-
Coal Matters — Even in Manhattan
June 25, 2012 | 14 comments
-
An Unprecedented Two-Track Move
March 14, 2012 | 37 comments
-
He Kept His Eyes on the Prize
January 9, 2012 | 83 comments
-
A 2012 Conservative Case for America’s Future
January 4, 2012 | 23 comments
-
If Israel Strikes…
November 4, 2011 | 153 comments
The Obama Watch
Trust, Don’t Verify
Trust the Russians to take Obama for a ride.
President Reagan’s famous dictum, which he often quoted to Mikhail Gorbachev in Russian, was Trust But Verify. (In Russian, it rhymes: Doverai, no proverai.) President Obama has recognized that Reagan was a “transformational” president. He says he gave the old man credit, though he never gave him his vote.
Now, Barack Obama is determined also to be a transformational president. And he is succeeding in this. More’s the pity. His Russian policy is one of “Trust, Don’t Verify.”
First, he cancelled missile defense for our new allies — Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic. This was done with the hope and expectation that it would make the Russians more cooperative on Iran.
Russia has responded by pulling the teeth of any sanctions resolution at the UN that threatened to really bite the Iranian mullahs. The Washington Post tells us — in a front-page story, no less — the absorbing tale of Vyacheslav Danilenko, Russian nuclear scientist, who is said to be aiding Iran in development of a nuclear weapon.
The UN’s own International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA said that Danilenko is at the heart of “Iran’s efforts to gain expertise in disciplines essential to building a nuclear warhead”).
So much for trusting the Russians. In The Hunt for Red October, the gruff U.S. admiral played by the redoubtable Fred Thompson says: “The Russians don’t take a c—p without order from Moscow.” Fred got that part right. To think that Danilenko could travel to and from Tehran on “business” without the Kremlin knowing and approving is ludicrous.
But we trust the Russians, don’t we? Before President Obama’s famous “hamburger summit” with puppet president Medvedev, the FBI collared ten Russian spies. Surely, we would never subject these Kremlin agents to enhanced interrogation. In fact, they were quickly issued exit visas and put on a direct flight to Moscow. They did not pass GO, they didn’t even get a TSA pat down.
Nothing could stand in the way of the Obama administration’s fast track for the START Treaty with Russia, ratified by the lame ducks of the 111th Congress. Vice President Joe Biden was their point man in hurrying this treaty through last December. Biden has a long history of trusting the Russians. He went to Moscow in 1979, when Barack Obama was just old enough to vote.
Biden told the KGB in 1979 that we were most interested in arms control. Human rights was a matter of lesser interest. As a result, we got no arms control agreement that could be ratified — even by a Democratic Senate. And thousands more Russians were thrown into the Gulag.
Biden’s Russian expertise: trust, don’t verify.
The Wall Street Journal reports, in a front-page story, that American astronaut Dan Burbank is “hitching a ride to the International Space Station.” Thanks to Mr. Obama’s re-ordering of priorities for NASA, we no longer have the capacity to send up astronauts ourselves. Instead, we can trust the Russians to take us for a ride.
President Obama recently met with outgoing President Medvedev in Honolulu. They conferred on ways to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Forgetting for the moment that Dmitri Medvedev faithfully plays the monkey to Vladimir Putin’s organ grinder, what possible common interest could we have with Russia in framing a policy on Iran?
Reuters reports the two men discussed Syria during their meeting. Does our president know that Russia has been a backer of Syria for decades? And that Syria is a virtual client state of Iran?
Can we trust the Russians? Should “Trust, Don’t Verify” be our new policy toward Moscow? I can agree with this much of Astronaut Dan Burbank’s merriment: you can always trust the Russians to take Americans for a ride.
About the Author
Ken Blackwell, the former mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio is Vice Chairman of the Republican National Committee’s Platform Committee. He also serves on the boards of the Club For Growth and the National Taxpayers Union.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (27) | Leave a comment
More Articles by Ken Blackwell
More Articles From The Obama Watch
http://spectator.org/archives/2011/11/17/trust-dont-verify
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
Robbins Mitchell| 11.17.11 @ 6:13AM
The Russkies know what a punk Barokeydoke is and they treat the boy accordinly...frankly,I don't blame them a bit
Alan Brooks| 11.17.11 @ 9:08PM
Bush tried to get a rise out of the Russians by proposing ABM in Poland. After what Russia went through in WWII no wonder they threatened the Poles.
Richard Baker| 11.17.11 @ 7:05AM
The furball in the White House proves that PT Barnum was correct when he said that a sucker is born every minute. This joker is blown away by his own "brilliance." Wait til it hits him that the Russians think him the consummate fool. Putin knows his pigeon.
