Let me say that I completely understand how your children come to the viewpoint about threat and destruction on the continent. I've been aware that the education system has neglected teaching the nearly first two hundred years of American History. There is relatively little discussion of the Revolution - and certainly the non-pc topics of war between indigenous peoples have been transformed to a woke perspective - if they are discussed at all.
Colonists endured wars and destruction from multiple directions until the declaration of independence from being colonists. Once the Revolutionary War was over...there were multiple influences from both France and England that resulted in other gory conflict within this country - that also resulted in loss of land, homes and people.
The Civil War speaks for itself in terms of destruction and death - there has been no worse economic or bloodiest/death destroying war in American history.
Skipping to WWI - America involved itself then due to Germany's unrestricted submarine attacks on US ships AND the Zimmerman Telegram. Your children probably were not taught about the Zimmerman telegram - as my children were not. The lovely umbrella of the National Education system - but - to stay on point - the Zimmerman Telegram dealt with Germany's attempt to form an alliance with Mexico to incite an attack across US southern border.
WWII - US involved after Japense attack on Pearl Harbor (US Soil) where over two thousand US personnel were killed and thousands of civilians were wounded or died. I do know back in the 80's one could still view the bullet holes in buildings around Hickam - preserved so that we would remember. I think now people forget - or - because it did not happen on the mainland - it is not understood the destruction that occurred.
One could put into perspective various bombings - labeled as terrorist events (domestic or otherwise) such as the Oklahoma City Bombing or 9/11.
Do I make a comparison between what has occurred on US soil as to the massive destruction the continent has seen? To an extent. I also recognize that the entire country of England could fit inside the borders of the State of Kansas. The US is massive in habitable size - in comparison to other massive continents as Asia and Russia who are unable to use ALL of the land - it is not habitable for various reasons. what does that have to do with it -you are probably wondering - well...most wars begin over a fight of land or resource control - not just simply dominanace (of course, my opinion).
Europe had no issue when the US demanded that the Soviet Union tear down boundaries that had been agreed upon at the end of WWII. Europe had no problem when the Soviet union fell apart - and god the poverty within those soviet countries would break your heart. Europe has voiced no concern as long as US troops, US money, and US ingenuity have been handed over through various military alliances or trade agreements.
Ukrain should not have ever started. It has always been a curiosity to me that at the very tail end of the Bush Administration - Russia invaded Georgia. Then, near the end of the Obama Adminstration - Russia invaded Crimea. How did either Europe or the US react to either of those actions? Strongly worded letters and sanctions.
If one is going to poke the bear - one is going to have to tangle with the bear. Obama gave Ukraine blankets. Then a change of President. Then Trump gave Ukraine military equipment for both deterrence and protection. Then Biden did nothing but poke and kick the bear further. I ask why?
The questions I have don't deal with whether or not we should remain involved. We should not. And I am not a Putin apologist - as far as I'm concerned they are all SOB's. But I often wonder when the last time we heard of ANY European nation coming to the assistance of the US during times of upheavel (for example weather catastrophies) - giving Americans money or military protection?
And anyone who believes that distance (or a dividing ocean) keeps us removed has not come to understand 21st century warfare at all.
Just my nickels worth - said to you with respect - as before I can agree with an opinion to remain involved in Ukraine - I want some other questions answered first.
Now I'm going back to finish burning brunch 
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- observer March 9, 2025, 10:49 am
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