Ukraine Must Not Fall

Two years ago, Vladimir Putin ordered Russian forces to invade Ukraine, aiming to overthrow its democratically elected government and reassert Moscow's control. This marked Russia's second invasion of Ukraine in recent years, following the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

The ongoing conflict has inflicted immense suffering on the Ukrainian people. Recently, the New York Times reported that President Zelensky stated that "31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed" since the full-scale invasion began. However, this figure differs significantly from US estimates, which were closer to 70,000 casualties this past summer.

Recent developments paint a concerning picture. With the $60 billion Ukraine aid bill stalled in Congress and Ukrainian forces facing ammunition shortages, they were forced to withdraw from the strategic eastern city of Avdiivka, as recently reported by AP, handing Russia a significant victory. Additionally, Russian dissident Alexei Navalny was assassinated by Putin's regime, silencing a prominent critic.

Beyond the immediate human cost, the Ukraine conflict poses significant risks to US national security:

Destabilization of Eastern Europe

The conflict in Ukraine has heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, a region vital to US interests. The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the ongoing military intervention in Eastern Ukraine have eroded stability and fueled insecurity among neighboring states. The escalation of hostilities not only threatens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine but also undermines the broader security architecture of Europe. As a key ally in the region, the destabilization of Eastern Europe directly challenges US efforts to promote democracy, security, and cooperation in the region.

Erosion of International Norms

The conflict in Ukraine represents a blatant violation of international law and established norms governing state behavior. Russia's disregard for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rules-based international order. Failure to address such transgressions emboldens other actors to pursue aggressive actions, thereby increasing the likelihood of further destabilization and conflict.

Should the West fail to support Ukraine’s efforts to push back on Russia’s aggression, it doesn’t take a stretch of the imagination to project that China’s President Xi (also another autocrat who has eliminated any and all form of dissension within the CCP’s leadership) would see the forceful reunification of Taiwan as an achievable goal. As a champion of global stability and norms, the US has a vested interest in upholding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Without US efforts on the global stage, it’s easy to see chaos breaking out.

Potential for Wider Conflict

No one should think for a second that Putin is going to stop with Ukraine. His desire is to restore Russia’s former “sphere of influence” as it looked before the fall of the Iron Curtain. What does that mean? Putin has his sights on the counties that were former countries of the USSR (Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania) as well as countries of the former Iron Curtain (Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Albania) in an effort to reverse the effects of the USSR’s dissolution.

As geopolitical strategist and author Peter Zeihan explained in 2022, "Russia believes expansionism is the safest way to secure its territory from foreign security threats. For Russia, Ukraine is not the end of the story. Russia will push past Ukraine towards West which will generate conflict with NATO at some point of time."

Here's the issue.

Every one of these countries I just previously listed are members of NATO. As Article 5 of the NATO treaty states, “if a NATO Ally is the victim of an armed attack, each and every other member of the Alliance will consider this act of violence as an armed attack against all members and will take the actions it deems necessary to assist the Ally attacked.”

As my 11th grade US History teacher used to pound in my head, “those who don’t study their history are doomed to repeat it.” So, when Putin talks about restoring Russia to its Cold War glory, it would be wise for the West to take him at his word.

Energy Security Concerns

Ukraine serves as a critical transit route for energy resources flowing from Russia to Europe. The conflict in Ukraine has raised concerns about the reliability and security of energy supplies, particularly natural gas. Disruptions to energy transit routes pose economic risks to European states and could potentially undermine regional stability. Moreover, Russia's use of energy as a tool of coercion exacerbates tensions and complicates efforts to resolve the conflict diplomatically. As a major energy consumer and advocate for energy security, the United States has a strategic interest in ensuring the stability and diversification of energy routes in Europe.

Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

The conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the growing threat of cyber warfare and hybrid tactics employed by state actors. Russia's use of cyberattacks to disrupt critical infrastructure and undermine democratic institutions poses a direct threat to US national security interests. The proliferation of cyber capabilities and the blurring of lines between conventional and cyber warfare necessitate enhanced cybersecurity measures to safeguard against potential attacks. Failure to address these vulnerabilities leaves the US susceptible to exploitation and manipulation by hostile actors.

As the author Nicole Perlroth wrote in her book, "This is How They Tell Me the World Ends: The Cyberweapons Arms Race", the initial invasion of Ukraine 2014 saw a massive cyber-attack by the Russians to cripple the Ukrainian economy and government. A common theme the Ukrainians told her at that time was that with respects to cyber-attacks from the Russians, the US was next.