Jack in WI| 11.17.11 @ 7:32AM
Putin is a predator, he knows what prey looks like. Putting this White House occupant in the same room with Putin is like putting a slab of beef into the lions den at your favorite zoo. Dinner served.
Boar Hunter| 11.17.11 @ 12:26PM
Boar Hunter| 11.16.11 @ 12:24PM
Jack, Why do you think your comments have any relevance?
Ron Paul, and those like you who support his policies, would have the rest of us believe he stands for a strong defense of America. Defended by who Jack? You?
By your own admission, you boast of being a coward whose father extolled the virtues of being a coward.
How ironic it is that you fail to understand that America and your right to slander it with your vile, daily displays of ignorance will always be left to the defense of other, better men.
Let me ask you Jack, in your world, did the bully on the playground ever leave other people alone because they were simply minding their own business?
Since you are intelligent, but cruel, my guess is you wound up one of the bullies lackeys to protect yourself from him. Oh I know he hit you once in a while, but it was worth it wasn't it Jack? After all he never hit you as hard as he did the other kids you taunted on the bullies behalf.
Im curious Jack, I'm retired and don't spend anywhere near the time you do writing on this site. Where do you find the time? Do you depend on others for your protection as well as your livelihood?
TrueBlue| 11.17.11 @ 4:51PM
As much as I disagree with Jack's usual statements, in this one he was quite correct in regards to Putin. This statement didn't warrant your response to him.
williams.1343@osu.edu| 11.17.11 @ 4:58PM
....I don't disagree, Mr. TrueBlue, but given the content of Cheesehead Jack's thousands of previous posts, consider it the equivalent of a Lifetime Achievement Award....
Maxwell| 11.17.11 @ 8:19AM
I just have a mental picture of Barry putting up drapes or riding a girls bike while my picture of Putin is one of him holding a smoking 45 after blowing someones brains out then going for ice cream.
Timothy L. Pennell| 11.17.11 @ 9:35AM
Kenny, Kenny, Kenny. C'mon. You're not a stupid guy. And, neither is Hussain. EVERYTHING HE DOES, he does on purpose. He does, what he does, because he wants to. One need only read his Books.
His Mother was an Atheist/Communist, and his Daddy was a Muslim/Marxist. His Maternal Grandparents were Communists. His 2 Mentors were a Communist and a Marxist. He began his Political Career in the Living Room of two Unrepentant Marxist/Domestic Terrorists.
Here's the question: Which side, in The Cold War, do you believe was ROOTING FOR? Which side, do you believe, did he consider to be The Good Guys? So why does it surprise anyone that he would Kiss Russian Ass, at the Expense of The GREAT SATAN? Or force us to humble ourselves before the Russians, for a "RIDE" on their Space Craft.
And, speaking of The Great Satan: Why do YOU think that he's INVISIBLE, when it comes to Iran? Let me guess: He's incompetent. He's inexperienced. He doesn't know what he's doing.
How about a little OCCAM'S RAZOR? How about, he's not "Meddling" with Iran, because HE DOESN'T WANT TO? How about, because he's ONE OF THEM. His Father was a Muslim. His Stepfather was a Muslim. He was RAISED in Muslim Indonesia, for the 1st 11Years of his life. Attending Muslim Schools and Mosques. He knelt on his very own Prayer Rug, facing Mecca, and prayed to a God of MURDER, for Death to America, and Death to the JEWS, 5 times a day.
Am I getting through to you?
Hamas believes that Barry was sent by Allah, to DELIVER them. They believe that his rise to Power, signals the END of the JEWS. They sell Drinking Mugs with his picture on them. They have given him the name: ABU HUSSAIN. Son of the Father. One by one, Arab States fall in to the hands of the Islamists. The calls for WAR against Israel, increase with each passing day. And it's all happening on ABU HUSSAIN'S watch.
You want "Trust but Verify", Kenny? Okay. Trust ME. I've just "VERIFIED" everything you thought you knew about him, but were afraid to ask.
You're welcome.
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.17.11 @ 9:46AM
Timothy,
you surely save me a lot of typing. Well spoken, sir!
Margie| 11.17.11 @ 1:58PM
Hey slanderer Ken:
How's that "deal" going that you told me you had with God?
Ya know~ the one where you're supposedly allowed to use His Name in vain?
How's your conscience today, liar and false accuser?
First, you claimed you had the "e mails to PROVE" I asked you to marry me.
