It's beginning to look more and more that Russia is making substantial progress in exerting control over the US government. There's the current Chief Executive, a man who spews insults willy-nilly but oddly defends Russia and Putin consistently. There's his former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, who made money helping Russia in its intrigues against Ukraine. And Carter Page, whose frequent contacts with Russian intelligence got him interviewed by the FBI. The current amateur Secretary of State, Rex (here, boy!), who was given a decoration by Putin himself. Of course, Mike Flynn, who attended an event with Putin, had to resign. But not for illegally conducting foreign policy, and conferring on ending sanctions against Russia, but for lying to Pence about it. Except for that, they had no objection whatsoever about what he did. Now we hear that other campaign aides had numerous contacts with Russian intelligence! On the Right, none care to call it treason.
It may seem inconceivable that folks who present themselves as highly patriotic could collude with a foreign power. A nation hostile to Democracy, that works to undermine it in numerous places. A nation many consider an enemy. This can't be real. Surely it's just "fake news", right? Sadly, no.
It goes beyond being financially indebted to shady Russian oligarchs. They might not be victims of blackmail-- it could be voluntarily fealty to the Kremlin.The thing is, Russia and Putin have come to win the admiration of many on the Right here in America. (Sort of how like Hitler admired Mussolini.) They see Russia as standing in defense of Western civilization, not only against Islamic extremism from without, but against decadence from within. Russian government is very illiberal in social policy, especially when it comes to gay rights (which American moralists appreciate). And this explains illiberal Russia: The Orthodox Church is back in the driver's seat. But they had no Renaissance, no Enlightenment, no Age of Reason. They are culturally poorer as a result and it shows.
The preceding should give us pause. But American Rightists too often see Russia as an ally, rather than an enemy. This is incredibly naive. Russia does not wish us well, and we should not sacrifice the values that make our society a free one. Nor our independence!
So are the Russophiles here lapdogs, puppets, lackeys, stooges? It's quite possible, and we need to be especially watchful when it comes to who's in charge now. They already ignore the spy sub off our coast, and Russia's recent violation of Reagan's 1987 Arms Control Treaty. Look for them to completely eliminate sanctions, and to accept Russian aggression in Eastern Europe, even in defiance of our NATO obligations. That will prove where their allegiance lies: Russia First!
Sincerely,
Stephen Van Eck
Rushville, PA