The Anderson County Democratic Party condemns Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and fully supports the United States of America as it marshals its allies to respond to this aggression. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is unacceptable; there must be consequences.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made his intentions clear; he wants to overthrow the legitimate democratic government of Ukraine. Those in our county who argue we appease Putin by vowing to never allow Ukraine to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) sorely misunderstand the situation.
First, there is no appeasing a bully. A bully does not stop upon getting what it wants. Second, in 2010 the people of Ukraine voted against joining NATO. Regardless, even if Ukraine wanted to join NATO, in what reality does a non-member bully get to dictate who can and who cannot join an organization? The thought is preposterous.
We recognize the severe sanctions being imposed by President Biden and the G7 will not deter Russia’s unlawful attack, but the sanctions are devised to cause cutting financial pain to Vladimir Putin and the oligarchs that support him. The Russian economy will also suffer as the sanctions kick in and they lose access to the world banking system, and their ability to trade or otherwise interact with the international financial establishments will be impeded.
Perhaps the people of Russia will begin to consider the merits of democracy and understand the value of being able to replace leaders who lead their country into ruin.
We do not believe that Putin is a genius! We believe that he has threatened the peace of the world as has not been seen since Hitler. The Anderson County Democratic Party calls all Americans to support the people of Ukraine and Democracy.
May God protect the people of the Ukraine, and may God bless our troops.
The Anderson County Democratic Party, chaired by Liz Ibbotson.
This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Anderson County Democratic Party condemns Putin’s invasion of Ukraine
