Photo of Ukrainian troops in Crimea, courtesy of Google
Here’s President Obama at the United Nations yesterday, talking about the “sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Ukraine:
“America has few economic interests in Ukraine. We recognize the deep and complex history between Russia and Ukraine. But we cannot stand by when the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a nation is flagrantly violated. If that happens without consequence in Ukraine, it could happen to any nation gathered here today.”
The irony abounds.
Let’s start with the fact that over the last couple of years, the United States has done nothing to help the Ukrainian people in Crimea from being invaded. In essence, we are already standing by and doing nothing.
Let’s continue with the fact that Russia has suffered no negative consequences for the invasion into the Crimean peninsula, or for the further incursions into mainland Ukraine as of late. (As a side note, there is one positive consequence for Russia: the empire is growing!)
Let’s end with the fact that the “flagrant violation” of our own US border is happening–right now. Our sitting Commander in Chief’s actions–and more importantly, his lack of actions–only hasten the process to diminish our sovereignty and dilute our territorial integrity.