Call Putin’s bluff

OPINION:

President Biden is failing miserably as the leader of the free world. Instead of taking initiative, Mr. Biden is allowing our enemies to dictate our options. He and NATO are setting a dangerous precedent by allowing Russia to push Ukraine to the brink of humanitarian disaster.

The threat of nuclear war with Russia has become a get-out-of-jail-free card over the years, enabling the oppressive Russian President Vladimir Putin to do anything he wants anywhere he wants. Worse yet, here in Hawaii our residents know all too well that China is watching Ukraine for a playbook on how it might gobble up Taiwan. If we look the other way on Ukraine, China may threaten the Pacific next.

Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines recently suggested to the House Intelligence Committee that Mr. Putin’s nuclear threats are merely bluster. We need to call Mr. Putin’s bluff and not allow the Russian army to indiscriminately slaughter civilians or permit Russia to annex Ukraine. International relations is about initiative, not fear. If you keep running from the school bully, he keeps chasing you. But if you stop, turn around and hit him hard, he’ll think twice the next time.

Fear of nuclear war will cause nuclear war. It’s time to resist Russia and save Ukraine.

DANNY DE GRACIA

Waipahu, Hawaii