I find it fascinating that
Vladimir Putin counts on the American people's gullibility to believe his op-ed
article in the New York Times yesterday. There may be merit in his
argument that other countries feel they are exceptional. Most citizens feel a
deep loyalty to their own country and have pride for where they live. To love
our roots is normal.
However,
there is sound argument that America IS exceptional. Vladimir's op-ed is
not only weak but exposes his true motives and political perspective. Consider
the following.
Under
no circumstances would the President of Russia invite our President to offer an
op-ed to his countrymen. Under no circumstance would Putin allow the
leaders of France, UK, or any other leader with an opposing point of view to
offer their opinion or present evidence contrary to his own.
The
citizens of Russia are good people. Most only wish to live their life in
freedom and peace. But they are controlled by a president who does not hesitate
to imprison them for their beliefs or actions that oppose his own. He will do
and say whatever is necessary to maintain his control. His article appears to
be a benevolent outpouring. What it is, is an attempted seduction of Americans.
In truth, it is manipulation.
Simply,
he has taken advantage of America's freedoms and our weariness with war. He
perceives our divide and intends to use that divide to further split open our
great nation.
We
get to choose. We can instead see he has proven President Obama's proposition:
America is exceptional.
Every
American citizen has been provided the opportunity to consider Putin's
argument. Some Americans will agree with him. Some will disagree. Redundant but
worth repeating, America is exceptional. No one will be thrown in jail for
reading the paper nor will anyone's rights be violated for voicing their
opinion about it or any other matter of our government.
Yes,
diplomacy is worth the effort. The pain of loss is real for all people. It does
not matter to what nation a person belongs. It does not matter the religious
affiliation or the color of one's skin. Loss is the same for everyone. It
breaks hearts and spirits and in war inspires hatred and vengeance. The Syrian
people have suffered unduly at the hands of their regime. If further loss can
be prevented then there is great hope.
But
hope is not based on fact, it is based upon faith.
The
fact: Putin has no interest in our version of democracy. By submitting his op-ed
article, he has thrown up a smoke screen to the American people and asked us to
believe his version of reality. He has made a high-waged bet and hopes our desire for peace will make his argument believable. He
is using the dissension in our country to buoy his own support for Syria. He
believes us to be gullible.
Americans
get to choose. Do we follow a man who imprisons his fellow countrymen and women
for speaking out about his leadership, who controls their right to have their
voice, or who violates human rights to maintain his control and power?
Or
do we set aside our own prejudices and doubt and trust the leadership of our
country and other powerful countries who believe in human rights?
It's
a poor bet if we believe Putin. But, we can. We can believe him without threat
of imprisonment. We can even write our own op-ed. That is why the United States
IS an exceptional nation and why as citizens we are fortunate to call America
our home.
by The Guardian
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