For nearly 80 years, NATO has been a deterrent to brutal dictators intent on expanding their empires and attacking their neighbors. It is arguably the most successful alliance for peace and democracy the world has ever seen. But now with Trump’s attacks on NATO and threats to unilaterally withdraw, his insults to our allies, and his adulation of dictators, he has shown the world that the United States cannot be counted on to honor our commitments or defend democracy. Halting aid to the Ukraine, refusing them satellite access and thus aiding Russian bombing is overtly designed to coerce them to capitulate to Putin’s demands. The world learned the lessons of appeasement and paid for it in blood in World War II. Appeasing aggressors only encourages them and China and North Korea are watching. But Trump admires Putin, labeling his brazen lies “genius”. I pity the MAGA Republicans who bought Trump’s lies. But we and our children will pay for the markedly more dangerous world he is creating.
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.