“Some insist we must cling to the rules-based order, no matter what. But here’s the truth: dictators don’t get to hide behind democratic rules while actively trying to destroy them. You can’t burn the house down and then demand protection under its roof.”
You’re couldn’t be more correct, Shankar! And Therein lies the rub! Putin and Trump don’t play by the rules, it’s a zero sum game for them. Yet, all they do is exploit democratic rules and loopholes to consolidate power, and rid themselves of any, and all dissent or competition.
Furthermore, Putin plays this game daily by inserting itself into Western politics; particularly Europe and America. Orban, was able to consolidate power by undermining all of Hungary’s institutions and rule of law and the results are significantly worse for the citizens of Hungary. If not for the EU and Hungary’s ability to extort the EU for tens of billions, their economy would be in the gutter right now.
Additionally, Trump, The Federalist Society and Heritage, are all undermining our rule of law, and so far they have been extremely successful.
Bottom line, the damage is still too early to estimate in its entirety; however, the damage to many of our institutions, the rule of law, due process, and our Constitution which has been under attack since before the 2024 election was even completed (see SCOTUS rulings and MSM complicity), is incalculable!
If democracy is to win this war, we need a new game plan, and it means throwing out all the rules, and making them up as we go along. IMHO…:)
"Some insist we must cling to the rules-based order, no matter what."
When the threat becomes existential there is no more room for a "rules-based order". That only works when everyone adheres to the rules. Putin (and Trump, for that matter) do not believe in rules. Ukraine understands and some in Europe are beginning to. A war that started out as a simple "land-grab" by Russia has become that existential threat to Europe thanks to a feckless US foreign policy (is there one?) and decades long European denial. Russia can be defeated sooner, rather than later. Europe holds the key.
Someone should forward this to Senator Lindsay Graham, who, if he knows and stands for anything at all, knows and stands for Ukraine. If he acts on this info, you've saved at least one Republican politician from perdition. Maybe more.
Let's hope that in what's likely his final decade Grassley decides to thoroughly redeem himself AND lives long enough to do so. Saving Ukraine would do a whole lot to rearrange that man's karmic footprint.
Also the UK has to step up and cease kowtowing to Trump (Putin's Bumboy)! Reverse Brexit and rejoin Europe as full members, both financially and on a war footing. This is the 1930's all over again, with the USA as Isolationist as it was then. We don't have a Churchill to pivot us now. It must be the EU and Canada.
As a domain of war, air—to include offensive missiles—can’t & wont win a war either. The EU must step up and provide Ukraine more ground & air capabilities, while Ukraine continues its tactic of the flea against Russia.
“Some insist we must cling to the rules-based order, no matter what. But here’s the truth: dictators don’t get to hide behind democratic rules while actively trying to destroy them. You can’t burn the house down and then demand protection under its roof.”
You’re couldn’t be more correct, Shankar! And Therein lies the rub! Putin and Trump don’t play by the rules, it’s a zero sum game for them. Yet, all they do is exploit democratic rules and loopholes to consolidate power, and rid themselves of any, and all dissent or competition.
Furthermore, Putin plays this game daily by inserting itself into Western politics; particularly Europe and America. Orban, was able to consolidate power by undermining all of Hungary’s institutions and rule of law and the results are significantly worse for the citizens of Hungary. If not for the EU and Hungary’s ability to extort the EU for tens of billions, their economy would be in the gutter right now.
Additionally, Trump, The Federalist Society and Heritage, are all undermining our rule of law, and so far they have been extremely successful.
Bottom line, the damage is still too early to estimate in its entirety; however, the damage to many of our institutions, the rule of law, due process, and our Constitution which has been under attack since before the 2024 election was even completed (see SCOTUS rulings and MSM complicity), is incalculable!
If democracy is to win this war, we need a new game plan, and it means throwing out all the rules, and making them up as we go along. IMHO…:)
Agreed. But where is the leader with that backbone.
Yes! Where’s the leader who understands that our destiny is in this moment!
Courage is necessary but not sufficient!
Charisma is necessary but not sufficient!
Timing is essential but not sufficient!
WATCH CAREFULLY FOR “THE INITIATING INCIDENT!”
WATCH AS THE FASCIST REGIME OVERREACHES AND SUDDENLY IGNITES A GROUNDSWELL OF PUBLIC OUTRAGE!
Then, and only then, the time will be right for the courageous, charismatic leader to forge our destiny against the billionaire class!
I agree with everything you say, 💯 %!
"Some insist we must cling to the rules-based order, no matter what."
When the threat becomes existential there is no more room for a "rules-based order". That only works when everyone adheres to the rules. Putin (and Trump, for that matter) do not believe in rules. Ukraine understands and some in Europe are beginning to. A war that started out as a simple "land-grab" by Russia has become that existential threat to Europe thanks to a feckless US foreign policy (is there one?) and decades long European denial. Russia can be defeated sooner, rather than later. Europe holds the key.
Shankar—“ You can’t burn the house down and then demand protection under its roof”. 💯👍🙌🏼
Someone should forward this to Senator Lindsay Graham, who, if he knows and stands for anything at all, knows and stands for Ukraine. If he acts on this info, you've saved at least one Republican politician from perdition. Maybe more.
Not Lindsey. Chuck Grassley+ Roger Wicker
Let's hope that in what's likely his final decade Grassley decides to thoroughly redeem himself AND lives long enough to do so. Saving Ukraine would do a whole lot to rearrange that man's karmic footprint.
Yes! Wr must work to save Ukraine!!!
I wonder, who will save the USA from this fascist takeover by the billionaire class?
Don't hold your breath
Also the UK has to step up and cease kowtowing to Trump (Putin's Bumboy)! Reverse Brexit and rejoin Europe as full members, both financially and on a war footing. This is the 1930's all over again, with the USA as Isolationist as it was then. We don't have a Churchill to pivot us now. It must be the EU and Canada.
And the British Monarchy appears to be on our side!
So the question remains, what the hell is going on with the British dilly-dallying?
As a domain of war, air—to include offensive missiles—can’t & wont win a war either. The EU must step up and provide Ukraine more ground & air capabilities, while Ukraine continues its tactic of the flea against Russia.
You hit the target again, Shankar!
We ramped up German artillery production and the Czechs got their hands on more artillery!
Now France must step up to the plate with mid-range middle technology transfer -fast!
We need a home run!