I couldn't read a nicer reaction to my piece, which is to help thinking. America hasn't achieved anything. It never does. I believe this is misunderstood by Putin and many people. Despite what all the conspiracist theorists argue, I don't believe there IS some goal of the U.S. Power changes hands, goes through too many people, for that to happen. The U.S. is permanently an 18year-old.

Instead, America is a way of life which people relate to (and some disagree with who are citizens). There are many differing opinions about Ukraine. America will contine uts dibbly-dobbly assistant and give Kremlin its laugh. But the Kremlin will not have the last laugh.

America isn't just about freedom within its shores. It's about the idea of freedom for everyone. So people who believe in freedom, whether they are in the U.S., Ukraine, Russia, India, China, etc., all relate to each other. You and I probably relate to each other.

The U.S. is blessed with a variety of natural resources and borders. When you match that natural power with free human capital that becomes focused on a problem, watch out.

Most Americans don't care about Ukraine, right now. You're right that Russia feels it will ultimately get away with Urkaine as it did with Chechyna.

American will ultimately achieve nothing really. But with Ukraine and other "free" fighters around the world, it will hopefully. The U.S. is a touchstone. I give money to refugees. Many American do. And many others the world over. All these transactions end up on the SWIFT system.

Sorry for the too long reply! THANKS AGAIN for the thoughtful comment. Good point about those German unions!