Posted on 03/02/2014 7:00:47 AM PST by SoConPubbie
He made it clear that mere words and "the President's vague threats" are not enough because mere "appeals to international norms" hold no sway over Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Moreoever, Cruz said international norms mean even less than usual to Putin "when they run counter to his goal of re-establishing Soviet-style regional hegemony over unfortunate states like Georgia and Ukraine who have the temerity to want a more free, prosperous future for their people."
Cruz said the U.S. must suspend Russian membership in the G8. If that doesn't give Putin pause, he added, suspensions from "the World Trade Organization and even the United Nations Security Council" should be pursued.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
What is everyone afraid of?
This thread is head in the sand yielding sovereignty to doors. If this is what the good senator can expect from supporters, we may as well let Doris into the White House now
Oh, man.
What is this? A meeting of the Cruz detractors?
Not at all, I just don’t think its likely the G8 will kick Russia out because Germany relies on their gas. I think Cruz is right that Russia should not be in the G8, but really, should we be in it either? What benefits do we get being entangled with the pedophile government of Britain, the imperialist government of Russia, or the child-seizing government of Germany? Seems unnecessary.
What I want to know is, if Obama loves the UN so much, why he hasn’t called for this to be brought before the UN? I guess the UN is only for attacking America and nothing more.
Once America further reduces its military preparedness per Chuck Hagel, then we’ll be more “flexible” to deal with these situations ....
Whatever
He's hosting this year. About the only thing the other 7 countries can do is refuse to go. Fat chance on that happening.
Russia cares much more about its only warm weather port than it does about its G8 membership.
The ONLY thing that will stop Putin is a real nuclear threat.
That will not happen from this president.
Therefore, Putin will take back a minimum of Crimea and his only penalty will be some kind of unenforceable economic sanction.
We need the bombers on alert, the missiles on standby, and a shot across the bow to verify intentions. That would be accomplished by taking out Iran’s nukes and saying, “See. We’re serious. You’ve pushed all you’re going to push.”
Without that strength and resolve then Putin’s penalty will consist of not being allowed to sell as much oil to the EU for a year or two....something like that.
I bet Putin will cry in his cereal if 0zer0 and his “lovely” wife don’t show.
While I appreciate the Senators' sentiment, I'm thinking he ought to do a little research before spouting off.
We can't kick Russia out of the UNSC...or, WTO as far as I know.
When Russia compares their strategic interests in Ukraine to the threat of G8 expulsion the trade is an easy one.
Russia does have strategic interests in Ukraine, for right or wrong. And they will protect those interests.
This is not about good guys and bad guys for surely there are plenty to go around on both sides.
Canada has already announced they aren't going to be there. If Europe grows a spine I can see a circumstance where Obama is the only one that does show up.
You are correct and given the EU’s dependence on Russian natural gas, even with winter winding down, I really doubt any of the members are interested in tweaking the Bear. Of course had we gone big for fracking we would be in a position to export plenty of LNG, but Barky and the ecofascists have other priorities. However many a Russian oligarch has vast holdings of currency and property in the US. We could seize those. Think about it, send the Marshal Service to seize the Brooklyn Nets and Barky could have a wey dream making himself President and GM of the Nets and sitting in the box at Barclay center with Jay Zee.
You advocate a nuclear showdown with Russia over Ukraine?
Really?
What existential US interests are at stake that would warrant such posture and risk?
The Russians have strategic interests to protect and will not back down on Ukraine. That means one of two outcomes: War with Russia (which, by extension means nuclear war) or the US backs down.
That's a confrontation that is not in the interests of the USA.
Exactly.
Absolutely nothing. Cruz needs to concentrate on Tuesday and what's happening in the USA instead of something not within his control.
Yeah, but what’s that supposed to do, hurt Putin’s feelings?
I really don’t think that western civ has any idea how pointless and stupid it has become.
In a reflection of rising anti-Russia sentiments in U.S. political circles, Sen. John McCain and Sen. Joseph Lieberman, overstepped their bipartisan affiliations in November to send a joint, tough-worded proposal to the U.S. Senate, asking President George W. Bush to use his influence and exclude Russia from the G8, the elite club of worlds most advanced industrialized countries, measured by economic output.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1031329/posts
I highly doubt putin really cares what the west, or for that matter or the rest of the world thinks of him. Putin saw an oppurtunity, and encouraged by a weak America ran by a weak and corrupt government, took it. The Ukraine will fall back under Russian control, and Europe along with the west, are powerless to stop it.
Yes Ted, we need to. Russia is not fit for G8 membership. Never was...
No.
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