Putin Is A Better Leader
It is rather shocking for a freedom loving journalist to say that Vladimir Putin is a better leader than the current President of the United States. It is also an extremely relative statement that only has a kernel of truth because of our current political climate.
In the wake of the terrorist attacks that rocked France last week, leaders from around the world gathered in Paris this past Sunday to participate in an anti-terrorist rally. Over 30 nations sent high ranking representatives to stand shoulder to shoulder with the French people; noticeably absent was the United States. Given our own history with terrorism, our history in standing with Europe, and the fact that France is our oldest ally, it is inconceivable that the leader of the “free world” failed to attend, or send adequate representation, to the rally this past weekend. Despite the presence of Attorney General Eric Holder in France, he did not actually attend the rally; nor did President Obama or VP Biden, who were both in DC, while Secretary Kerry was in India. At the moment when the eyes of the world were watching our leader failed to step forward and turn his words into action.
This incident is not the first in which this administration has taken a backseat in world affairs; it is however, one of the more publicly scrutinized occurrences. It was a trending topic on Twitter last night, and even the most liberal news outlets commented on the absence of US officials. For a nation that once led the world in efforts of freedom, democracy and peace keeping, we have lost many steps over the last six years due to an administration that fails to embrace the exceptionalism that is America, and an occupant in the White House that lacks true patriotism. Here is where it can be argued that Vladimir Putin is a better leader.
Do not misread this. Vladimir Putin is quite capable of being a dangerous man, and rumors that he silences those who oppose him are not to be dismissed. This is a man who grew up in the Soviet Union during the Cold War and served in the military, as well as his country’s highest intelligence office—the KGB. He also, despite tensions with George W. Bush, was one of the first world leaders to condemn the 9/11 attacks and offer support. He did the same last week with France despite continued tensions with Western Europe over Ukraine, even sending his highest foreign policy representative to the rally on Sunday. Despite what anyone says or thinks, Putin always has one thing in mind—his country—how the people of Russia view her and how the outside world views her. Putin is a patriot for Russia. Watching the winter games in Sochi taught me that, and examining everything he has done since then has solidified that concept. His goal is to strengthen Russia and return her to a Soviet Union power status. And that is a trait the current US administration lacks; they are not patriots and they have weakened the US.
Image courtesy of The News Tribe
