Let freedom ring

On Sunday, the people of two geographic regions of Ukraine (Donetsk and Luhansk) turned out in huge numbers to vote (overwhelmingly in favor) of independence from Ukraine.  On  Monday, one of those regions made a declaration of independence, and named itself the "People's Republic of Donetsk."

Oleksandr Turchynov, Ukraine's acting president, told his country's parliament: "The farce which terrorists call the referendum will have no legal consequences except the criminal responsibility for its organisers."

Let's just say that the election was a legitimate reflection of the desire of the overwhelming majority of the peoples of those regions; none of whom are "terrorists," and the outcome should've come as absolutely no surprise to anyone.

It was embarrassing to watch the United States of American opposing the rights of yet another nation to seek independence through democratic elections, and uttering empty threats against Russia.  The United States has no business trying to control the outcome of events in Ukraine and the United States certainly has no credibility when speaking about military encroachments on the sovereignty of tiny less-powerful states.

Obama should've kept his mouth shut.   Does he deserve the humiliation he's getting at the hands of Vladimir Putin?  Absolutely.

And does Canada deserve its reputation as the lapdog of the US?  Absolutely.  It was absurd for Canada to hurl threats at Russia ... tiny Canada doesn't have enough weight to be throwing it around.  Besides, Canada's reputation as a peacemaker was worth more in international goodwill and respect than anything the country had going for it.

The only thing I've found surprising is how quickly the anti-Russian propaganda hit prime-time TV.  It seemed like overnight the "terrorist" enemies in a number of prime-time shows suddenly became Russians, with the thick stereotyped accent.  Even as recently as one year ago, I can guarantee you those same villains would have been Muslim extremists or at least identified as coming from a predominately Muslim country.

It has also been quite amusing to watch the neocons fall flat on their faces in an effort to inflame war fever in Americans.  Americans are no longer interested in foreign policy, and it has been very gratifying to see they have no interest in new foreign wars of imperialism.


Let freedom ring.