Don't think this is a real threat? Any chance your cell phone lost service last week? Supposedly this was due to human error. Now imagine if it was the intentional act of a nation-state.

Now do you understand?

With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

The US must remain actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, support Ukraine's sovereignty, and uphold international law. Failure to act could have far-reaching consequences, jeopardizing regional stability and undermining US security interests.

As Presidents Kennedy and Reagan emphasized, the US has a responsibility to defend freedom and support its allies. Public opinion also reflects this, with a recent Pew Research Center poll showing that 74% of Americans believing the war in Ukraine is important to US interests. Therefore, approving the necessary support for Ukraine is not just morally imperative, but also strategically crucial.

By providing Ukraine with the means to defend itself, we can prevent a wider conflict and safeguard the principles of freedom and democracy that the US stands for.

If not, Article 5 may be enacted for the second time in NATO’s history.

Et, al...

Review: Top Five Rides at Walt Disney World

As winter draws to a close and February slips away, millions of families across the US are gearing up for two words that can evoke dreams of a week off from school and work. What are these two words?

Spring Break.

Now, some people take this time to go skiing, like in one of those mid-80s movies filled with musical montages where our hero has to beat the evil ski patrol member in a downhill slalom race. However, for the majority of us, these trips often involve warmer weather and are focused on beaches or amusement parks, particularly those in the Greater Orlando area.

One of these parks, Universal Studios, promises a lot of fun. In fact, Universal is currently constructing a massive expansion for a new park called Universal Epic Universe, set to open in Summer 2025. So, all you Harry Potter fans should mark your calendars and plan your trip for next year.

However, the park that started it all and continues to thrive is Walt Disney World. Presently, the property spans nearly 25,000 acres and comprises four separate theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

Across these four parks, there are currently 173 rides, catering to a spectrum of thrills from toddlers to adrenaline junkies. With so many rides to choose from and limited time at the parks (trust me, the lines can be LONG!), you'll want to ensure you maximize your fun time.

In an effort to ensure you have a wonderful time at the "happiest place on Earth," I present my Top Five rides at Disney World:

#5 - Remy's Ratatouille Adventure

Found at Epcot, on this ride, guests shrink down to the size of a rat and scurry through Gusteau's Parisian kitchen. You join Remy, the determined chef rat, on a wild culinary adventure, navigating a bustling kitchen filled with oversized ingredients and dodging playful squirts of water.

This ride doesn’t offer speed or the sensation of flying, but it offers a whole new perspective on the world. It’s truly amazing how an immersive ride like this can make you feel like a rat in a Parisian kitchen.

#4 - Avatar Flight of Passage

Located at Animal Kingdom, soar through the skies of Pandora on the back of a banshee. Guests become Na'vi riders, experiencing a breathtaking aerial journey through lush alien landscapes, feeling the wind rush through their hair and the thrill of flight.

This ride is astonishing! Without giving away any surprises, you genuinely feel like a Na’vi rider soaring through the skies and the tree-top canopy of Pandora. If you have a fear of flying, this may not be the ride for you, but for the rest of us, saddle up!

#3 - TRON Lightcycle Run

Situated at Magic Kingdom, guests hop on futuristic lightcycles speeding through a neon-lit digital world. They race alongside other riders, dodging obstacles and experiencing the exhilarating rush of high-speed maneuvers in an immersive Tron universe.

Right from the start, this ride is FAST! I was smiling so hard my mouth hurt at the end. This is definitely for the thrill-seeker. You don’t go upside down, but there are some steep drops and banking involved. Such a good time!

#2 - Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

This thrilling indoor coaster at Epcot blasts guests into space alongside Rocket, Groot, Gamora, Drax, and Star-Lord. Riders experience weightlessness, 360-degree rotations, and an intergalactic chase through the cosmos with an awesome 80s soundtrack.

This is truly one of the most enjoyable rides I have ever been on in my life! I loved every second of it, and I found myself singing aloud to the song the ride was playing (which was "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire). I’m smiling just thinking about this ride as I write this. So much fun!

#1 - Rise of the Resistance

Located at Hollywood Studios, guests join the Resistance on a daring escape from a Star Destroyer, navigating perilous encounters and thrilling drops as they fight for freedom from the First Order. As a massive Star Wars fan, this ride is still my favorite. It’s a highly immersive experience, and I’m still not sure how they pull this off. This ride is pure fun!

So, if you're heading to see "The Mouse" soon, I hope you find this helpful. Going to Disney World is a campaign, not just a trip to your local convenience store. You don’t want to show up without a plan. Target your “must-do” rides and make a plan. Trust me, a little planning on the front end will pay off dividends. Enjoy!

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