While I'm no foreign policy expert, it seems increasingly likely that Putin is going to invade Ukraine. I believe he plans to replace its democratically elected government with one more to his own liking. I also think his decision was motivated, at least in part, by our withdrawal from Afghanistan. How should the US respond? We have no mutual defense treaty and Ukraine is not part of NATO. But if we do nothing, we're no better than Neville Chamberlain. Short of outright conflict, I believe there are a number of actions we can take, from jamming communications to air sorties as well as military exercises of our own.
Today's one-liner: "The shortest way to the distinguishing excellence of any writer is through his hostile critics." Richard LeGallienne
Local Government TV
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Tuesday, January 25, 2022
65 comments:
You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.
No Problem we have Biden in charge.
ReplyDeleteWell there are similar co existing conditions here. Chamberlain, signed document to allow Hitler to annex the German part of Czechoslovakia in 1938 . Then came back in 6 months to take the rest of it ,right? Putin is doing the same thing. I personally don’t think he can afford a war , Economic conditions of Russia are not good. Most of his army are “green” kids and he knows we need his pull with Iran . He’s testing the Biden Administration, This wouldn’t be happening with “the last guy”. The danger is what will Biden administration do 1st? This would be a test of deployment of technology not boots on the ground. Our stock market is reacting to uncertainties currently. God Bless America.
ReplyDeleteIf there is one thing that scares any authoritarian like Putin is the arrival of another authoritarian. Send Mclure to Russia and Putin will be distracted.
ReplyDeleteAsk Hunter Biden what we should do.
ReplyDeleteWe are in good hands
ReplyDeleteWe should stay the hell out of that situation! Ukraine has been a corrupt government for years. A big money-laundering operation using foreign aid originally intended to help its citizens. Russia is interested only in the small area of Ukraine that can be used as a deep water port for Russia. Let those two nations work it out!
ReplyDeleteA conflict there with Russia could lead to hundreds, maybe more, of our soldiers being killed. In addition, like we’ve seen with the Afghan failure, some of our military leaders and other decision makers are not very competent.
We have more than enough problems of our own to solve right now . . . and right here!
Don't worry either way Biden has our best interest in mind.
ReplyDeleteThis is the wrong question.
ReplyDeleteThe US and NATO have been squeezing Russia for years now.
What does Russia produce besides energy and agriculture - not much else.
We should do nothing - but we won't, and we all know it, and more needless deaths will occur.
I do know this - Biden's poll numbers suck, and this is a wag the dog situation in my opinion. We have had our fingers in Ukraine for a long time - The Orange Revolution? Bursima? Hunter Biden - really.
Now the real question to ask is this. While we mess around in Eastern Europe how do we respond when China invades Tawain at the same time.
I pray that saner heads prevail.
In order;
ReplyDeleteBRUTAL and punitive sanctions with extra focus on Putin and his government allies.
Cyber attacks to disrupt domestic life of citizens (be prepared for counter attacks too)
Military support, thru equipment, intelligence and advisement.
Limited military action - air strikes, etc.
NATO led coalition involvement.
Putin needs to go - guy has been causing trouble and instability in Europe for far too long. Weak response here will also only embolden China to retake Taiwan.
It disgusts me that Tucker Carlson aides and abets Putin and he is allowed to do so on American media. America First my ass.
We don't have the heart or the stomach to lead anything. Our military is in decline. It's dealing with diversity while the Chinese are launching subsonic missiles. We're a nation in decline and will have nothing to say about this.
ReplyDeleteWe shouldnt, i am tired of the US paying world cop with our treasure and blood. If Europe is in a twist over this, let europe handle this.
ReplyDeleteRussia's troops on the border are a way of getting NATO and U.S. attention. Asking or complaining about NATO expansion has been dismissed, thinking Russia has no way of stopping their being encircled by an adversarial alliance. Russia has now gotten the attention of the world and now there is an opportunity to engage in better relations with Russia or heat up the new cold war.
ReplyDeleteCan we really afford a new cold war, not to mention a hot war? Sanctions have proved ineffective. It has not caused a change in behaviour from anyone. Our real enemy and threat is Communist china, but engaging with China is just too profitable for big business to make any serious changes.
If Russia would have wanted to invade and take over Ukraine, they would have done it without giving us a written proposal of their concerns. It is a last ditch cry for change of direction in U.S. foreign policy.
I see many who believe we can rule the world and no one can deter us, We cannot. It is a pivotal moment for this country and Europe, who cannot afford to have a active adversary on their border.
Germany and France are not so sure they want to continue with this containment policy, they will be the most vulnerable to suffer the consequences of an adversarial relationship from Russia.
