Large and powerful countries, such as China, the U.S., and Russia, are rather touchy about what goes on in bordering areas. They will usually act to preserve power in those areas, and generally other nations will be reluctant to interfere in any meaningful way. Thus China has annexed Tibet, and although you will occasionally see a car with a “Free Tibet” bumper sticker, the U.S. has not interfered in any meaningful way.
On the other hand, if Cuba seized Guantanamo, a base taken in an early 20th century spasm of imperialism, the U.S. would react, and the rest of the world would stand by.
That brings us to the Crimea. Russia will not allow the Crimea to fall into the hands of people it feels are threatening to its well-being. If it believes the government in Kiev presents a threat, it will act, as it has.
So what can the U.S. do? Pretty much what it has been doing. Bluster, condemn, put some money into the Kiev government.
Some Republicans like McCain are demanding more. Let me point out that not only does Russia possess nuclear weapons, but it also has a delivery capability. I assume that neither Putin nor Obama is in favor of a full-blown nuclear exchange. (I’ve always liked that “exchange”--sounds like Christmas presents.) On the other hand, no one expected the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand would lead to a world war. Let’s hope Obama and Putin learned their history lessons.
I may be wrong but I can't help but think if McCain or Romney were president that we would already be at war in Syria and have troops on the way to Ukraine. Not to forget Lybia and Egypt. Of course I could include many more on the right that would do the same.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the right really only cares about money. Nothing like starting a war to make more money. Just think what all could be accomplished if we had a government that really cared about people and not just the ones with the money. So I think it is time for a real exchange of political thinking. It all starts with your representative. Does he really care about you?
My U.S. representative is Matt Cartwright, who does care. My state representative is Doyle Heffley, who cares about his political contributors, although he pretends to care, and has as his slogan "he's one of us." If you are a fracking company, or a charter school entrepreneur, or a hedge fund operator, he is one of them.
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