WORDS: 567 — The thought recently crossed my mind while viewing all the media reporting of the tenaciousness of the Ukrainian citizens. It’s difficult to ignore Zelensky’s reply to Biden’s offer to be evacuated with “The fight is here. Send me more ammunition, not a ride.” Of course, that reply from those soldiers who met their demise at the hands of the Russian warship by replying via radio, “Russian warship, go fuck yourself”. The incredible resolve of former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, no spring chicken himself, dressed for combat… “Don’t trust Putin!”
Just a few minutes ago I watch media video of a “Tiananmen Square” moment with Ukrainian unarmed citizens literally walking in front of Russian tanks passing through a crossroads, forcing the tanks to stop. One can only imagine the verbal exchange between those brave citizens and the Russian tank commander sitting on top… perhaps trying to appeal one more time to not carry out their mission. It is very difficult to ignore their passion to defend their country, and by all account their resistance is having an impact against the invasion all over Ukraine.
In my last post I indicated a caution in the American military getting involved as that would certainly escalate the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders and could force Putin to use a nuclear option somewhere. America would have to refrain from taking official action in Ukraine no matter how compelling and heartfelt the media stories would be about their human struggle and fight for independence. Americans, by nature, are not immune to identifying with those struggles… and sharing the tears. We are easily inspired emotionally.. as we should be… and we know that we have the damn power to back our efforts. Yet with power comes the responsibility to use it as wisely as possible, and only when needed. Restraint can be a bitch.. and American will watch as Ukrainians die, especially when the food and water starts to run out amid the broken buildings. But the world is protesting.. supporting…. applying pressure on Putin from another angle.
Then I thought back in history.. when American civilians entered the seemingly lost cause struggles of other countries in the past. Of note was, in fact, the “Abraham Lincoln Brigade”, a collection of 2,800 American citizens that went off to fight in the Spanish Civil War against fascist Franco in the years just prior to the start of WW2 (America officially wanted to stay away from this conflict). Then there was the official/unofficial First American Volunteer Group that went to fight on the side of the free Chinese against the Japanese invasion, prior to our involvement following Pearl Harbor. Unable to commit military assistance to the Chinese since America was trying to stay away from a war, Roosevelt created a volunteer force of “discharged” active duty pilots and support crews to fly in American P-40 fighter planes “sold” to China, with Chinese markings, but under American command.. a Gen. Claire Chennault. This group was terminated and assimilated back into military active duty following our declaration of war after Pearl Harbor.
Would there be a similar group started to assist the Ukrainians in their valiant struggle for democratic existence? Might be a nice idea to send over there all these Right Wing, gun-toting radicals so itchy for a civil war over here. They could let off some steam onto the Russians.
Just sayin’………….
I like sending the Oath Keepers since they are so in love with their firearm substitutes for their penis…….hopefully anyone that may try to fight for Ukraine would be better treated than those Americans in the International Brigades…..they were treated like shit for fighting for democracy…..be well chuq
The International Brigades were an example to us all in the late 1930s. But they were sold out as such, with the Republic hoping the Germans and Italians would also leave. (They didn’t of course) I cannot see that happening in this day and age, and not for Ukraine. Unless the volunteers are right-wing, gun-totin’ maniacs.
Real war is not a video game, not ‘Call of Duty’. Any volunteers would find that out in the hardest way possible.
Best wishes, Pete.
Great idea! Remember that while these volunteers were serving, they received zero publicity back home in the States. Our government couldn’t admit that they were there, and whatever news reporters knew about them were also able to keep the secret. We only know about them now because the days of peril are long over. J.
I don’t see any reason that the USG should stop volunteers from traveling to Ukraine to assist in their defense (unlike how they attempted to stop Americans from traveling to Syria to fight ISIS. Tell me the downside?
Morally you are correct.. but the downside could be very political. If Americans go over there to volunteer to fight and end up getting captured and tossed into some Russian prison to rot away.. well, Americans stuck in other countries often think their government will save them.. make some deal or send in the Navy Seals or Delta Force to break you out.
If captured it would be a propaganda coup like those westerners captured during the Angola civil war…..not a good idea. chuq
Nope. You go in, you take the risk. Uncle Sugar isn’t going to bail you out. Easy peasy.
Doug
Times and warfare has changed since Abe.
Men are no match against tanks. If they want to survive.
Check the article in my post today for what best strategy, in my opinion. Regards and goodwill blogging
“Abraham Lincoln Brigade” – I do not believe under this administration or any past has this sort of loyalty to go and help and risk their lives. I may be wrong, but honestly, I believe our government at the end of the day really does not care. I mean Jen Psaki told us to have a margarita and relax. Their attitudes are not serious. Seriously that Germany and the EU took the first steps towards SWIFT – bank monies in Russia is stunning. The US used to lead, now in many ways we act as cronies for our allies and adversaries. By the way nice article here. I enjoyed the read. I hope in the future you and I can communicate better. For the most part I always enjoyed reading your insight even if I did not always agree.
You’re always welcome here and I’ll not intentionally ignore your remarks. It does seem I perturb you when I reply on your blog and that’s fine. Such is the world of blogging. My “thing” is to challenge if there’s something worth challenging… and you would prefer I not challenge your fave followers. That’s even ok.. your blog. Rather than take your admonitions against my replies for personal reasons it seems best I not disrupt your preferred blog discourse.
Thank you and you too are welcome at my blog. I just think we needed a time out. I don’t like when things become sarcastic. I like to keep it even keel. Thanks! 😊
Doug have you seen this:
https://politicsrewritten.blog/2022/03/01/caution-heartbreaking-footage-injured-little-girl/