They have followed U.S. policy as it was financially lucrative without much risk. Now there is real risk that may be more important than U.S. money.
Now that the USA has become a net oil and gas importer under Biden, this conflict is crucial, as oil and gas supplies and distribution are the major reasons for the conflict. In order to avoid much worse inflation at home, the USA needs to either re-establish domestic oil and gas supplies or possibly intervene in this conflict.
ReplyDeletewhy didn't this happen from 2017-2020? Can't put my finger on it.
ReplyDeleteOur previous loser was the piss boy of Putin and set this all up. He took millions and millions from Russians over years. His wife's family are still communists. His daddy had been tied to the Russian mob. He worships Putin and wants everything in every way to be a dictator like him. No wonder Russia and Putin is pushing this.
ReplyDeleteWe could go extreme and carpet bomb the Ukrainian border wherever Russian troops cross.
ReplyDeleteFreeze all Russian Funds in the US. Put a complete embargo on business with Russia and freeze any company's assets that do business with them. Jail any US citizen that takes any money from Russia (I.e. Flynn and Trump and his family). Freeze any and all money that is funneled back to Russia through any bank that does business in the US. Russia is on Economic disaster and without the money sent back to Russia through US sources they would go into free fall.
ReplyDeletePutin is making a last gasp to maintain his reign of fear in the country so he can live out his days without his country revolting and killing him.
Bernie, this is not an easy one, but I think we do nothing. Your suggestions are reasonable in the beginning, but I think in the end would just lead to armed conflict. As a country we are not ready for this. We ourselves have a dysfunctional federal government, increasing crime, an economy on the brink, and yeah, that pandemic thing. I also think as a country we are tired of running to the rescue and our military is worn out. The Ukraine knew who Putin was the day he came to power and what his motives were. And what did they really do to protect themselves? Give Putin credit. He played chess and made the right move. Another time, different circumstances perhaps. But not today, not with the challenges our own country faces. This is not our fight. The countries in that region need to step up.
ReplyDeleteMy hope is that NATO will reach a consensus and we'll follow that. I'd like to see the U.S. carry a smaller proportion of the usual load. in such things.
ReplyDeletePutin has been threatening to invade Ukraine for years. Yes, the troop and equipment build-up is more recent, but even that had begun before the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Also, Trump was holding back 250 million in military equipment to Ukraine in an attempt to have Zelensky announce an investigation of Biden leading up to the 2020 election.
ReplyDeleteHe’s not going to invade. If he would’ve done it he would’ve done it by now and at this point he’s bluffing and trying to get any sort of concessions he can from the west. People like him will do anything they can to stay in power. And even if he does invade, there’s not a whole lot we can do. Do people really think sanctions do anything except hurt the common folk.
ReplyDeleteFuck Putin and his bobblehead Faux noise puppets!
ReplyDeleteboots on the ground are not in our national interest
ReplyDeleteI don't care about Ukraine I care about the US...do nothing because if Biden does something it won't turn out good, anything he does turns bad....yes I speak this as a democrat but this guy is absolutely horrible for our country.
ReplyDeleteObama wouldn't send weapons to Ukraine years ago. Just "humanitarian" supplies. He looked the other way as Russia annexed Crimea. Now that another weak-ass Democrat is president, Putin is ready for another land grab. Biden shows his toughness by calling a Fox reporter a dumb SOB. Meanwhile our European allies are running scared and Putin is gaining international gravitas. Sleepy Joe should stop his pathetic sword rattling and send Kamala to Kiev to solve the crisis. Should could threaten Putin with a maddening tape of her cackling laughs. Game over.
ReplyDelete8:07 this did not happen in 17 through 20 because Putin already had the biggest baffone in politics in a position of power. Putin was the puppet master of our president during that time.
ReplyDeleteAnd still gas prices were low, people could afford groceries, oil etc. I for one did not care about mean tweets. I care about the well being of my family as everyone else should.
DeleteKnowing this administration and Blinken - lol - we will respond with a very sternly worded letter that will be used for toilet tissue at the Russian embassy.
ReplyDeleteJFC - It is beyond sad to see how many pathetic bootlickers here put their political party's best interest above anything else - how dumb do you have to be to let yourself be so manipulated? Making excuses for poor little Vlad Putin and saying the United States of America is unable or unwilling to stand up and push back when called upon.
ReplyDeleteYOU are undeserving of calling yourself American if you choose to ignore (or seemingly want) Russian troops invading Ukraine.
I've heard Moscow is nice this time of year - move there Comrade.
I agree with others that posted that there should be an equal alliance of forces with European countries or keep our troops out. We cannot keep being the world's only policeman.
