Lynne Stevens
It would do well for Independents, Democrats and Republicans to explore what Trump has done to endanger the security of America.
Conservative news says the President is only negotiating, but Russia has given up nothing to America for obvious favored treatment.
The Trump Administration has done the following in what appears to be changing sides from the leader of the free world to a champion of the authoritarian world:
* Defense Secretary Hegseth paused all cyber operations against Russia, as Russia is intruding aggressively in American cyberspace. Seasoned professionals are warning that this is a very dangerous game. Key members of the Cyber Command have been fired. U.S. Cyber Command has been ordered to “stand down” against Russia’s intensified cyber hacking into America (BBC).
* USAID has played a crucial role in helping to keep Ukraine’s electric grid up and repaired, despite constant bombing by Russia. This support is ordered terminated – as well as the personnel who are responsible – to ensure that the USAID funds are spent only as authorized. All U.S. military aid to Ukraine has been stopped or paused as the administration calls it. That means no weapons and no ammunition sent to Ukraine leaving them vulnerable to our adversary. Length of the pause is not known. (MSNBC).
* The Justice Department has closed the department that enforces sanctions against Russia. In addition, the Justice Department will no longer enforce the requirement that foreign agents register under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Russia and China are actively recruiting US fired employees with security clearances. With noth-ing to stop it we are flirting with peril (NBC, The Independent).
* Five Eyes is a high-level alliance of democratic countries who share sensitive intelligence information with member countries to monitor global threats and warn of security dangers. Members are considering the wisdom of sharing highly sensitive information with the Trump administration since he shared classified information in the oval office with Russia (The New York Times).
This is the tip of a deepening iceberg, which has immediate and long-term consequences to the security of this nation. Decisions to dismiss high-level respected career intelligence and military leaders while praising autocrats is worth asking, “Why?”
The endgame of hollowing out seasoned military and security personnel while seemingly idolizing authoritarian leaders is not known.
History tells us that authoritarian leaders grasp the institutions of a country, force loyalty to the exclusion of any constitution which paves the way for authoritarian rule.
History speaks louder that citizens of authoritarian leaders do not do well. The nation’s wealth tends to be funneled to the top favored leaders, minimizing social welfare and health programs.
Look at the glamour of Russia’s Kremlin, China’s beautiful cities and other autocratic cities. Beneath it are low-working wages, unsafe working conditions and inferior living standards compared to America.
There is a well-traveled road map authoritarians follow in their quest to power through governments, institutions and citizens.
Knowing the roadmap is powerful knowledge.
Lynne Stevens writes a bi-weekly column for The Graham Star. She can be reached via email, geminga@mailfence.com.