|
While we share a similar opinion about Putin, I never would have used the pool hustler analogy for him.
The inarguable fact is that he is the leader of one of the most powerful nations in the world. And while Russia needs to be held feet to the fire when we can prove bad things they have done, they are no longer the home field of the Soviet Union and we do A LOT OF BUSINESS with them.
We were correctly buddies with Saddam Hussein when he was fighting Iran. We were correctly buddies with bin Laden when he was fighting the Soviets (and the resources wasted in Afghanistan by the Soviets was a huge contributing factor to the end of THAT evil empire). We applauded Fidel Castro when he overthrew the dictator Batista.
But then we learned. Teddy Roosevelt said "Walk softly and carry a big stick" while Reagan said "Trust, but verify." Maybe "Work with, but watch" is the phrase for Putin.
Let's show the Russians the mutual benefits of an open economic working arrangement, but watch them closely as we do.
|
