Thug Life
Historian Gore Vidal conveys from the writings of Dean Acheson, the US Secretary of State in 1950, State officials figured the average American might think about world affairs, “For ten minutes in any given day.” That’s extremely generous. Whatever small number it is has allowed 75 years and counting of unaccountable creativity by the American National Security State.
For example, after the Soviets walked off the field and dismantled themselves, NATO should have been disbanded. That didn't happen. NATO's expansion promised too much money for the right people. Just a couple days ago, General Dynamics made $6 billion selling 250 tanks to Poland. A small minority of Americans can tell you Poland is part of NATO, less can point to it on a map.
Putin is an irredeemable thug, there's no arguing this point, a problem for the Russian people first and foremost. However, it seems a great irony for a US culture that celebrates and monetizes our own thug life, we seemingly remain unappreciative of others. After all, Engelwood's warzone continues unobstructed and nonstop for years. A Chicago neighborhood that produces presidents, well, ok, it's not Hyde Park, but it is literally across the street.
Putin's last couple speeches reveals Russia's paranoia reaches American heights. Though, and we Americans forget, it wasn't too long ago, German National Socialists blitzkrieged to the outskirts of Moscow, leaving a trail of blood and destruction as great as the world has ever known, and that is saying something.
None other than Pat Buchanan asks the right question. If you remember, Buchanan was one of Mistah Nixon's boys and his anti-commie credentials beyond question. He is an almost extinct breed of old Republican conservative, the “America First” lot, to their credit usually suspicious of empire. Pat would argue there still plenty of wars, cultural and others, need fightn here. Nonetheless, in a fine piece, Buchanan asks, “Did We Provoke Putin’s War in Ukraine?” Answering that affirmatively, in no way removes the onus of blood from Putin's hands.
It should raise another important question, what exactly is the American National Security State doing in Europe? But, that will not be asked. Those who do will be dismissed and pilloried. However, there will be plenty of talk about barbarity, international law, no good Russians, blah, blah, blah… led by people who have blown-up four different countries in just the last twenty years – Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria.
The good news my fellow Americans is the Ruskis, as of yet, have not stopped the flow of oil and natural gas. Which, aside the from the poor bastards under Moscow's bombs and hail of bullets, a person might ask, “What sort of war is this?” For now anyway, we Americans feel little discomfort, but as elections close in, the DC Democrats will sweat, war's hell.
When events like this begin, the ending is never clear. Talk remains the best solution for everyone.