“If NATO is as encouraging to allies as this forum, then I would say not very good.”
There are real questions about Germany’s committment to NATO right now and it is a perfectly proper reaction given the gap between German words and German deeds of late. Too many Europeans are more than willing to fight to the last American and many folks on this forum, whose kids will be the ones called on to do the heavy work (not yours), resent it.
Germany is a first world country. It is the leading country of the EU, head of a political entity with a larger population and larger economy than the United States. It has a much, much larger stake in what happens beyond its eastern borders than the Americans on this forum. After all, Germany is the one dependent on Russian oil, not America - it is your policies the helped drive this Russian grab for control of your energy. You need to man-up and fix it, not because Anericans are encouraging you, but because it is your responsibility.
America’s landing planes and offloading supplies while Germans talk. A Berlin FReeper, more than anyone else should understand our frustration at another non-response by Europe (a la the Balkans). We supoorted you when Russian bears were growling at your door. Its your turn like it or not.
Remember, the Russians are taking Germany’s measure in this crisis, but so are we Americans.
Well said, Owl, well said.
A couple of comments...first, we now have virtually every nation in Europe plus the United States standing with Georgia. While we are currently in the triage stage (i.e. first stop the bleeding), you can count on the rehabilitation stage to follow. The fact that the entire world realizes in order to avoid going backwards, we need to take a giant step to solidify freedom and independence right up to Russia’s front door, is very encouraging. The deal here really has to be a clear statement to Russia: “Freedom and Independence in the family of nations will not go away and when you bully one of us, you bully all of us”. Russia cannot fight a 17 front war with Poland, Ukraine, Georgia, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Britain, the United States and others moving to their borders across eight time zones. Russia is quickly realizing they may have grabbed the global tiger by the tail. The world now likes its freedom and does not intend to go back to the 1950’s or 1880’s.
**Too many Europeans are more than willing to fight to the last American and many folks on this forum, whose kids will be the ones called on to do the heavy work (not yours), resent it.**
Amen Brother! That is my major complaint, everybody is calling for America to do something and pretty much only America. If Turkey and Germany and the others would step up to the plate and do their share then I have no problem being sent to war over there.
But I think it pretty much sucks that members of the military is becoming the sole defenders of not only America but the rest of the World.
If that is how it is to be then Germany and the others should be at least paying us for that protection. Besides I want a pay raise ;-)