Monarch Versus Monarch

For many years President Donald Trump has admired Russian leader Vladimir Putin. He was never ashamed to defend him, public, privately, internationally and so forth. Some say he has Putin envy! Some say he may be jealous of Putin's power! Some say he prefers Putin’s style of governing over George Washington or Abraham Lincoln! So dear reader the question is, in the contest of resolving the war between Russia and Ukraine, who will prevail?

Birds of a feather?

Dear reader, our Founding Fathers were against dictators and authoritarians. George Washington, was our military leader and a great general who defeated the British crown in 1782. As a reward, he could have claimed the rights of king or dictator, but he rejected that position out of hand. He was also not driven by money. He really did earn the title, “Father of his Country”. When the British were defeated under his command, he did not seek revenge or retribution against those Americans who remained loyal to King George III. He didn't look back, he stayed committed to the future of his country. When the war ended, he met with his generals and field grade officers in New York and many teared up at their last meeting. He went on to many political successes thereafter. Should we consider him a different type of politician? You betcha! Honor, dignity, slow to anger, pro-science (he even demanded that his soldiers be vaccinated for smallpox), and of course he was conscious of what history would think of him.

Now where are we in America? We have an elected President who venerates power, position and wealth. He plays a tough political game of retribution against perceived opponents. With steadfast incremental actions he is close to achieving complete and total control over the American political scene. What about internationally? His recent trip to three countries in the in the Middle East would have to be called successful because he brought back so many business contracts valuable to the United States, as well as personal enrichment for him and his children. Russia and Israel were not on the radar for this visit to the Middle East.

Dear reader, I have wanted to cover the Russia/Ukraine war for many months. Lets examine who may have the best hand between Putin and Trump.

For many years President Donald Trump has admired Russian leader Vladimir Putin. He was never ashamed to defend him, publicly, privately, internationally and so forth. Some say he has Putin envy! Some say he may be jealous of Putin's power! Some say he prefers Putin’s style of governing over George Washington or Abraham Lincoln! So dear reader the question is, in the contest of resolving the war between Russia and Ukraine, who will prevail? To begin with it appears right now, President Trump is surrendering territory and negotiating positions easily construed as favorable to Vladimir Putin. This seems to be detrimental to Ukraine. This is a very peculiar outcome so far because everything diplomatically, militarily and politically points to President Trump, having a stronger hand. He is staring at three aces, while Vladimir Putin has in his hand only two deuces. Get it? Ace number one; Ukraine is full of fight and won’t give up any of their sovereignty easily. Ace number two; the U.S. can employ more military support to infuse new quality arms on behalf of Ukraine. Ace number three; the UN, the EU and NATO are of course 100% behind President Trump. And in the United States, our citizens, over 80% polled disavow Vladimir Putin.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin is ambitious and in full control politically, philosophically and in every way over the Russian government and the oligarchs. However, he reminds many of the Mouse that Roared. This was a comedy movie in the late 1950’s in Britain. What happened was a very weak, small country supposedly had an atomic bomb and decide to hold the world hostage looking for a pay off by threatening to use their new weapon. It was a comedy of course but there are similarities.

Now the Russians are receiving troops from other countries. Meanwhile they are calling up fresh troops from their own country. They also get equipment and arms from North Korea and Iran. Remember dear reader, this was supposed to be an easy victory for Russia over a supposed weaker foe in Ukraine.

President Donald Trump should study history. In 1989, after 10 years in Afghanistan, the Russians were forced to abandon that country. They were getting no support from their citizens. So now Vladmir Putin is losing many troops weekly and may want to recognize that the opposition holds the best cards for victory. The United Nations, NATO, EU and the United States as team can complete a victory over Russia. The odds are in the favor of this group of allies supporting Ukraine.

If Donald Trump is successful in completing a victory for Ukraine, many commentators see a possibility of a Nobel Peace Prize, for helping Ukraine retain its territory. Imagine the capital city of Kiev having boulevards running through it named “Trump”! Imagine the Presidential legacy a victory would give President Trump's Presidential Library.

Dear reader, this is not a whimsical offering. Donald Trump could make it happen. All he has to do is use the superior hand that he has been dealt.

Let's all pray he can see the excellent position he is in regarding this war. For the sake of Ukraine we must all rally to their defense.

Opening Image: The Australian, LUMIRA, Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP