The Ukraine and it’s separate outpost, Crimea are all in the news now, and rightfully so. Is Putin attempting to reorganize the bankrupt Soviet Union? I doubt it, but let’s take Ukraine first. Briefly, for hundreds of years, Ukraine belonged to Russia. A majority of Ukrainians speak Russian, and the Ukrainian language is very similar to Russian. When the Soviet Union failed, Ukraine declared independence, along with all of the rest of the Soviets. Russia hated to lose Ukraine, because for generations, it has been rightfully called the ’Russian Breadbasket.’ It has mild climate, fertile soil, and enormous Russian gas pipelines run through Ukraine. Russians depend on Ukraine for food, and Ukraine depends on Russia for natural gas. Most Ukrainians were delighted at the prospect of joining the European Union, because it meant free trade, and a host of other advantages. That’s what all the rioting and demonstrating was about. The Ukrainians wanted to become part of the E.U., and its president double crossed them and went to the Russians. No one knows where he is now.
Look at all the other previous Soviets which have joined the E.U., such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithonia, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Segovia. They freed themselves from the Russians and old Soviet Union, and are doing just fine now. None of the previous, are in the economic condition of Spain or Portugal either. I am certain that being free of Russian domination was wonderful, and they certainly wouldn’t want to go back. The Soviet Union went away, because of bankruptcy. How could it possibly be otherwise, since the ’Cold War’ was won by the U.S. at huge cost to both sides, but we were richer, and more efficient. Communism is grossly inefficient, and never works. When Russia communized its agriculture, millions starved to death. Freedom works, and slavery doesn’t.
When Ukraine’s president went with the Russians and disappeared, it seemed ripe for a Russian takeover, like the Russian-Georgia war of 2008, except the Russians didn’t really win that war. It resulted in a stalemate, and Russian troops have withdrawn. Russia’s army is not in great shape, even though it is large, with over 850,000 in it. It is made up of poorly trained misfits, who are unable to earn a living elsewhere, and even though it has a modern air force, it has lousy pilots. The Georgians shot down almost a dozen Russian planes during that brief encounter. If Russia takes the Ukraine, it’s in trouble, because Ukrainians, and probably the rest of Europe wouldn’t stand for a Russian takeover, although they admittedly are powerless to stop it, other than economically and politically. Powerless, other than Ukrainians being so outraged and determined, that the Russians would have to abandon it like they did in Afghanistan…in my opinion anyway. Russia, if they take the Ukraine, risk being shut out of the Group of Eight Nations, which is very important to it. They risk having the rest of the world, and even it seems China, hating them for it, and even freezing Russian funds frozen, a-la-Iran
Crimea is a 10,000 square mile peninsula off of Ukraine, and although Ukraine holds a flimsy title to it, it has its own government and legislature. It is the only warm water port Russia has, and the Russian fleet’s port is at Crimea. Crimeans speak Russian. The Crimean Tartars hate Russia, but they are in a small minority. I am sure that Russia will take Crimea, and there isn’t anything anyone can do about it. Taking Ukraine, is a different story, and I think that one, is an unfinished item. Russia will suffer so much ill will if thy do it, that it will cost them dearly in trade, and they can’t afford that, since the Russian economy, is anything but strong. Russia couldn’t stand 100% ill will and actual hatred if they take Ukraine. We’ll see as each day passes.
Obama has steered clear of involvement in Syria and Ukraine, although he has mouthed vague threats. The Ukraine, nor Crimea, have any importance to America, and America should be neutral in these matters. Obama has withdrawn all troops from Iraq, and is doing the same in Afghanistan. Hooray for him, if you’ll excuse the expression. “The Weekly Standard” gang, with their love of foreign wars and American entanglement overseas, makes me ill, as a Registered Republican-Libertarian-Tea Party guy.
Watched the Oscars last night for the first time in many years, and was impressed with the absolute perfection of the presentation, and that huge, unbelievable theatre! Wow! Metals are on the rise again, and have built a firm base at 1300. Just takes patience, and remember, gold and silver are REAL money, not unbacked pieces of paper or computer entries.