Betrayal

by Mike Latham, ©2022 

(Mar. 2, 2022) — Most of us became acquainted with the word “betrayal” and its meaning at a very young age, likely in catechism class. As we grew older and matured, it became evident that betrayal is commonplace, and sadly, an accepted standard of behavior by many.

In 2021, we saw the betrayal, firsthand, of many Afghan and American citizens during our convoluted exit from that battle-torn country. After 20 years of indescribable suffering and massive losses as measured in human life and treasure, our exit couldn’t have been handled more irresponsibly. Thirteen American military personnel were needlessly and inexcusably
slaughtered during the withdrawal as well as incalculable numbers of Afghan and Americans left behind who will probably be slaughtered in the future. It is incontrovertible that the manner in which America exited Afghanistan guaranteed the betrayal of many Afghans, many in America’s military and of course the American taxpayer. The Betrayal was complete.

Today, one needn’t look any farther than the TV to see betrayal that is beyond human comprehension. Civilians are deliberately targeted and slaughtered amid the indiscriminate shelling, using cluster-bombs, of non-military structures. The media is reporting that 2,000- 3,000 civilians are already dead with massive numbers injured, and the property damage
is incalculable. But who is responsible for the carnage and why is this happening to a free Ukraine?

In 1994, a few years after the dissolution of the USSR, Ukraine was in possession of nuclear weapons. Western powers, headed up by the U.S. and UK, et al, rightfully wanted to disarm/eliminate as many nuclear weapons as possible. At first, Ukraine was wary, but finally agreed to disarm after the West assured its safety in case of a future threat. The West had the better part of 30 years to fulfill that promise to Ukraine and clearly failed to do so. No, the West romanced Vladimir Putin, and as a direct result, Ukraine will likely fall to the Russian aggressor. Its president and close advisors will most certainly all be executed, and the Betrayal will then be complete.

It’s a perilous world in which we live, and the world needs American leadership now more than ever. Let’s hope on November 8th, most Americans understand that reality.