I have sent this message to Ann Wagner, Roy Blunt, and Josh Hawley. Please tell your Congressional delegation to stop importing Russian energy until Ukraine is safe and free.
Bill, I have appreciated all of your writing for the last few months, however, I would like to comment on this one. I sympathize greatly with the Ukrainian people and want this war to end ASAP. However, in order for that to happen, and in order to secure a more stable outlook for Ukraine, we have to recognize that Russia has some legitimate interest in keeping this country neutral. They are a huge neighbor, like Mexico would be for us. Sure, we could apply more pressure on Russia now, but what would be more useful is to focus on what terms could make for peace for both parties. We must realize that not every Eastern European country can be in NATO if we want lasting peace between East and West. While I admire Zelenskyy's tenacity and morale campaign with these videos, and in spirit I want Ukraine to win, I think a more pragmatic view is needed to establish a lasting peace with Russia as Ukraine really is on their doorstep.
Hey, Philip, thanks for writing. I agree that Russia has a legitimate interest in keeping NATO off its doorstep. The US and NATO did a great disservice to Ukraine and the world by leading Ukraine on for years. I would also agree that now would be a good time for NATO to declare it will not expand into Ukraine. That declaration is about a decade too late. But charity requires us to seek both peace and justice. It's impossible to justify war against Ukraine to punish the US and NATO. In fact, it's impossible for me to justify any proxy war. A proxy is just an extension of the US habit of rich industrialists sending their employees' kids off to battle while their kids go to Yale. Sanctioning Russian oil exports would force Russia to come to the table to negotiate terms with NATO and save the lives of countless Ukrainians who should not have to die because NATO, the Deep State, and Russia refuse to act like adults.
I have sent this message to Ann Wagner, Roy Blunt, and Josh Hawley. Please tell your Congressional delegation to stop importing Russian energy until Ukraine is safe and free.
Bill, I have appreciated all of your writing for the last few months, however, I would like to comment on this one. I sympathize greatly with the Ukrainian people and want this war to end ASAP. However, in order for that to happen, and in order to secure a more stable outlook for Ukraine, we have to recognize that Russia has some legitimate interest in keeping this country neutral. They are a huge neighbor, like Mexico would be for us. Sure, we could apply more pressure on Russia now, but what would be more useful is to focus on what terms could make for peace for both parties. We must realize that not every Eastern European country can be in NATO if we want lasting peace between East and West. While I admire Zelenskyy's tenacity and morale campaign with these videos, and in spirit I want Ukraine to win, I think a more pragmatic view is needed to establish a lasting peace with Russia as Ukraine really is on their doorstep.
Hey, Philip, thanks for writing. I agree that Russia has a legitimate interest in keeping NATO off its doorstep. The US and NATO did a great disservice to Ukraine and the world by leading Ukraine on for years. I would also agree that now would be a good time for NATO to declare it will not expand into Ukraine. That declaration is about a decade too late. But charity requires us to seek both peace and justice. It's impossible to justify war against Ukraine to punish the US and NATO. In fact, it's impossible for me to justify any proxy war. A proxy is just an extension of the US habit of rich industrialists sending their employees' kids off to battle while their kids go to Yale. Sanctioning Russian oil exports would force Russia to come to the table to negotiate terms with NATO and save the lives of countless Ukrainians who should not have to die because NATO, the Deep State, and Russia refuse to act like adults.