`HALF-HEARTED`

For the past 50 years, a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy has been the non-recognition of the Soviet Union`s illegal annexation of the Baltic States. Despite this fact, the Bush administration`s support for Lithuania`s struggle to reaffirm her rightful independence has been at best hesitant and half-hearted. For the first time in 50 years, the resolute U.S. policy shows signs of bearing fruit, and yet no tangible assistance appears to be forthcoming.

Though Ted Kennedy coined the phrase two years ago in response to a different set of circumstances, his famous refrain is as apt today as Lithuanians justifiably ask, ”Where was George?”