On Levelheadedness. . .

(On Levelheadedness. . .)

Quite a stir was created the other day when a "missile," apparently from Ukrainian territory impacted on the other side of the border in Poland, resulting in two fatalities. What was this ? Some new escalation by Vladimir Putin ? An attack on a NATO Member. The immediate declaration of Article V (an attack on one NATO member is an attack on all NATO members), with the consequence being a broader Western action ? Could this prove the start of the Third World War ?


Fortunately for all concerned, the accompanying hyperventilation did not endure. Poland called for an Article IV, which allows for an investigation. It was suggested that the offending projectile could have been from an errant Ukrainian air defense system. In any event, it will be incidents such as this that, as long as the war continues, the danger of escalation will only persist and the next time something like this takes place and NATO "citizens" remain in harms' way, increases the danger. And this is coupled with a lack of strong leadership that would be required to defuse any such escalation.


Speaking of "leadership," the former President, formally announced, he will seek another term at the White House. Donald Trump is making this pitch, however with diminished standing. As one commentor wrote. "the magic is gone." Donald Trump was damaged goods before the Mid-Term, but, in contrast to the more even approach in Eastern Europe today, Trump has opened with both barrels and his shot is right at the heart of the Republican Party. The first casualty will be Hershal Walker and his Senate run.


There is now a battle of wills between Trump as the insurgent and Senator McConnell as the establishment. As had been demonstrated previously, McConnell was willing to compromise chances for a Republican Senate Majority because too many members would have been Trump people. Oz. Laxalt and Masters had all winnable races but the Republican "Leader" diverted resources at critical times.


Donald Trump has jumped the gun and he is entering this campaign with half the GOP not interested in his return and, truth be told, wish he had gone away. Aforementioned Republican doners, establishment doners, McConnell doners, will not bank-roll this new effort. To be sure, the former President had better policy prescriptions but, were that really the case, why did he lose last time ?

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