“Watching Zelensky’s conduct over the last few weeks makes Donald Trump’s attempt to use the power of the United States government to blackmail him even more obscene. Trump is not fit to shine Zelensky’s boots. That Trump’s actions were taken not as a private citizen, but as the American head of state should make all of us deeply ashamed.” Our family is of Ukrainian/Polish descent and to this date, we follow certain Ukrainian traditions, including a ritualistic dinner on Christmas Eve. Let us resolve that DJT will be remembered in the same way as Putin - as the worst of the worst.
Spot on analysis as always. Who could not get behind the guy sticking his neck out versus running back to the safety of his office to watch the fighting on television? Thanks JVL. A loyal reader in FL.
This newsletter was the first media piece I saw highlighting Zelensky's courage. #JVLisalwaysright. But it's definitely becoming a thing, consolidating a narrative with other incredible stories of the heroic Ukranian resistance. I saw one about an old woman who confronted a Russian soldier. Another about a group of civilians who persuaded a Russian soldier to lay down his arms. And, of course, there's Snake Island. Today I saw someone on... *checks notes* Nextdoor... invoke "Remember Snake Island!" in the style of the Alamo. Something's happening here.
I think the continued turn against Putin--the Germans now sending munitions, the partial SWIFT sanction, the freezing of Russian assets, the distancing from Putin by Orban and the Czech guy...all of. this shows how wise Biden has been to keep twisting the thumbscrews a bit at a time, as support for Ukraine increases. Of course, none of it would be possible without the heroic resistance of the Ukrainians and the personal courage of Zelensky.
A domestic development that is encouraging to me--I think contrasting true fighting for democracy and freedom has cast the "Freedom Convoys" in the. absurd light that they richly deserve. Just a few weeks ago, they looked so powerful. Now, some are still on the road, but one has fallen apart before getting through Kansas.
And I am also hopeful that this is going to overshadow whatever revolting stunts the likes of Fox Propaganda Channel and Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz had in mind for the Supreme Court nomination hearings.
I recommend with complete sincerity the website 'Pray More Novena.' They just started a novena for peace in Ukraine and I, a humble sinner, am all in. God bless and keep Zelensky and Ukraine.
Week after week, you point us toward view-worthy writings. You seem to have upped your game this week, though I think the dire global circumstances take some of the credit. I can't help but wonder what it is about US culture that elevated TFG to his position instead of our own Zelinsky (though I am sure there are more than one).
Thank you so much for articulating so well Zelinsky's greatness and why we should all be proud of this hero and standard -bearer of democracy. P.S. I'm a lefty who gains so much insight and perspective from reading the Bulwark.
Does anyone agree that Biden should announce that if Putin kills Zelensky and his cabinet that he will be designated a terrorist and a war criminal? I am concerned what Putin will do if he captures Zelensky alive.
As to the Putin gamble .. recall Napoleon, audace, audace, toujours l’audace. Many are those who conceive themselves able student of military history. May Vladimir turn out to be, not the star pupil, but one of the numberless rabble of dunces who fail the class.
“Watching Zelensky’s conduct over the last few weeks makes Donald Trump’s attempt to use the power of the United States government to blackmail him even more obscene. Trump is not fit to shine Zelensky’s boots. That Trump’s actions were taken not as a private citizen, but as the American head of state should make all of us deeply ashamed.” Our family is of Ukrainian/Polish descent and to this date, we follow certain Ukrainian traditions, including a ritualistic dinner on Christmas Eve. Let us resolve that DJT will be remembered in the same way as Putin - as the worst of the worst.
Spot on analysis as always. Who could not get behind the guy sticking his neck out versus running back to the safety of his office to watch the fighting on television? Thanks JVL. A loyal reader in FL.
This newsletter was the first media piece I saw highlighting Zelensky's courage. #JVLisalwaysright. But it's definitely becoming a thing, consolidating a narrative with other incredible stories of the heroic Ukranian resistance. I saw one about an old woman who confronted a Russian soldier. Another about a group of civilians who persuaded a Russian soldier to lay down his arms. And, of course, there's Snake Island. Today I saw someone on... *checks notes* Nextdoor... invoke "Remember Snake Island!" in the style of the Alamo. Something's happening here.
I think the continued turn against Putin--the Germans now sending munitions, the partial SWIFT sanction, the freezing of Russian assets, the distancing from Putin by Orban and the Czech guy...all of. this shows how wise Biden has been to keep twisting the thumbscrews a bit at a time, as support for Ukraine increases. Of course, none of it would be possible without the heroic resistance of the Ukrainians and the personal courage of Zelensky.
A domestic development that is encouraging to me--I think contrasting true fighting for democracy and freedom has cast the "Freedom Convoys" in the. absurd light that they richly deserve. Just a few weeks ago, they looked so powerful. Now, some are still on the road, but one has fallen apart before getting through Kansas.
And I am also hopeful that this is going to overshadow whatever revolting stunts the likes of Fox Propaganda Channel and Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz had in mind for the Supreme Court nomination hearings.
Has there been a discussion yet of why George W Bush deserves to be hung by his ankles as much as Putin does?
TFG =The Former Guy.
I don't remember where it started, but it's become pretty common.
As a BTW, has anyone at that Trump love fest known as CPAC bothered to mention Z's courage? Has Trump called him a loser yet?
I recommend with complete sincerity the website 'Pray More Novena.' They just started a novena for peace in Ukraine and I, a humble sinner, am all in. God bless and keep Zelensky and Ukraine.
Week after week, you point us toward view-worthy writings. You seem to have upped your game this week, though I think the dire global circumstances take some of the credit. I can't help but wonder what it is about US culture that elevated TFG to his position instead of our own Zelinsky (though I am sure there are more than one).
Thank you so much for articulating so well Zelinsky's greatness and why we should all be proud of this hero and standard -bearer of democracy. P.S. I'm a lefty who gains so much insight and perspective from reading the Bulwark.
Zelensky wants ammunition, not a ride. For heavens sake, give him plenty of it.
JVL these are the kind of posts that I, a liberal Democratic, appreciate. Thank you
Does anyone agree that Biden should announce that if Putin kills Zelensky and his cabinet that he will be designated a terrorist and a war criminal? I am concerned what Putin will do if he captures Zelensky alive.
As to the Putin gamble .. recall Napoleon, audace, audace, toujours l’audace. Many are those who conceive themselves able student of military history. May Vladimir turn out to be, not the star pupil, but one of the numberless rabble of dunces who fail the class.
Great piece today and I can’t agree more that Zelensky is now “more than a man.” He demonstrates what real leadership is about.
Z meets his moment and inspires....Americans should do likewise with our challenging democracy moment