ReplyDeleteIn a righteous world we would not be dealing with any country that did not meet the humane standards for it's citizens that we demand for our own (freedom of speech and protest, democratic elections, freedom of religion, etc.). But in reality we will deal with anyone or any country that will keep the status quo for our own citizens, or at least for the upper echelon. Russian leader throws opposition leaders and critics out of windows or poisons them? $Kaching! China rolls tanks over protesters or makes critics disappear? $Kaching! Arabs chop up critic and even help create the fanatics of 9/11? $Kaching!
I really pray that we can reach a point where our country doesn't ignore the atrocities of other countries and continues commerce with them just to make a buck.
Immediate crushing sanctions on finances, computer links, exports, etc. Severe enough to collapse Putin's fragile economy. Historical example: in 1956 France, the UK & Israel attacked Egypt, despite Pres. Eisenhower's fierce opposition. He then froze UK's connection to American finances, caused a near paralysis of UK banking. Their PM Anthony Eden had to back down & stop the action, had no choice. Resigned soon after.
ReplyDeleteOur previous loser was the piss boy of Putin and set this all up. He took millions and millions from Russians over years. His wife's family are still communists. His daddy had been tied to the Russian mob. He worships Putin and wants everything in every way to be a dictator like him. No wonder Russia and Putin is pushing this.
ReplyDeleteBernie, Any truth to this? Believe Andy Weissman/ Bob Mueller, Aaron Zebley and jeannie rhee all looked into this for years. Not sure why this is allowed to stay up.
We should threaten to send Trump to Russia, as a permanent resident. Trump will destroy their unity in 4 years.
ReplyDeleteSpot on 11:20 & 11:49!
ReplyDelete@10:32 "Biden shows his toughness by calling a Fox reporter a dumb SOB."
ReplyDeleteMAGA rallies we're basically non-stop attacks on "Fake News". The whole "Lets Go Brandon" thing is a cutesy wink-wink cover for F Biden, but you're gonna call this out?
FOX Watching "Republicans" are the softest most delicate snowflakes in the world.
We are worried about a border conflict that will affect our economy or something else? How about worrying about the border conflict in the south? These illegals, some from countries other than Mexico, are coming into this country with diseases and prior violent crimes on their records. They are now killing citizens with their diseases and penchant for violence and drugs. They will have more of an effect on our economy and country than any conflict in a foreign country. Hopefully now we will find out if any of these countries gave anything to the Bidens, when DC. doesn't respond.
ReplyDeleteSanctions will have a very limited effect on Russia, Unlike the western countries, thy do not have any foreign debt, they are self sufficient, much more than any of their adversaries. Everyone believes we can force everyone to do as we want, not so.
ReplyDeleteIts amazing how these non thinking Democrats are still obsessed with Trump. Really need to get some psychological help, so you can again lead a productive life.
ReplyDeleteAll these delusions about President Trump and his family are simply ridiculous. The claims are way out in left field. Truth be told, Both Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, Nancy Pelosi and her son, Paul, took bribes and favors from corrupt Ukraine corporations like Burisma. Ukraine was, and probably still is, funding the campaigns of several people in our Congress through the use of front groups and abuse of foreign aid.
ReplyDeleteStay the heck out of Ukraine . . . . make all the grifters in our House and Senate sweat.
Boogers on you, 1:46. All I know is now that Trump's out, I sleep again at night.
ReplyDeletePut Kamala in charge. Um, wait. The election of 2020 was Dumb vs. Dumber and the entire world is now paying the consequence. Even Obama waited until the last possible moment to endorse his former VP because he knew what we were getting. Sadly, 2024 doesn’t look any better.
ReplyDelete@1:46 Because of what he has contributed to the potential destruction of this country he will be talked about for hundreds of years well after he and a few generations of his family have expired. For the bad he is a prominent force in the currents of the country today unless of course you believe you are one of his chosen few. Although he seems to be the only chosen one in his own mind. And has ongoing destructive potential of everyone's comfort zone. We can all say what we want today but there are very few who know and it certainly is noone on this blog. Looking at the random pieces of the puzzle which are known he will be painted as a major nemisis to our society.
ReplyDelete@1:42 - Nothing in your post is remotely accurate other than it being a big hit on FOX News "Scary Stories for the Elderly" Power Hour.
ReplyDelete@1;46 At least the Dems only bad mouth him and aren't stupid enough to be fleeced by him or mystified and baffled by his BS. And do not idolize him.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the Institute of Modern Russia in 2011, the Russian American population is estimated to be 3.13 million. The American Community Survey of the U.S. Census shows the total number of people in the U.S. age 5 and over speaking Russian at home to be slightly over 900,000, as of 2020. If he has his troops set one foot over the Ukranian border deport them all and send them back to Russia immediately with nothing more then they can carry. Including the last 1st lady and her family.
