quaoar’s recent post on Russian Stuff Blowing Up™ mentioned that Squeaker of the House Mike Johnson was going to bring up Ukraine aid on April 8. I responded to a poll via text recently that adds a little perspective to this.
I’m going to repeat a comment that I made on quaoar’s post, because I spent some time constructing it, and I’m lazy.
I received a text from a local number, and for some unknown reason, I decided to respond instead of delete and report it. This poll was clearly authorized by my US Representative, a guy named Steve Scalise.
The first question was “Do you support or oppose U.S. efforts to fund Ukraine’s military defense against Russian aggression?” [Definitely YES].
Second question: “In the upcoming for President, for whom do you plan to vote?” [Joe Biden]
Third question (this is how I know Scalise was involved): “Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Congressman Steve Scalise?” [Very UNFAVORABLE]
Now, the poll starts pushing a little. This one is clearly looking for something to give cover for a switch of positions on Ukraine by Republicans.
Fourth question: According to American Christian leaders, evangelical Christians are being persecuted and tortured by Russian soldiers in the areas of Ukraine that are occupied by Russia. Christians report torture with electrical shocks and being beaten with a baseball bat. Some bodies are too disfigured by torture to be easily identified. Does knowing this information make you more or less likely to support funding for Ukraine? [Makes no difference]
Now, the push starts in ernest. Fifth question: “The weakness President Biden showed in his withdrawal from Afghanistan emboldened Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine. If America stops supporting Ukraine, then it will show weakness to Iran and make them more likely to attack Israel. Does knowing this information make you more or less likely to support funding for Ukraine?
1. Definitely MORE LIKELY
2. Probably MORE LIKELY
3. Definitely LESS LIKELY
4. Probably LESS LIKELY
5. Makes no difference
My response: “Disagree with the premise”
Reply: “I am only able to respond with the choices from above. Is there one that you are leaning towards?”
My response: “Too bad. Trump negotiated the withdrawal, and Trump's weakening of NATO emboldened Putin. Trump also pulled out of Syria against resistance from our military.”
Reply: “Thank you for sharing that with me.” (Me?)
My response: “Just keeping things real.”
Something tells me that my responses weren't what they were looking for.
I think that trying to hold up Ukrainian support is a real loser for the party of National Security, and they know it. The Establishment conservatives are going to win this round, I think.
My first story. Yay!
ADDENDUM: Notably, they're going against Trump’s stated opinion by flip-flopping. I’m sure that someone explained to Trump how badly this has turned out. Which evil oligarchs were behind Trump’s position? My guess is that it’s oilmen that have a strong position in Russia and want to make that investment stand up. The defense industry certainly didn’t like Trump’s position. They want to make—and sell—more equipment and munitions.