Then, you changed your story, and said I didn't ask you that, but I "inquired how your marriage was going" and that you don't have the "PROOF" because "I asked you to delete them!"
So, which is it, you lying reprobate, hmm?
"The LORD has made himself known, he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands." Ps. 9:16.
Cookie Sewell| 11.17.11 @ 11:11AM
I think the correct quote from the movie was "A Russian won't take a dump without a plan, son."
Still they are on a roll and unfortunately we are not. The operative view of the Russians is pretty straightforward - "Ne meshayte rabotu" - don't interfere in my business.
shipley130| 11.17.11 @ 12:02PM
I'm imagining Obama as a pack mule, with Putin leading him along on his high dollar quarter horse.
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.17.11 @ 12:40PM
Folks,
Keep your powder dry, and your escape hatch close by.
I invite each of you to American Thinker today.
Specifically "...Buy A Gun"...and "slow Motion Trainwreck"
Margie| 11.17.11 @ 1:58PM
How's your conscience, Ken?
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.17.11 @ 4:44PM
Hi Margie
I love you but I am still not interested in discussing marrying you. I noticed that you posted a couple of my e-mails to you. Why don't YOU post the email from YOU? OH...did you delete it for secrecy?
PS: My conscience is just fine, and my relationship with The Lord is just fine. I stumble along trying to follow Him. Heh! I made one fatal mistake. Well two. First, I disagreed with you about Roman catholics, and second I said NO!
I am delighted to be the outlet for your need to vent venom each day. Perhaps I can keep you off the backs of our Roman brothers and sisters in Christ.
Margie| 11.17.11 @ 5:55PM
You HAVE no conscience.
YOU made the charge here publicly, that I asked you to marry you, you filthy scumbag.
YOU also claimed you had the e mails to PROVE it.
I repeatedly asked you to post them, you did not, because you COULD not.
Then, as of yesterday, you claimed that I did not ask you to marry me but that I "expressed sadness about my marriage and inquired about yours."
A LIE! You changed your story as well saying that~ OOps! you don't have the emails BEAUSE I ASKED YOU TO DELETE them!
Are you that perverted that you really think anybody with half a brain cannot see what a freaking liar you are?
You are SICK, and will burn in Hell for continuing to lie and slander me here.
God takes what you are doing VERY seriously.
Reprobate pervert.
"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death." Rev. 21:28.
Oh, and now you think Roman Catholics are "your brothers".
LOL.
I'll just keep posting your e mail showing what a liar you are:
From: Ken
Subject: Re: My post on am spec tonight
Date: January 20, 2010 7:37:34 PM EST
To: vicandmargie
You may not realize it (heh) but I put down our resident "catholic pompous ass" all the time.
Just any time I refer to his church...I call it simply the "Roman church". If you want to prick his balloon that is all that is necessary (evil smile). You can also refer to the statues of the "Saints" in Rome being nothing more than the old Roman gods (little g) with new signs painted on their feet.
(I know...I have seen them in person. little plaques glued tackily on those beautiful carved marble statues.)
Roman church members just absolutely detest being called (correctly by the rest of Christendom) as nothing more than idol worshippers.
Heh, I must warn you though, the insult kicked off one of the "Crusades" though I have forgotten which. It is a killin' insult I delight in when a so-called catholic (which means universal, by the way),
uses the word "catholic". I simply tell them..."No No...I'm in the CATHOLIC CHURCH! You are in that Roman idol worshipping cult from Rome".
Use the insult sparingly, however. Just say "Roman Church". They usually get the message.
You will note that JP NEVER screws with me any more.
God loves you, lady.
REPENT, REPROBATE!
Margie| 11.17.11 @ 7:13PM
You're a pervert.
Looky thar!
Seems Ken agrees with me about the false Religion of Catholicism.
Ken the liar just keeps them coming:
More from Ken and his phony claiming to call Catholics his "brothers".
Keep lying Ken, I will post your hypocritical emails for all to see:
From: Ken
Subject: Re:
Date: December 21, 2009 7:58:57 AM EST
To: vicandmargie
Margie you shouldn't feel bad, nor should you "fight with him or any rock-ribbed Catholic".
The poor souls think that sprinkling watwr on them and some priest mumbling ...makes them Christians...because Roman priests have been doing that for two thousand years
Their church wants their "laymen" to keep their ignorant noses out of their Bibles, (and yes Virginia, There is a Catholic version...heh...).
Erica Brigid| 11.17.11 @ 6:33PM
At the beginning of the APEC summit one Russian newspaper headed their article: "Obama Put a Hawaiian Shirt on Medvedev." Several Russian commenters suggested that, when Obama comes to Russia for next year's summit, Putin should "put lapti on him." Lapti, basket-like slippers made of bark or straw, were worn by peasants of the most hayseed kind. To "put lapti on someone" is slang for really putting one over on him.
