Music to Putin’s ears
When Ronald Reagan assumed the presidency in 1981, he did so with a sunny optimism about our nation’s future. But this optimism was tempered by a hard-edged realism regarding the character and intent of the Soviet Union.
This realism informed American foreign policy throughout his administration and resulted in the ultimate disintegration of the Soviet Union and the freeing of millions in Central and Eastern Europe. Additionally, stockpiles of nuclear weapons were reduced and the entire world was made safer. Reagan was successful because he saw the world as it was, and recognized the evil before him.
Now, we fast-forward to the present day, where the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, relentlessly maneuvers to restore Russia’s shrunken empire and recover the power and prestige he believes is rightfully theirs. With Donald Trump, he potentially has the perfect foil to fulfill his aims.
Trump’s qualified support for our NATO allies, his casual attitude toward Russian aggression in Crimea and Ukraine, and his absurd encouragement of Russian interference in our upcoming presidential election can only be music to Putin’s ears.
If, in fact, Trump is successful in winning the presidency, the only smile broader than his own will be that of Putin. And President Reagan will likely turn over in his grave.
Jackson Milhollan
Washington