As we watch another “crimes against humanity” episode on the world stage erupt in Ukraine, we can recognize that the United States is unable to take the high moral ground and boldly and unequivocally denounce these “crimes” for exactly what they are.
The key reason, I believe, that the United States withdrew itself from the International Court of Justice during the Bush administration, a mere 20 years ago, in order to protect Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz and Bush from their criminal responsibility for orchestrating and conducting their war crimes in Iraq. (Can you imagine what would it be like living and walking on your land while the lethal sirens of the monstrosity of the U.S. Air Force rains bombs and missiles down from above?)
Because of these U.S. “sins of the past,” the current administration is unable to command the moral, legal and humane leadership role it once occupied — a role which most other countries depended on. Is it possible that the U.S. has learned from its own sinful acts? I think not. Rather, the recently minted, radicalized violent Republicans sponsored and emboldened by Trumpism, have an entirely different mission in mind.
In the only country on the planet where there are more guns than citizens, the RVR has decided to turn its aim and its war mongering on itself — the very democracy that has provided the basis for its development and expression. If the RVR succeeds, who will be able to provide the moral, legal and humane leadership the world so desperately needs?
Alan Kanner
Amherst