Richard Baker| 11.17.11 @ 6:39PM
Seems as if Margie has nothing better to do than insult one and all and then profess to be a Christian. Curiouser and curiouser.
Margie| 11.17.11 @ 7:14PM
You've done plenty of disgusting insulting yourself you filthy lying hypocrite.
You take pleasure in your filth, don't you, liar?
DaveD| 11.17.11 @ 11:30PM
Margie, Margie, Margie
"“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
--- Matthew 4, 43-48
Niniane| 11.17.11 @ 9:03PM
Obama seems to sit at Putin's knee studying the methods of the old Soviet Union-style socialism. And what better to learn from than an old KGB operative.
There are already too many examples that America is well on its way to our own socialism, bolstered by a new world order where Comrade Obamakov hopes to be dictator, or at least be part of the Central Committee.
Dimitri Aleksandrovich| 11.18.11 @ 6:59AM
Putin is definitely "NOT" a socialist. In fact I think in some instances he may be to eager to privatize certain sectors of the Russian economy that remain nationalized. Also I hope that Moscow has a plan to protect Russian industry (i.e. Russian jobs) when they officially become members of the WTO.
POST American| 11.17.11 @ 10:37PM
----Meanwhile, even as the ever dubiously
sourced FUKISHIMA world depop op goes
into its 10th month of cover up --even as
the contaminated debris hits Caifornia
---even as we learn, on Yahoo News, of
a VAST, mysterious 'satelite guidance
grid' deep in the deserts of Globalist
created, directed, US taxpayer underwritten
RED China----
--------------HUAC/ NUREMBERG 2012-------------
Dimitri Aleksandrovich| 11.18.11 @ 4:55AM
The Russian Federation is not the Soviet Union. Russians are not the natural enemy of the United States, but the United States has certainly been treating Russia as an enemy. How else can you explain the post Cold War NATO expansion around Russia or missile defense in Poland and Turkey. How about the expansion of American military installations into the former Soviet Republics of Central Asia or the support for anti-Russian color revolutions in the Ukraine, Georgia and elsewhere. The same revolutions that brought the anti-Russian Saakashvilli to power in Georgia who started a war with Russia in 2008 and some of the hawks like McCain in the U.S. wanted to go so far as to add Georgia to NATO which would only increase the chances of armed conflict between the U.S. and Russians.
I guess my point is that the Russians don't trust the United States and why should they? Have we respected their historical sphere of influence since the fall of the Soviet Union? Did we not bomb their slavic and Orthodox Christian ally Serbia and partition Kosovo on behalf of a bunch of Albanian terrorists known as the KLA? Have we not supported anti-Russian governments in the former Soviet Union (including the Ukraine which is historically Russian) and pushed our own agendas in those countries. There is even evidence of US involvement with Chechen Islamists who want to separate the South territory of Russia from the Motherland. Why does Russia support Iran and Syria it is because Iran and Syria have been much more loyal and dependable friends of Russia than America has ever been and will ever be as long as it is a global empire (which it is).
Dimitri Aleksandrovich| 11.18.11 @ 4:55AM
The Russian Federation is not the Soviet Union. Russians are not the natural enemy of the United States, but the United States has certainly been treating Russia as an enemy. How else can you explain the post Cold War NATO expansion around Russia or missile defense in Poland and Turkey. How about the expansion of American military installations into the former Soviet Republics of Central Asia or the support for anti-Russian color revolutions in the Ukraine, Georgia and elsewhere. The same revolutions that brought the anti-Russian Saakashvilli to power in Georgia who started a war with Russia in 2008 and some of the hawks like McCain in the U.S. wanted to go so far as to add Georgia to NATO which would only increase the chances of armed conflict between the U.S. and Russians.
I guess my point is that the Russians don't trust the United States and why should they? Have we respected their historical sphere of influence since the fall of the Soviet Union? Did we not bomb their slavic and Orthodox Christian ally Serbia and partition Kosovo on behalf of a bunch of Albanian terrorists known as the KLA? Have we not supported anti-Russian governments in the former Soviet Union (including the Ukraine which is historically Russian) and pushed our own agendas in those countries. There is even evidence of US involvement with Chechen Islamists who want to separate the South territory of Russia from the Motherland. Why does Russia support Iran and Syria it is because Iran and Syria have been much more loyal and dependable friends of Russia than America has ever been and will ever be as long as it is a global empire (which it is).