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What I am trying to do, half a world away, is to understand the situation better, having an interest in the Ukraine above other nations in Europe, because we have been there and have friends there. Haven't been to those other places, don't love those other people like we love the Ukrainians we have come to know.

You say there is no difference between either candidate, and that is why (I am assuming) you slammed me for expressing an opinion after only posting here for four weeks. While mentioning (a la btw I served in Vietnam) to everyone else, and me too, why you were the expert on affairs in the Ukraine. Expert status acknowledged, and deferred to.

Can you answer the question: If neither of these men will make one bit of difference, then why are one million people in Kiev protesting the election? I am not asking this to be a smart ass, but because I really don't understand why people are so fired up if the results don't matter.

I will be happy to answer your question (I am no expert either) as soon as you answer mine. If you don't know, fine, you can say that. Or if you have an informed opinion, I will take that for what's its worth, not as gospel, of course, so no worries.

There are also a lot of people protesting for Yanukovich - my friend in Kyiv writes that "a lot of drunks from Donetsk" have come to shout for their homeboy. You know, during our Florida nonsense in 2000, a lot of people were protesting as well, though I'd question the numbers you quote. I've only seen 100-200 thousand quoted, except in blogs like maidan ('indenpendence').

This whole business reminds me a lot of what went down in Yugoslavia. Europe convinced us to back what I still feel was the wrong horse there. Any Russian analyst can tell you that Clinton's handling of Serbia was the one single event that awoke the bear from its slumber. Messing around in Ukraine is much closer to home. Not that I care about Russia, just pointing out that there is little for the US to gain here at tremendous risk.

I apologize if I gave you the impression that I was insulting you. The comment: "I can't believe a freeper would write this" (without a 'wink' or 'lol') gave me an impression that I'm sure you didn't mean to exress.

My biggest worry with letting Russia do what it wants to do in the Ukraine is that China will think that they have a free hand in Taiwan.

Let me repeat that apology and allow me to express my gratitude for a stimulating conversation from a new member. Welcome!