I just finished watching the video coverage of the meeting between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the leader of Ukraine (President Zelensky). To the best of my recollection, I have never been more embarrassed or ashamed of the lack of diplomacy displayed by our administration. The degree of public belligerence coupled with bullying behavior displayed by our President was numbing. The obsession of Vice President Vance regarding his misguided perspective that President Zelensky has not been sufficiently thankful was appalling. This is not diplomacy, it is lunacy in action. It is bad enough that this current administration is incrementally dismantling our domestic institutions that provide needed services to our veterans, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. We have now reached an all-time new-low on the international stage by taking the side of Russia (the aggressor) over Ukraine (the country attacked by Russia). It was as if Vladimir Putin was actually in the room during this televised meeting given the degree of Russian talking points that were articulated by both our President and Vice President. The combination of arrogance displayed by our two elected “leaders” coupled with regurgitation of Putin’s talking points was beyond alarming. Frankly, it was disgusting. It does make one wonder at what point in time will some Republicans in both the House and Senate actually grow a spine and actually publicly, rather than privately with whispered voices, articulate their support for Ukraine. These are challenging times, indeed. Challenging times require leadership, not arrogance or showmanship.
Tim Knoster (2/28/2025)