USA Changes Sides on Ukraine
Russia’s New Partner: the USA
The tectonic plates of the post-World War II planet have shifted unrecognizably in the past week.
To this observer, it seems obvious that the US is now siding with Russia against Ukraine. But many in Europe seem slow to catch up, urging President Zelensky of Ukraine to repair his relationship with the Trump administration.
A Question of Loyalty and Morality
One wonders if these same people would urge a battered spouse to return to a partner who has become abusive and toxic?
The Role of a Gracious Host
An honorable host would defend any invited guest from being publicly demeaned for their dress by someone else in the room.
A knowledgeable host would have informed the insolent man that British Prime Minister Winston Churchill had worn his ‘siren suit’ upon visiting the White House while his country was at war, in solidarity, like President Zelensky, with his nation’s soldiers who daily risked life and limb, night and day, for their country.
The Betrayal
A worthy host would have intervened when one of their own attacked the same guest for not being grateful, not least given the many recorded and documented times that President Zelensky had already thanked the American people for their support following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Instead, the ungracious host piled in on his guest, the brave President of Ukraine.
Who Owes Whom an Apology?
Trump and Vance owe Zelensky an apology—and not, by some twisted logic, the other way around.
A Troubling Realignment
The US has stopped military support, including intelligence support, for Ukraine. Russia is now calling the USA its partner. I am at a loss to know why Ukraine should sign any minerals deal with its former-supporter-cum-recent-betrayer.
Trump’s “Peace” Plan: Surrender by Ukraine
With no seeming grasp of history, such as Germany’s annexation of 30 per cent of Czechoslovakia before World War II, Trump wants an instant ‘peace’, with the invader keeping lands it has annexed, no security guarantees for Ukraine, and no reparations by Russia for its unprovoked war.
The Erosion of American Democracy
The process of dismantling democracy in the US has begun. Trump has neutered Congress. Republicans are afraid to challenge Trump lest he single them out on the questionably named Truth Social or on X by Musk.
Trump and Musk: A Fragile Alliance?
Some commentators feel that there will be a Trump—Musk bust-up sooner or later. I think that’s unlikely because Trump could never risk Musk deploying Twitter/X against him, the unanointed King of a once-proud and democratic Republic, the United States of America. Musk, perhaps more than anyone, could act like the boy in the famous story, shouting to his vast crowd of followers that the Emperor has no clothes.
The Poverty of Wealth in American Politics
Musk’s pockets are way too deep for Trump to drop him. The peculiar American adoration of material wealth bestows onto Musk an immense cushion against Trump’s disaffection.
What Future Historians Will Say
When the history of the decline of the USA is written, surely much will be made of the peculiar weakness of its democracy that so much money was needed to run for office and that a billionaire could donate millions to promote his favorite candidate.
Trump’s Rhetoric on Hamas: A Peacemaker’s Words?
Trump issuing a ‘last warning’ against Hamas that ‘not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say’ isn’t the tone of someone who apparently considers himself to be a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize. Last December, he said there would be ‘all Hell to pay’ unless all hostages were released by his inauguration. Not quite the words of a peacemaker.
Time to wake up, Europe. And the good people of America!
Joe’s acclaimed first memoir In My Gut, I Don’t Believe is available on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback, Hardback and Audible editions. His second memoir Saved by a Woman is available on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback, and Hardback editions.
