Madeline Albright, Condoleezza Rice and Robert Gates – Russia, Putin, and the Constant Threat of a Megalomaniac

During a panel discussion at Aspen, CO – former Secretaries of State, Rice and Albright, joined by former Defense Gates, and moderated by former Undersecretary of State, Burns, one thing was made extremely clear – the greatest threat in their combined opinion was Russia, Putin specifically. The discussion was televised by CSPAN with the video available at www.c-span.org/video/?3207821/former-cabinet-secretaries-russia-ukrain. What this blogger took away from this meeting of extraordinary minds is the following: Putin is either seriously deranged an ego-maniac whose hunger for a return of the Soviet Union, with a penchant for Stalinism is of serious concern. The Russians run “black opps” in the East, which account for hatred of the west in nations/cultures that would celebrate the demise of the U.S.A. and Russia considers itself to be, psychology speaking, nurtured so to speak having lost the cold war. They see themselves as the “East” and the West (Europe/America’s) as the foe.

Also of interest was the constant near agreement between Rice and Albright – giving credence to the dismal state of affairs with Putin at the helm, and to be certain, not without some stunning humorous wit, on the part of the panel.

As there are so many threats in the world at present, understanding a bit more about the relationship between Russia (Putin) and the West is enlightening.

One writer for the Huffington Post, had a slightly different take on the panel, notwithstanding the fact that it is necessary to stymie Putin with his aggressive push to the Ukraine, the writer turns to blame the entire problem with Russia on the United States, specifically the Kennedy administration. The love of Russia and denial amongst progressives has historical significance in that those erstwhile professors living in the world of academia, and envisioning a perfect society, having either visited or viewed films of the perfect Russia, were duped like so many others into believing that all was perfect. While of course, the U.S. was to blame.

From an historical perspective, the murder of the Czar and subsequent “revolution” was promulgated by the trend of the monarchy to push the nation westward, to join Europe, to become more civilized, less Eastern, and each and every subsequent dictator envisioned himself as an Alexander the Great. This apparently in the combined opinions of those who have met the man is also true. It is well worth watching.

McCain Takes the Lead Trumps Obama by 5 Points

In a Reuters/Zogby poll taken this past week, John McCain took an overall 5 point lead over Barack Obama for the first time and is leading Obama on the economy by 9 points. The impact from the Saddleback Civil Forum will certainly play a significant roll in upcoming polls. The forum, played on both CNN and Fox news over the weekend, shed new light on the way both candidates handle questions posed unscripted. McCain clearly led Obama in that forum and led to speculation that the upcoming debates would favor McCain.

With Russia threatening (Fox News and Matt Drudge both have breaking news today noting: “Russia Says Response to U.S. Missile Shield Deal with Poland Will Go Beyond Diplomacy”) use of force, McCain can only widen the gap in upcoming polls.

Obama's Response to Russian Agression: Consult the UN

In Barack Obama’s initial statement regarding Russia’s invasion of sovereign Georgia, he boldly stated "All sides should enter into direct talks on behalf of stability in Georgia, and the United States, the United Nations Security Council, and the international community should fully support a peaceful resolution to this crisis,". Every citizen should feel safer now that Barrack Obama has called upon that august body. The United Nations Security Council is composed of the following countries: China, France, The United States, the UK, and the Russian Federation (permanent members) – joined by ten other nations that include Belgium, Viet Nam, South Africa, Costa Rica, Croatia, Burkina Faso, Indonesia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, and Panama. “Yes We Can” - stick our heads in the sand.

From the Boston Globe, to the San Francisco Chronicle praise for the “wise” Obama is noted. Yet, not everyone is enamored of the wisdom of young Obama. An opinion piece from the LA Times by Jonah Goldberg entitled “Obama without his script”, opens with the observation “Judging by his reaction to the Georgia-Russia crisis, Obama's make-believe presidency isn't ready for prime time.” Point taken.

McCain, to his credit, immediately issued a harsh statement, going so far as to beat George Bush to the punch (so to speak). A recent post on ageism from the blog A Boomer Speaks is worth a read. Although not endorsing either candidate, the author does question age as criteria to lead.

In a world that is based on aggression, from old regimes to new, the leader of the United States must be ready and able to deal with each international crisis based upon a unique American perspective, which is often at odds with the perspective of the UN Security Council.

Perhaps a refresher is in order. It’s 3 AM – who do you want to answer the phone in the White House? Now that the candidate who raised that all important question has been pushed out of the race – it is still valid. Should that candidate be someone who must consult 300 advisors and call the United Nations prior to making a decision?