They Never Quit. We Can't Either. Updated

I will apologize in advance for drawing your attention, again, to the fact that the news media is bound and determined to demoralize us.

This headline appeared in my Yahoo! daily "news" email.

Trump defense on Russian bounty story falls flat, even with Republicans

Really? Let's count those "Republicans" for whom the "story falls short".

First up, former Republican and current dishonest pariah (to my great disappointment) John Bolton.

Liz Cheney wants to know why the President wasn't briefed on the issue. Not a word about the President.

Sen. Thom Tillis thinks if the Russians are really doing what has been reported they should be declared state sponsor's of terrorism. Not a word about the President.

Mitch McConnell. Not a word about the President.

I saved the best for last. Cindy McCain. Right, John McCain's widow. I am having a hard time imagining how her comment got in this story. Particularly in a way that implies that she is some sort of important Republican.

The article itself is a hoot. Some highlights.

"Trump has often spoken warmly of his personal relationship with the Russian president and has pursued policies that appear to align with Russian interests, including relocating some American troops from bases in Germany and seeking to have Russia readmitted to the G-7. Russia was expelled from the compact in 2014 as punishment for invading Ukraine and annexing Crimea."

The "punishment", now 6 years old, does not appear to have been very effective does it?

Trump has been very tough on Russia, as is well known. Two words. Fracking and sanctions.

Trump has explained his reasoning, to sum up, "We have a world to run". He wants them at the negotiating table where they can be brow beaten in person. He also suggested adding Australia, India and South Korea.

No doubt you have heard the saying "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer". 

Trump wants to remove some troops from Germany. About 25% of our strength there. 

In the same way as NPR goes ballistic when we try and stop their federal funding, even though it accounts for less than 5% of their revenue, Democrats, who have been clamoring about getting our troops out of everywhere forever (and constantly insist, in addition, that our troops are a bunch of maniacal murderous psychopaths) suddenly think its a disaster and a gift to Putin to remove 9,500 of our 34,000 personnel in Germany. Yes, I think we should take their hysterics seriously, don't you?

Do not believe a word they say.

 

UPDATE: Those troops are being redeployed to....POLAND. On Russia's doorstep.