Of all the coverage I've read on the Ukraine situation of late - and it has been a lot, from a lot of different sources - your take today is the first I've seen from this particular angle. So, if nothing else, props for that. A bit of a standout in a crowded field.
You can take everything I know about geo-politics, stick it in your eye and not even blink. (Might as well include domestic politics as well.) But what you wrote today seems correct to me on an intuitive level. I do know that it's a very complicated and dangerous situation, and that if purely political considerations weigh more heavily on the scale than positive, practical real-world outcomes, those outcomes will be much harder if not impossible to achieve. To that end I think Biden should indeed bring in an "honest broker" or two, people who, as you said, have nothing to lose. The same eyes have been looking at Russia and the same voices proffering advice for some time now. Not that these people aren't competent and earnest in their endeavors, but it couldn't hurt to get a dose of reality from some folks who have less political skin in the game, and perhaps bring them on board as more than just advisers.
On a more positive note...I am glad that at least we have the president we have at the moment, and not the one we might have had if things had gone differently not all that long ago.
That speech by FDR in which he addressed concerns about involvement in the war, by asserting that his proposed aid to Europe was not the same as fighting in Europe, was just a precursor to actually fighting in Europe. I think it is legitimate to ask if Biden might not be tip-toeing his way into direct confrontation with a nuclear power. Once a person gives money to a cause, he has a vested interest in the success of that cause.
I've noticed, maybe you have as well, that many of the egos involved in politics don't like to admit they were wrong. Rather than reversing or trying another avenue, for some reason they seem to want to double-down and step in the gad (not *enough* stimulus, not *enough* troops, etc). I guess my question is: Is there anyone who would make a good 'consigliere' that Putin would take seriously, but who knows to step back from the precipice while somehow not losing U.S. credibility?
Also, should I be concerned that so many people with experience in politics draw inspiration from The Godfather? Obama said it was his favorite film, as have others. It's not too reassuring to think that our leaders are inspired by gangster films. lol
Of all the coverage I've read on the Ukraine situation of late - and it has been a lot, from a lot of different sources - your take today is the first I've seen from this particular angle. So, if nothing else, props for that. A bit of a standout in a crowded field.
You can take everything I know about geo-politics, stick it in your eye and not even blink. (Might as well include domestic politics as well.) But what you wrote today seems correct to me on an intuitive level. I do know that it's a very complicated and dangerous situation, and that if purely political considerations weigh more heavily on the scale than positive, practical real-world outcomes, those outcomes will be much harder if not impossible to achieve. To that end I think Biden should indeed bring in an "honest broker" or two, people who, as you said, have nothing to lose. The same eyes have been looking at Russia and the same voices proffering advice for some time now. Not that these people aren't competent and earnest in their endeavors, but it couldn't hurt to get a dose of reality from some folks who have less political skin in the game, and perhaps bring them on board as more than just advisers.
On a more positive note...I am glad that at least we have the president we have at the moment, and not the one we might have had if things had gone differently not all that long ago.
That speech by FDR in which he addressed concerns about involvement in the war, by asserting that his proposed aid to Europe was not the same as fighting in Europe, was just a precursor to actually fighting in Europe. I think it is legitimate to ask if Biden might not be tip-toeing his way into direct confrontation with a nuclear power. Once a person gives money to a cause, he has a vested interest in the success of that cause.
I've noticed, maybe you have as well, that many of the egos involved in politics don't like to admit they were wrong. Rather than reversing or trying another avenue, for some reason they seem to want to double-down and step in the gad (not *enough* stimulus, not *enough* troops, etc). I guess my question is: Is there anyone who would make a good 'consigliere' that Putin would take seriously, but who knows to step back from the precipice while somehow not losing U.S. credibility?
Also, should I be concerned that so many people with experience in politics draw inspiration from The Godfather? Obama said it was his favorite film, as have others. It's not too reassuring to think that our leaders are inspired by gangster films. lol