Maggie's Farm

The News Junkie: There is no Russia threat.

Russia is a certainly a threat. Russia has a weak economy, but access to high technology, which is why they are using alternative means of conflict. They have destabilized Ukraine, annexed Crimea, wielded cyber-warfare to undermine new democracies in Europe, and directly interfered in elections in the U.S., gnawing at the underpinnings of democratic institutions. This doesn't constitute an immediate existential threat, but unchecked could unleash increasingly disruptive forces.

The News Junkie: Obama and Hillary tried hard to cozy up to Putin.

As always in diplomatic relationships short of war, there is every reason to try to work with the Russians where common interests prevail. In the long run, Russia must engage with the world on equitable terms if the Russian people are to have a better life. Currently, kleptocracy under the guise of nationalism rule in Russia. To hold that the Russians are somehow trustworthy allies would be a dangerous mistake.

For Trump to have called for the Russians to disclose stolen emails for his own political gain was highly destructive.

“Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing." — Donald Trump

peacelovewoodstock: Trump was making a joke and his crowd loved it.

Sure, he was. Just like when he said the Russia hacking story was "a big Dem HOAX!"


In fact, Trump got angry when questioned on his statement, and repeatedly defended his position.

Joint Statement from the Department Of Homeland Security and Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Election Security: "The U.S. Intelligence Community (USIC) is confident that the Russian Government directed the recent compromises of e-mails from US persons and institutions, including from US political organizations... These thefts and disclosures are intended to interfere with the US election process."

drowningpuppies: Well, in what way did they interfere with the US election process?

Several ways. By illegally hacking the Democrats, then releasing the information, the Russians revealed millions of dollars worth of research, as well as political strategies, giving an unfair advantage to Republicans. Furthermore, the timing of the releases was devised for maximum political effect to harm Clinton's campaign and the Democrats, leading to the resignation of the head of the DNC during the Democratic Convention.

Russia has been using similar techniques against nations in Europe, undermining confidence in democratic institutions, especially in newer democracies. It's an attack against national sovereignty, and if left unaddressed, could lead to an erosion of confidence in the democratic process, and political destabilization.

Are you saying the head of the DNC wasn't forced to resign during the Democratic Convention due to the release of emails stolen by Russia? Or that the theft didn't involve closely guarded political strategies? Or that Russia isn't using similar techniques against European countries, including the Ukraine, where they have actually used hacks to shut down the electric power in the capital there?

Jablonski: Russia poses no more of a threat to the US, than Serbia did to the Great Powers before WWI.

That's funny.

Happy Anniversary!