But consider that the bear is casting a wider net. Its pals also see opportunity in the hemisphere that once basked in the security of the Monroe Doctrine:
Russia’s defense minister says the country is planning bases in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, and just last week, Putin’s national security team met to discuss increasing military ties in the region.They smell weakness. They know the Most Equal Comrade, aka Commandante Bracket Pick / Between Two Ferns / Ellen, doesn't give a flying diddly if they colonize both American continents.
“They’re on the march,” Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) said at a Senate hearing earlier this month. “They’re working the scenes where we can’t work. And they’re doing a pretty good job.”Gen. James Kelly, commander of U.S. Southern Command said there has been a “noticeable uptick in Russian power projection and security force personnel” in Latin America.“It has been over three decades since we last saw this type of high-profile Russian military presence,” Kelly said at the March 13 hearing.The U.S. military says it has been forced to cut back on its engagement with military and government officials in Latin America due to budget cuts. Kelly said the U.S. military had to cancel more than 200 effective engagement activities and multi-lateral exercises in Latin America last year.With the American presence waning, officials say rivals such as Russia, China and Iran are quickly filling the void.Iran has opened up 11 additional embassies and 33 cultural centers in Latin America while supporting the "operational presence" of militant group Lebanese Hezbollah in the region.“On the military side, I believe they're establishing, if you will, lily pads for future use if they needed to use them,” Kelly said.China is making a play for Latin America a well, and is now the fastest growing investor in the region, according to experts. Although their activity is mostly economic, they are also increasing military activity through educational exchanges.The Chinese Navy conducted a goodwill visit in Brazil, Chile and Argentina last year and conducted its first-ever naval exercise with the Argentine Navy.Meanwhile, the U.S. had to cancel the deployment of its hospital ship USNS Comfort last year.
The Monroe Doctrine must stand. Isn't Joe Donnelly (D IN) a freedom hater?
ReplyDeleteHe's got this one right. And, as FHer elected officials on Capitol Hill go, he's not a complete goner.
ReplyDeleteSo why don't you stop insulting him and his ilk. That's no way to get along. Oh, that's right, you don't want to get along with anybody who don't jump to your ilk's agenda. Wish the world was like that for you freedom folks. Lovers? I don't think so. I know you like to think of yourselves as clear-eyed pragmatists.
ReplyDeleteSince the fading of the Scoop Jackson wing and JFK's understanding of why low taxes are imperative - and the infiltration by the radicals who had decided to "work within the system" - the Democrat party has had as its unifying principles Western decline and a zeal for stomping out basic human freedom. My use of the term FHer is entirely accurate.
ReplyDeleteLove of freedom is absolutely at the core of the conservative world view.
So you take your cues for your world view from conservatives, how free-thinking!. Many, including me, are fed up with both of your camp's extremes. Just google the rise of the independent voter. Stay insulting then, who cares, we just think it's the pot calling the kettle black.
ReplyDeleteWe stand for economic freedom, Judeo-Christian morality, common sense and an understanding of the price of liberty.
ReplyDelete