In this blog, I discuss major issues facing the U.S., both foreign and domestic.  The analysis is based on my view that we are fundamentally a strong country.  Of course, we have problems, but our free enterprise economic system and democratic political system enable us to address our shortcomings and make steady progress in improving society.

As strong as we are economically and militarily, we have several autocratic adversaries, such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, who want to diminish us for their own tyrannical purposes.  One glaring example, it has now been two years since Russia invaded Ukraine which badly needs our continued support.  Consider:

• Ukraine wants to be free and independent. Helping Ukraine defend itself is not only the right thing to do; it’s in our own best interest to promote freedom and democracy around the world.  Ukrainians are willing and able to do the fighting. But they need our continued help with military supplies.
• China wants to take over Taiwan. If we are unwilling to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia, will we be willing to help Taiwan defend itself against China?  It’s important to ensure that China gets the proper message about our willingness to defend freedom and democracy.
• Russia is a brutal, tyrannical state.  Political dissident Alexei Navalny recently died in a Siberian penal colony.  The Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan are being held in prison on trumped-up spying charges.
• Is Eastern Europe next for Russia?  Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, claims that Ukraine was historically a part of Russia and therefore belongs to Russia.  The Baltic countries Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have significant Russian populations. If Putin is successful in annexing all or part of Ukraine, will this encourage him to invade the Balts next?
• Eleven European countries are now meeting the NATO target of spending at least 2% of GDP on defense (see chart),and several more have promised to do so this year. If necessary,  Europe must be ready to defend itself against further Russian aggression.

Conclusion.  The United States is very strong, with many democratic allies, but our autocratic adversaries around the world are constantly testing our resolve to defend democracy and freedom.  The greatest threat right now is in Ukraine.  It is vitally in our own best interest to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.  If Ukraine falls, another currently free country will become the next battleground.

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