Open letter to President Macron of France.

Dear President Macron,

We have seen the worst of democracy when a traitor occupies the White House in the USA, namely Donald John Trump. Hopefully, by example, Europe will never face that assault from Russia which hides in extremist values. It was Russia after all that elected Trump in 2016 by stealing emails and submitting to The West’s computer technology and capacity to publish them. The presidential elections of 2016 was an act of war by Russia.

What is so concerning are the deadenders in the USA that seem to believe the violence, hate and insurrection of Trump should be permanent policy in the USA. Their loyalty to Trump may prove to be their folly if moderate Republicans actually become the next conservative power base. That all remains speculative, although anti-abortion platforms have seen Republican women elected to the US House.

I think it is time for the allies of the USA to assess their military power first as a single country and then as allies. 

There are former communist countries that found communism adverse to their people, hence, their economies. If communism was a benefit for these countries they would still be part of Russia, but, they aren't. Through great peril to the people and their leaders, they are now aligned with NATO. 

Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus, and Estonia have the greatest danger of an aggressive Russia that would plung NATO into war. On that same front is Finland which suffers the radiation pollution from Russia for it's many failed nuclear experiments and grossly unsafe nuclear power plants. Why are we waiting to face the real reality of Western prowess? In fear of a nuclear holocaust? It may come anyway allowing communist countries, including Cuba and Venezuela, more time to prepare. 

Russia has no real conventional force that could win a war with NATO. Even if joined by China, there are not enough assets of either country or expertise, to win a war against The West.

Why allow ourselves to think time will win out in peaceful achievements? Time is an ally to communists, not The West.

We have learned both from China and Russia pursuing peace and trusting it only gives them time to arm better and pose not just as a threat to peace, but, emerging as hostile nations no longer interested in peace.

The ability and expertise of NATO and USA allies from around the world in a conventional war would have Russia and China ended. The only real deterrent to war for Russia and China are nuclear weapons. I doubt Russia's nuclear weapons would deliver the fear that Putin believes he rightfully can claim.

I would be surprised if China decided the only path forward is assured mutual destruction. I am surprised even today that China calculates nuclear weapons as a deterrent to war. China has pursued sophisticated paths including space exploration in recent decades. Is China that invested in the idea of war to cause it's sacrifices to date to end in such destruction?

Some of China's accomplishments rival those of the USA, dare I say at least mimic them. Allowing nuclear weapons to cloud it's judgment of the future seems completely counterintuitive for China. Why build a sophisticated infrastructure of great accomplishments, great cities and seek out economic growth if all that is thrown away with a nuclear holocaust. So, I question China's loyalty to the Friendship Pact made with Russia in the year 2000. By now, two decades later, that alliance must seem lackluster to China. Quite possibly half-hearted enthusiasm for any involvement with war, too.

If in four years extremists manage to retake the USA in elections that would be a massive shift in power that would disadvantage The West and democracy. It would certainly end freedom in the USA.

I am forced to look at a Vladimir Putin who had a quick handshake for President Biden when the USA election outcome was obvious. I also see the Russian people and their unrest. Is it time for The West to take a stance with Russia it is most uncomfortable in pursuing? Are these next few years the real time provided by fate to secure the countries we love for the freedom and democracy that exists in them? Are the Russian people reaching for the same goals that would secure their democracy as well as ours? Are they longing to join Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus and Estonia? Is that what plagues Putin now?

I am forced to wonder if the future is safe for all our children from ruthless communist plans for us?

Best regards,

An American 

Love ballad to Vladimir Putin.

Two Russians walk into a Moscow nightclub.

One is Alexie Navalny and the other a business interest. The are sipping on vodka and talking about the news and sports. They like each other’s ideas and order several more snifters of vodka. 

The businessman says to Navalny, I challenge you to run against Putin for president and I will back you. 

Navalny says, “I thought we were going to begin a business together.”

Businessman says, “I think we just did.”

The rest is history.

Joe Manchin needs to stop the attitude...

 ...toward minority women. 

West Virginia is 93 percent Caucasian. Gender is divided about 50 to 50. 

First, Joe Manchin takes offense at Vice President Harris talking to West Virginians about the COVID relief bill and now Manchin is stating he is taking offense of Facebook posts by Neera Tanden. No

I think Joe Manchin needs to rethink his nonsense about minority women in government. Vice President Harris has a schedule she keeps. She has a right to her autonomy. She was attempting to help the party that is proving they can get the job done. What is Manchin’s problem?

Neera Tandan is highly qualified to do the job at OMB. She is a political activist as well. One has nothing to do with the other and Neera Tandan is perfectly capable of separating her politics from her job. I sincerely believe picking on minority women is a bad idea. 

To be clear Neera Tandan has worked on programs that have changed the face of this country. Most notably is the “Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act” which changed welfare forever. Why is she so talented within government? She is a Yale Law School graduate that loves people and is capable of handling the demands in Washington, DC.

Neera deserves the job. She has apologized for any internet posts that may have insulted Republicans. She means it. She feels bad about it. Thin skinned Republicans are no excuse for Joe Manchin to vote to keep her from serving in a job she will excel at and help bring good outcomes to the American people. It is time Senator Manchin get over himself and appreciate the expertise minority women are bringing to the work of government.

I think Democrats need to spend a little more time with the people of West Virginia. They are good folks, but, this is the 21st century where Americans care about each other regardless of their differences.