Escalating The War In Ukraine Is A Mistake
Support is one thing; a proxy war is quite another
Let’s get a few things out of the way before I make my argument. No, I don’t support the despot Vladimir Putin or his horrifying war. No, I’m not “parroting Russian talking points.” No, I’m not a horseshoe progressive aligning with the fascist MAGA right wing. No, I’m not denigrating the brave efforts of Ukrainians as they defend themselves. No, I don’t think Ukraine deserved to be invaded.
These disclaimers are necessary because of the currently impenetrable state of The Discourse on Ukraine among Democrats. President Biden’s surprise visit to Kyiv today will only amplify the wall of support for a U.S. proxy war against Russia. The overwhelming position of Democrats is unfailing, unending, and absolute support of Ukraine, which is how the United States has committed (and largely already spent) $100 billion to Ukraine in a time of (perpetual) fiscal crisis.
The Discourse is more like a monologue at the moment. We can’t question some fundamentals about the Ukraine war without being falsely accused of all the transgressions I disclaimed up front.
Yet we need to unpack exactly what Democrats are signing on to, and whether it makes sense.
The central position among mainstream Democrats today is, essentially:
