Ukraine exhibits what America prizes so much – a persistence to become and remain free.
The history of the Ukrainian people is filled with struggle – and their story is not unlike the stories of other nations seeking to validate their place of distinction in the annals of history. And as they engage in this struggle, the world watches.
Despite general differences, I suggest that all people innately crave freedom – religious freedom, financial freedom, political freedom, and so on. Freedom has ever been the hallmark of these great United States, and peoples from across the globe have sought to live under its light. Ukrainians have been vying for freedom for centuries; theirs is a struggle not unlike America’s struggle during the late 18th century. In past times, Ukrainians have torn each other apart, and at times they have consolidated to face overpowering odds on every side. Of recent history, Ukrainians began to lay the foundation upon which to build a free Ukraine. They’ve pushed out corrupt, pro-Russian leaders and continue to elect leaders who seek to promote independence from their overbearing neighbor. They exhibit what America prizes so much – a persistence to become and remain free. Ukraine is persisting for Ukraine.
Ukraine is persisting for Ukraine.
What, then, of America’s role? We have been told not to get involved because America has no economic or national security interest in Ukraine; why should we, then, send our troops? Because:
- The Ukrainians are tenaciously standing for freedom!
- It is in our National Interest to have such an ally whose proximity to Russia and vast territorial expanse could promote international security.
- The Ukrainians can maintain a national economy – they’ve been adapting from the former soviet-marxist institutions and are seeking to develop their vastly untapped economic potential.
Some would say that these notions shouldn’t move us to military intervention, however, as this would cause another world war. But I do not agree with this premise. Russia’s advancement is not for Ukraine only – Russia advances towards the free world. They are marxists, they cannot help but do so. If this advancement is not stopped now, what will develop as a Russian-Chinese consortium against the free world may eclipse what the Greatest Generation had to stand against. While we wait silently (for we are silent if our hands do not follow our voices) in hopes that the war will end, we are watching a light of freedom being snuffed out. We seek another Détente – how foolish!
Perspective:
Frederic Bastiat once penned:
“The solution to the problems of human relationships is to be found in liberty.”
The political leaders of these great United States need to understand Mr. Bastiat’s statement and realize that Liberty must first be won before peace can ensue. Fighting for liberty, and not Détente, will save us from a world at war. We must send military help to Ukraine; we must remember our promises of support.
James M. Spillers
USA Perspectives 