalled. The actions that Russia committed during the last few months towards Georgia were not just mischievous; they were morally wrong, and completely and utterly evil. Although Obama later called Russia’s behavior “evil” during a follow-up question by Tom Brokaw, his offhanded remark struck a cord with me. This comment—along with other comments and positions that Obama possesses—just further demonstrate his lack of knowledge or experience.
I do not think that the majority of the population would consider these actions an act of “mischief.” Webster defines mischief as an action that annoys or irritates and although Russia’s actions fit that description, they go well beyond it. Additionally, from the legal standpoint—which could be how Obama was using the word—mischief is defined as an offense against property. This was more than just an offense against property though; the attack was one of power and murder.