Can someone please explain how the West can speak of democracy and support their position in Ukraine at the same time? I am confused. Not understanding does not mean I am right and others are wrong, simply means I don't understand.
In simple terms:
The Ukraine had an elected - democratic government. There was a perceived significant divide in support between two regions of Ukraine but at the same time, the government did represent the majority. A rebel government who appear to represent a significant minority, have seized control of Kiev the capital of Ukraine, a geographical area with most support for those rebels. The West has made the decision that this rebel government is the lawful democratic government.
Prime Minister Harper and President Obama seem to avoid the small issue of democracy. The U.S. and Canada seem to be staggering and acting like drunk bullies at a party trying to garner enough support to take on an equally-capable opponent.
I am a member of the Conservative Party and I believe Mr. Harper has been a very good leader over the years. I also have great respect for Mr. Obama. Unfortunately, today I see Mr. Obama taking a stance that you might expect from a dinosaur republican.
Before the next news reporter tries to eloquently explain the complexities of the Ukraine, can someone explain democracy and how it fits into this story?
If there is such a significant geographical divide in the Ukraine, would democracy not be best decided by allowing the country to separate. Or would that be inconvenient in that the money of the country lies in the Russian influenced east Ukraine?
Nick Fedorkiw wrote a review of the Ukraine situation as it relates to energy. The article, simplistic as it is, has merit. Worldly decisions are often based on energy, the ultimate power. I don't agree with Mr. Fedorkiw's inference that Russia is the villain.
Believing that Mr. Harper is a brilliant economics man I tried to reason his thought. Russia is a main competitor of Canada - potash, petroleum, grain, forest products. Maybe if Canada can lay the boots to Russia by imposing sanctions we can pick up a few bucks in trade? Further, let's say we do take Russia out of some of the trade areas, that would just make Russia more reliant on China and India making it more difficult for Canada to compete, driving commodity prices lower. Canada has lots to loose?
Where is democracy in all this Ukraine / Russian bashing. Someone please explain?
Gerry Lundquist
Prince George
