Echoes From The Past
After watching Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky address a joint session of Congress this evening, I offer a few observations. The first, a bit lighthearted: As Biden’s cabinet walked in, I couldn’t help but think that these people were the goofiest bunch of characters ever to amble down the august isles of the House Chamber. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, looked like a little elf. Attorney General, Merrick Garland, looked like a perplexed school boy. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, looked like a freshman running for student government. Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, looked like a Jeff Bezos wanna be. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, looked like she was looking for a date. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, the most distinguished of the group, looked, however, like he didn’t quite know why he was there. The group as a whole looked like they had all benefited from some crazy type of affirmative action. But, enough of my churlishness. On to matters of substance.
President Zelensky acquitted himself as a true statesman. While remaining completely non partisan, he appealed to both sides of the aisle. He managed to show gratitude to America for the tremendous support we have given, but was never ingratiating. And, although his English isn’t perfect, he offered much that was quotable. One of my favorites: Funding the Ukrainian army, he said, is “NOT CHARITY. It is an investment in global security and the future of democracy.” Referring to Russia’s destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure: “Even if there is no electricity the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out.”
Further, he said that the Russians, who he describes as terrorists, “use everything” against Ukrainian cities such as Bakhmut, but Ukraine “holds its lines and will never surrender.” An echo from the past comes directly from Winston Churchill: “You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny.” And: “We will never give in to the overwhelming might of the enemy.” And, “We have only to persevere to conquer.”
And, as to whether America should continue our support to Ukraine, with missile defense systems, artillery, tactical training, money and humanitarian aid, I hear another echo from the past: “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” John F. Kennedy, January 20, 1961, the Inaugural Address.