Betrayal

Today is October 18, just 16 days from election day here in the US. Run ups to elections have never been pretty, but this one really seems to stand out for not just unpleasant campaign ads, but dangerous actions and rhetoric.

In an apparent effort to lower gas prices pressure is being brought to bear on Ukraine to stop attacking Russian infrastructure, pressure in the form of slowing down Starshield terminals to under 100 mph. This hinders Ukraine’s ability to shoot down Russia’s Shahed drones which fly closer to 200 mph. This is not just a betrayal of a country fighting for its very existence but also of American citizens who expect their government to protect their security and not give aid and comfort to our adversaries, which includes Russia under Putin. There was a reason even Lindsey Graham supported sanctions on Russian oil.

For those voters who backed Trump in 2024 with the distinct goal of having him back off forever wars and deal with inflation, Trump has been a no show. For our allies who expected the United States to have their backs, Trump has been a no show.

We also have Donald Trump telling Americans he would authorize payments of $5,000 to every American eligible to vote if Republicans keep control of the US House and Senate. The estimated cost is $1.2 trillion. Not only is this a waste of taxpayer dollars, it is a blatant bribe. For those Americans who are concerned about our spending and expected Trump to do something, he has been a no show.

I could go on, but I feel like I am beating a dead horse sometimes. All of the above actions by Trump are an effort by him to help the Republicans maintain control of Congress. The Trump administration has been busy undermining our governmental infrastructure and our relationships with our allies, by inserting corruption and incompetence into our government. All this at a time when there are so many serious issues facing our nation; climate change, AI development, the various wars that are ongoing, an economy that is hamstrung by rising inflation due to a war Trump started with Iran and the benefits that China is deriving from our incompetence.

There are signs that maybe some Americans are beginning to realize that they bought a pig in a poke. I can only hope that is the case, because as it stands we have been betrayed by our elected officials and it is time that this “sleeping giant” awoke to that fact.

Just one area of my country: