Charles Lindbergh, Nicaragua, circa 1928
(Image by Archives Branch, USMC History Division from flickr) Details DMCA
I certainly don't know the absolute why of what is going on in Ukraine, but I do intimately know the thought processes of the MAGA supporter in the South, which apparently is the pool in which the Republican powers that be dip their toes. Those on the Left that are giving cover or credence to them on the Right equivocating or giving outright support to Putin's moves in the Ukraine are allowing themselves to be used in the current domestic political game.
The Right is masterfully, again, using an event to manufacture MAGA talking points and successfully define, again, the useful (for them) differences between the Left and the Right. The idea that any Right-Wing Politico actually gives a s**t about Russia, or the Russian people is absurd. The Right is currently speaking stridently and deeply ironically about Ukraine's Nazi past and neo-Nazi present - really?
At some point the Left hopefully will figure out that being the smartest, most informed person in the room doesn't mean a damn thing when fighting a foe that understands battle and doesn't give a damn about how smart they are or perceived to be but prides themselves on how to load and fire a gun. You can scoff at and ridicule and ignore the Barbarians when they are on the other side of the gate but once they have entered - well.
Trump, Pompeo, the Fox pretenders to journalism and others have set the trap. The problem for the Left is how to cut the gordian knot now created. The answer is not one of information or erudition or self-aggrandizing glibness, but the practicalities of engaging in war - strategy and tactics.
I remember when it was obvious that Fox News had the power to destroy the country -- many Lefties equivocated. I remember when Trump slithered forth from the rotting Republican womb -- many Lefties equivocated. Now we are watching a nuclear armed madman march into Ukraine, and many are equivocating.
In my mind, this is the Lindbergh Phenomenon-- many good people and formerly good people of accomplishment and conscience, making bad choices. Allowing a runaway, misdirected intellect to win the day.
History is a tough observer.
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