ReplyDeleteThat burden on his economy would have an impact. Although he probably would allow them to take up residence at Chernobyl.
Nature abhors a vacuum. If the west fails to step up and provide a counterweight to Russia, China, Iran etc. China, Russia, Iran etc., will step up and fill the void.
ReplyDeletePutin wants to expand his sphere of influence and rebuild the USSR. Unless we can pull some sort of Zen like the key to resistance is non-resistance, we should expect to be replaced on the world stage as a power to be reckoned with.
This would not have happened under PRESIDENT TRUMP --thank you media for seeing Trump was not Elected.
ReplyDeleteBomb then into the stone age.
ReplyDeleteThe US is a broken down has-been of a former superpower. Obama wanted it this way when he promised to fundamentally change our nation. We won't do anything because we can't do anything. The world has a new cop and it ain't us anymore. We will have to obey China's and Russia's rules. Enjoy your new country and our new world. You voted for it twice! I'm just glad our military has lots of queers and freaks and firm rules on nail polish wearing and sex changes. God bless the USA!
ReplyDeleteThe real, human question is: how many Americans will be left behind or killed as we we run away. Our citizens have received their cursory warning for the State Dept. They'll receive no help and they're already screwed. It would be good for other countries to bail us out and save our citizens. We're no longer in a position to do so. We should beg for mercy and help right now. Let's get past the embarrassment and accept our powerlessness in order to actually save our citizens.
ReplyDeleteUkraine is part of Family Business with The Big Guy. .so no what’s he going to play ? Maybe Hunter will make a deal..
ReplyDeleteWill the invading force be vaccinated, and will they display their vax cards prior to crossing the border? Will they be sure to keep a mask on at all times except while seated at a restaurant, eating or drinking? These are the hard hitting questions we need.
ReplyDeleteThe real question should be: Will the Ukraine army fight and not run away like to afgan army did. Lets face it our withdrawel was such a disaster befause the afghans, themselves abandeoned our mission. If the Uknrnians will stand a fight I can see us backstopping them but not taking the lead.
ReplyDelete2.48, you have just confirmed your delusional mental state, Please get help for you and your families sake. we all need to pray for these unfortunates.
ReplyDeleteBernie - Unless you have just one moron typing out multitudes of comments we are left with one conclusion.
ReplyDeleteRepublicans = Russian Agents
The parroting of propaganda talking points, the whining and complaining, how loveable Russia is and how decayed and rotted America is...
Fucking embarrassing what a bunch of ball-less pussies that party has become.
Duck and cover!
ReplyDeleteScary to read a birdbrain whose response to any criticism of the Biden administartion's foreign policy (or lack thereof) is that we're all Russian agents. Biden is the Big Guy, a status Trump never approached with any of his kids' dealings. Biden's toothless response indicates he's very friendly and wants to protect investments. Oh, how the same thing can be seen so differently.
ReplyDelete@2:48 and I bet you think Hitler was an awesome person doing good things for Germany!
ReplyDeleteLet's evaluate the past loser:
ReplyDeleteMoral compass is rooted in four key areas:
• Truth: Truth is a binary—it’s a yes or a no, it’s on or off.
• Character: Character has elements and people notice these elements.
• Ethics: Ethics tells us it’s not about what you say but what you do.
• Attitude: Is your cup half full or half empty?
Truth.
He is a pathological liar so he has no truth.
His character of deceit, trickery, smoke mirrors, and planned deception to avoid reality.
His ethics is such that he will cheat and teal and grift everyone and anyone to line his own pockets. He will even through his own kids under the bus for his own self indulgence.
Attitude is that he wants to be a dictator and it is all about him and no one else.
Evaluation - NO MORALE COMPASS
Sounds a bit like my boss.
Delete@5:12 - No delusion here. You're focus and worry on an over hyped "border crisis" reveals too much about your own mental state and how easily manipulated you are. Keep watching FOX and drink your cocoa (or Sanka) in your cozy chair and avoid going outside, because of the Mexican street gangs are on the prowl for you.
ReplyDeleteAnd if they are talking points on conservative shows, what's the issue?
ReplyDeleteSend in the Lehigh Valley Tea Tea Party. They seem to always want to fight someone.
ReplyDeleteWe have to defend the Ukraine. Brandon's and Hunter's gravy train resides there. Funny how the idiot haters of America stated Trump would get is into a war a few years ago. Well, now look at the mess Brandson and his comrades have created.
ReplyDeleteCan't fix stupid!
Biden will do everything he can to defend Hunter's lively hood..
ReplyDelete