Posted on 03/03/2014 11:56:23 AM PST by Tailgunner Joe
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, released the following statement on events in Ukraine:
The situation unfolding in Ukraine right now is a harsh lesson that no matter how great the victory, we must never rest on our laurels. After the United States won the Cold War and the Soviet Union ceased to exist in 1991, many on both sides of the aisle believed that the Soviet threat to freedom was a thing of the past and that the new, democratic Russia would be a reasonable partner and even an ally.
The events of the last seventy-two hours demonstrate this is not the case. Vladimir Putin barely waited for the flame of the Olympic torch in Sochi to be extinguished before he turned his attention to crushing the most recent attempt of the Ukrainian people to move towards freedom and the West. Despite warnings and expressions of concern from the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Advisor, the Ambassador to the United Nations and even the President of the United States, Putin apparently feels he can act with impunity in what he considers to be his exclusive sphere of influence.
He has good reason to do so. Over the five years of his presidency, President Obama has done nothing to help the people of Georgia reclaim the some 20 percent of their sovereign territory that was violated by the 2008 Russian invasion, instead instructing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to attempt to 'reset' the relationship with Russia in the hopes of pursuing more arms control agreements rather than forcefully defending American national security interests and those of our allies.
This evening, President Obama spoke of his deep concerns about reports of Russian military action in Ukraine and urged Putin not to violate international laws. But as the President and his national security team are apparently the last to learn, Putin has scant regard for international norms 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. And Putin is under no illusions that the Presidents vague threats mean any more than his infamous red line in the Syrian desert.
If we were serious about standing up to Putins power grab, we would immediately suspend Russian membership in the Group of Eight (G8), which should consist of nations that can contribute to a civilized order. And if the Russians persist in this aggressive action, we should look into additional measures such as suspension from the World Trade Organization and even the United Nations Security Council.
The United States should stand with Ukraine.
The Ukraine is divided in the sense that every country is divided. Germany was only interested in “German-speaking Austria” and the Sudetenland “German-speaking” parts of Checkoslovakia and the “traditionally German” Silesia part of Poland. But it was propaganda that was carefully orchestrated.
Do not confuse Russian-speaking eastern Ukrainians with those who want to be part of Russia. Many Ukrainians speak Russian and want to remain part of the Ukraine as do my in-laws. Yes, that is just anecdotal but you'll never get an honest poll taken under today's conditions.
As well as congenital idiots.
Stand with Ukraine? Does Ukraine have a legitimate government today?
Say, has anybody been to Walter Reed lately?
Thank you for setting the record straight.
Can you explain why any of this is our problem?
Thanks
How would the United States go about suspending Russia from the UN Security Council?
They should; I’d make it an expensive little present for the Kremlin.
All of Crimea’s electricity and water, and a huge of its food, come from Ukraine.
Cut it off. The Crimeans want to annex themselves to Mother Russia? Fine....then let Mother Russia supply them with potable water, with food, and with electricity. Oh, and blow that bridge that connects Crimea to the rest of Ukraine as well.
There you go, Mother Russia....enjoy looking after your new children; now as helpless as infants.
Thanks for the info.
Now can you explain to me why any of this is our problem?
Why isn’t this Europe’s problem?
We lose either way. I vote come home. Defend America not the World.
Well stated, my FRiend. Just because a person speaks Russian does not mean that they want a Russian takeover. My contacts inside Russia ( who speak Russian) are repulsed at Putin’s actions. They tell me that there are divisions inside Russia about the invasion/occupation. They have used the word that they are ashamed of Putin’s actions.
We should not forget the open, public demonstrations against the government in 2011. Oh, Zero did nothing to capitalize on the unrest created by Putin then.
Gwjack
Stop paying dues and participating in the UN circle jerk works for me.
God bless Ted Cruz! This is the type of man America needs as a leader in the White House.
Because it is in the interest of America to try to contain global conflicts peacefully. Because nuclear warheads going off produce fallout far and wide. Iran is also very interested in the Crimea, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. If you check out the cities of Agdam and Fuzuli in Azerbaijan-Armenian conflictive areas you will see that a high stakes game has already been played out with 99 percent of all structures destroyed in those two cities. No nukes were used but there is a dangerous mix of bribes, oil wealth, Jihad, and nuclear power at hand.
I'm not advocating troops on the ground but we need to support those who can resist Jihad (more difficult is finding those who can repeatedly resist bribes).
nope, none of our concerns . .
No. Its not our concern. The US should condemn the EU’s incompetence.
Negative. We can’t give up our veto power.
Everyone should use Google Earth to look at those two cities I mentioned. Agdam and Fuzuli can be found west-southwest of the Caspian Sea’s famous port of Baku. All the villages between and around those cities have also been destroyed. The devastation is evident when one zooms in a bit. Ukraine, Armenia, and Georgia are bulwarks against the spread of Jihad. Jihad is a growing threat to the United States and it is more a threat now than during the 9/11 attacks.
The Russkies have no intention of stopping at just Crimea or even Ukraine. They want it all.
“...there are divisions inside Russia about the invasion/occupation...”
Thank you for stating this.
“Iraq: lost.
Afghanistan: lost
Egypt: lost
Iran: lost
Libya: lost
Syria: lost
Ukraine: lost”
Hawaiian vacation industry: Won.
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