Tayyip Erdogan, the Prime Minister of Turkey has a bone to pick, and is wagging a finger at Michael Dickinson.

Michael Dickinson teaches English in Istanbul, Turkey. He is also a fantastic collage artist -- one who uses the tried and true method of paper, glue and scissors – and also happens to be a contributor to Annoy.com.

Mr. Dickinson is facing a 1 to 3 year prison sentence for daring to depict Prime Minister Erdogan as a dog in his collage titled, “Best of Show” – a violation of Article 301 of Turkey’s constitution, which criminalizes insulting "Turkish identity" or state institutions, including the armed forces.

The collage depicts President Bush placing a first-place Stars and Stripes rosette around the neck of Mr. Erdogan, who is depicted as a dog (who appears to have taken a crap).

Mr. Erdogan has been warmly received by the White House on more than one occasion, and in a visit on June 8 2005, President Bush stated:

Turkey's democracy is an important example for the people in the broader Middle East, and I want to thank you for your leadership.

Mr. Erdogan, on the same day remarked of his discussions with President Bush:

I can summarize the main titles of our discussion as freedom, democracy, rule of law, fight against terrorism, security and human rights.

It is difficult to figure out how imprisoning an artist like Michael Dickinson fits into this picture, or how such leadership serves as an example for people in the broader Middle East.

Perhaps Prime Minister Blair, who not too long ago was depicted as a poodle in an animation for “Shoot the Dog,” a George Michael music video, ought remind Mr. Erdogan that imprisoning an artist for self expression – particularly such a harmless image – is not, (as Mr. Dickinson, who is British, points out), the best way to win approval for EU membership, a major aim of Erdogan's administration.

As this story gains traction, Mr. Blair has been asked to intervene, according to Britain's The Sunday Times. The United States, so quick to spread democracy across the globe, should intervene as well, although it might be a tall order. The United States and Turkey are the only two NATO countries that still prohibit gays from serving in their militaries.

Will the United States have the guts to let Turkey know that imprisoning Michael Dickinson would be a foolish move?

Michael's ordeal, in his own words, can be read here.