"Further resistance is senseless," said leaflets dropped on the Chechen city of Grozny, and I can imagine these words read in that heavy computerized voice of Star Trek Borg. "Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated." Actually, the Russian leaflets continue: "The Command of the Combined Group of Russian Forces (read: "The Collective") is giving you a last chance. Those who came out would be offered shelter, food, medical assistance-- and most important, life."

The Russians are trying to bomb Grozny back into the stone age. They're afraid to send in troops because the Chechens slaughtered them a few years ago. Also because they've taken a page from the U.S./NATO playbook -- fly high and bomb whatever you see until people are dead, scared, or ready to surrender. It's the new warfare and now Russia is in on the act.

I'm not avidly anti-Russia. I think the Cold War was as much our fault as theirs and have never believed that they were truly out to destroy us. But I do think they're feeling free to act like Americans, and that means they're acting like the Borg. They're clinging onto their sphere of influence and they're killing people to do it. They got antsy when we started dropping bombs in their Serbian backyard, but they've also been liberated by our actions. We have finally, ten years after the Cold War, roused the Russian Bear and its hungry.

The Chechens, mostly Islamic, shouldn't have to be part of Russia if they don't want to be. Yes, they bombed some buildings in Moscow, but that was in response to Russian attacks in the early 90s. When they asked to breakaway, Russia should have said yes. Bill Clinton should be demanding that Russia back off and we should impose immediate and total trade sanctions if they don't. We should freeze all Russian assets in America. I don't think we should send forces in (because no Americans should be asked to die for Chechnya) but we shouldn't be consorting with Russia at this point.

Russia's leaflets amount to death threats -- "Those who failed to leave by Saturday will be considered terrorists and bandits and will be destroyed by artillery and aviation." Reiterating that they aren't in the mood for negotiation the Russian missives read: "You have lost There will be no more negotiations. Everybody who has not left the city will be destroyed. The countdown has started."

Russia has provided a "safe corridor" for refugees to run through in an effort to escape death. Of course, many are infirm and old and they can't just pick up and run, nor will they be able to rebuild their lives if they do escape and then return as per Russia's promise that "After the completion of the counter-terrorism operation you will be able to return to your homes." Also, Russia hasn't let up an inch on the bombing and Russian troops have "accidentally" attacked at least one caravan of civilians who were fleeing the city. This has become a race war -- Russia against the Chechens, on par with the worst atrocities of the second World War. You can't blame the Chechens if they don't believe Russia will honor their "safe corridor." Russia claims there are about 7,000 people left in Grozny (which once housed 250,000) but the Chechens claim 40,000 remain. A lot of people have died and will die and we'll never know the extent of it.

Russia has gone Borg in its intonations, but Orwellian in its meaning. Get this: "Only by leaving will you be able to avoid death and save your city." Or this: "Remember, preservation of life and the provision of security for the civilian population is the main task of the Russian forces." Letters form the Ministry of Peace, it seems.

But Russia's brutality and dishonesty only highlights our own. We went to war with Serbia to stop the killing of innocents, we went to war with Iraq to liberate Kuwait. But we have stood by while China defiles Tibet and Russia slaughters an entire community.

Just when Michael Maiello starting trusting the Russians they pulled this stunt.