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.
Yes, but nuclear fallout doesn’t just affect the USA. In fact, Europe is on the front line of nuclear fallout.
WHY is this not more their problem than ours?
WHY is it always us that has to “contain conflicts”?
The Europeans are always bragging about their social safety nets, pensions, health care, long vacations ... yadda yadda yadda ... well, for the most part they don’t have to pay for their own defense so they can afford those luxuries!
When is it their turn to pony up the greatest part of the cost (in lives and treasure) for their own damn defense?
They never even paid back anything for us saving their butts in WWII. (But they sure don’t hesitate to lecture us about their superior life styles).
Why not let them face the Jihad up front and personal?
That isolationist junk will only result in a world run by the likes of Putin and the Red Chinese. America can not allow that.
http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/ted-cruz-budget-deal/2013/12/20/id/543133
For that, I have to give him credit.
M-24,
I posted this email fragment on another thread, early this morning. It is one of a dozen or so I have received from inside Russia. This author is a 47 YO female, a medical doctor, in Saint Petersburg. She wrote, in part:
“Please, Don,t worry about me. This is a troubled times really. People is Russia are separated as well about Putin,s plan.. Here are protests against and for his decision.. Interesting that the motto is the same - for Free Ukraine and for friendship !
“. If he wants only to sober up the wild nationalists and Russophobians in Ukraine and to let them know that Russians are under protection.. This is ok. If he wants using this excuse to start a war between Russians and Ukrainians for Crimea and the East part.. This is insane and extremely dangerous. It was fatal Khrushchev,s mistake for both countries when he gifted traditional Russian territory - Crimea - to Ukranian Soviet republic.. It was a bomb, that is ready to blow up..
“We are still free here to talk openly the point of view.. I don,t know how long .. I am afraid another iron curtain from both sides.. From inside and from the West as a punishment for Russia. I read yesterday The Us State secretary Kerry said about possible limitations or stopping receiving visa for Russians..well. Anything can happen in such crazy world.
“I have to go to work . The day will be long and busy.”
Yes, indeed life goes on. Later today she let me know that with the rapid fall of the ruble today, her landlord has informed her that rent will go up. She says inflation now is close to 20%.
My heart bleeds for her, people like her, Ukrainians, Russians, and all others negatively affected by Putin’s ego. It is sad. As she said in another email, she is ashamed and frightened because of the Russian government.
Gwjack
“...they sure dont hesitate to lecture us about their superior life styles...”
Ha! They sure do that!...in spades! And question us on racism, death penalty, gun culture, etc. But there are some nice ones too.
Go Ted.
You always bring the Marxist spin to your observations.
If you think Putin is Hitler, then we mobilize the same for Putin has a bigger military, including atomic bombs. So lets draft 10,000,000, increase taxes, put Rosie the Riveter in the factories and get Congress to declare war. Get real, non-intervention is not isolationism. Let me know when Putin takes France and bombs Britain. War against the powers today is existential for the US. We must fight only if the USA is threatened not bleed to death for the world who start revolutions and want us to finish them for them.
Why the hell should we fight for the sharia republics of France of Britain?
Thanks for the succinct history lesson. Sounds like we need it !
Ted, Ted, Ted...you had me from hello...smh You should’ve stayed out of this one.
Go, Ted!
Saddle up Cruz, head on over there and help toss another tire on the bonfire. Maybe even get someone to touch off a nuke and really stoke the fire.
Exactly. The people that live there need to work this out and do it without killing each other or dragging the US in on their private affairs.
Just say NO to anymore wins we do not intend to win.....
Excellent point
Precisely.
When I see German, French, Italian and British tanks forming up in Czech Republic and Poland in preparation to "free" the long suffering people of Ukraine, I'd be more inclined to advocate for material support.
But, right now I'd like to see us limit ourselves to denying Putin his good-guy merit badge.
Not in this case.
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