Mugabe intimidates opposition, steals election.

It's official. Opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew today from the election in Zimbabwe against President Robert Mugabe, citing mounting violence. 84 year old Mugabe, who has bankrupted and starved his once succesful young nation for several years in a desperate effort to hold onto power, has managed to do so once more. Tsvangirai was moved by the beatings of several of his followers to back away from the ballot box confrontation. You win, for now, old man. I would like to help my fellow citizens, but not if it will cost me the lives of my friends and followers.

The tormented citizens of Zimbabwe only have one hope left. Namely, that Mugabe will not live forever. Unfortunately, the evil gnome seems to thrive on his people's misery. You have heard of ancient philanthropists who earn the title "God's athlete"? Well, Mugabe would be an example of the more Satanic variety of old guy, if you wish to couch it in religious terms.

Obviously we could invade Zimbabwe and topple this vicious power hungry kleptocrat. However Zimbabwe is a long way away, has no oil resources, and is in such a state that getting the poor nation back on its feet would be expensive and thankless. Besides, we invade countries only when they supposedly pose a danger to us, and Zimbabwe does not. In theory, we "bear any burden" in the name of democracy. In reality, we look out for number one.