Small democratic nations allied to us (Israel, Honduras, Columbia) get the shaft and thugs get a pat on the back? My friend Hit & Run brings to our attention the latest example -- we excoriate Honduras for the same thing that happened in Niger. But how is Niger treated? WASHINGTON, July 1 (Reuters) - The U.S. government voiced concern on Wednesday over actions taken by Niger's President Mamadou Tandja to extend his rule in the West African country."These decisions undermine Niger's efforts over the last ten years to advance good governance and the rule of law," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement.Tandja responded to the rejection by Niger's highest court of his plan to seek at least another three years in power by sacking the judges and naming a new Cabinet.Maybe if the leaders of Honduras pretended they were going to nationalize U.S. businesses located there,or entered into a discount bananas program with the Kennedys like Chavez's discounted oil...(Read Full Post)