State of Affairs

Happy 2024! The world has been pretty crazy lately.

The state of affairs in the United States House of Representatives has been nothing short of chaotic in recent times. Political infighting within the Republican Party has thrown the chamber into turmoil, making it nearly impossible to accomplish meaningful work. The ramifications of this turmoil extend far beyond the walls of Capitol Hill.

As we witness the disarray in the House, it's crucial to remember the bigger picture. Funding for Ukraine, a nation valiantly defending itself against Russian aggression, hangs in the balance. The political wrangling has taken a toll, delaying necessary support for a nation standing on the front lines of a global struggle for democratic values and the Rules-Based International Order.

Supporting Ukraine isn't just about allocating funds; it's about upholding the principles and values that have guided the United States and its allies since the end of World War II. Ukraine's fight for freedom and sovereignty is a testament to the enduring struggle for democracy, and abandoning it would send a dangerous message to authoritarian leaders worldwide.

The world is watching, from Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela to Kim Jong Un in North Korea, from Vladimir Putin in Russia to Xi Jinping in China. The outcome of this crisis will echo far beyond Ukraine's borders. It will signal whether the Rules-Based International Order still holds sway or whether the days of 'might-is-right' are returning.

We cannot underestimate the consequences of failure. Already, missile attacks on shipping vessels in the world's oceans have disrupted the global economy, leading to rising costs of living for ordinary citizens. If these conflicts escalate further, the repercussions will be even more severe.

We must remember who we are as Americans. We have faced challenges before and emerged stronger. To solve our problems, we need unity and cooperation. It's time to set aside our differences and focus on what's best for all of us because, ultimately, we share this space and must find common ground.

We may speak different languages and come from diverse backgrounds, but we are all Americans. Our shared goal should be defending freedom and democratic values. By failing to support Ukraine, we not only let down a brave nation but also jeopardize the Free World.

While political turmoil rages in the House of Representatives, the world keeps turning. Other nations are stepping up, recognizing the urgency of supporting Ukraine as U.S. funding faces uncertainty due to political disputes.

The time for unity and action is now. Let us remember the importance of standing by our allies, defending democracy, and upholding the Rules-Based International Order. Our commitment to these values defines who we are as a nation, and it's imperative that we remain steadfast in this effort.

Dictators are watching. China has unleashed a battalion of spy balloons over Taiwan in recent days, Venezuela is threatening to invade Guyana, Putin has threatened to expand the Russo-Ukrainian conflict to NATO countries. COVID brought the world dark days, but even after the pass of COVID the skies did not clear up. The only way to return sanity and peace to our world is to stand strong in our principals. We are Americans. We must preserve our freedom, for ourselves and the future of our nation. We must support Ukraine.

“A republic, if you can keep it.”

--Benjamin Franklin's response to Elizabeth Willing Powel's question: 'Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?'