Ukraine’s recently elected President, Petro Poroshenko, addressed a joint session of Congress last Thursday. He gave an impassioned speech, asking for U.S. help against Russia’s Vladimir Putin, who has already annexed Ukraine’s Crimean region, and is attempting to gobble up additional portions of eastern Ukraine.
President Poroshenko also met with President Obama in the Oval Office, where he desperately sought military equipment, specifically weapons, so Ukraine can defend herself from the Russian juggernaut. What he got from Obama, was the back of his hand. Obama refuses to provide weapons, because he, and some of our European NATO allies, fear that this would provoke Russia.
Baloney! The Russians have been aggressively attacking Ukraine for months now. Helping Ukraine defend herself with appropriate weaponry isn’t going to provoke an already hungry and aggressive Russian bear, but it just might be enough to hold it at bay. Bullies like Putin understand and respect power; they take advantage of and prey upon weakness.
The Obama Administration has agreed to assist Ukraine with so-called non-lethal items, like uniforms, tents, MRE’s (meals ready to eat), and blankets, but no weapons. Ukraine’s President, Poroshenko, thanked the Obama Administration for the offered items, but added “one cannot win a war with blankets.” And of course, he’s right.
President Obama meanwhile last week attended yet another of the many political fundraisers he’s devoted so much of his time to, this time in Maryland. While speaking at the event, Obama commented “what happens in Ukraine doesn’t pose a direct threat to us.”
This is both naive, and short-sighted. Vladimir Putin is in the process of reconstituting the old Soviet empire. He will continue to push as long as he believes he can get away with it. He’s smart, and cunning, and relentless.
The Obama-created power vacuum around the world is dangerous, not only to freedom-loving peoples across the globe, but ultimately to the United States itself. When the U.S. leads, the world is a safer place. When we “lead from behind”, or fail to lead at all, not only is the world a more dangerous place, but Americans are less safe. I only wish this Administration understood that.
Post Script: In less than a week (Tuesday, September 30th), the third quarter of this campaign cycle ends. All Congressional candidates (including me) must report how much we’ve raised for our Congressional campaigns. If you haven’t given yet, or you’re able to give a little more, I’d greatly appreciate your help. You can make a secure online contribution by clicking here, or you can send a check to Chabot for Congress, 632 Vine Street, Suite 805, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Thanks so much. See you next week.