I'm no fan of the Putin regime by a long-shot. However, how do I get cheap gas for my car, as an American? I get it because my government (and businesses) pay others to keep their citizens in line while they make personal fortunes and I get cheap gas. That's what Europe was doing to Russia. Again, Russia is wrong. I'm not justifying the war they started. But I can't pretend we should be surprised.

I agree with you. "Helpful" is the question. I ask you, who is helpful to who?