Trouble in the Ukraine - Part Five

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[caption id="attachment_2418" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Map of the Ukraine[/caption]

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                    Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today, in Paris, leaders from the European Union, the United States, Russia and the Ukraine meet to tamp down mounting tensions and rhetoric. The European Union has prepared an aid package worth $15 billion dollars, to help replace funds looted from the Ukrainian treasury, shortly before the corrupt leaders were ousted.

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        “the EU froze the assets of 18 people held responsible for misappropriating state funds in Ukraine, echoing similar action in Switzerland and Austria. The list, which likely targeted officials in the ousted government or businessmen related to them, were withheld until Thursday to prevent anyone from withdrawing the funds at the last minute.”[1]

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You see, My Dear Readers, which is not something I have heard reported much in the mainstream media, and not at all on Fox. The Ukrainian people revolted against their government because of deep corruption that included, but was not limited to, the theft of funds from the Ukrainian treasury by elected officials. These funds were taken by elected officials and, in certain instances, given to prominent businessmen within the Ukraine. The corruption and theft was, evidently, rampant prior to the start of the protests.

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I cannot help but think that if this happened here in America… if elected officials were found to be defrauding the United States Treasury (not just the run of the mill pork) that, we too, as Americans would rise up against said elected officials and any businessmen that were involved. Contrary to the hyperbolic rhetoric proffered as fact was President Putin, the revolutionaries were not “Neo-Nazis” or “anti-Semites”. Rather these stalwart Ukrainians were working together to take back their government from corrupt elected officials and businessmen.

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As well, today saw the United States working to bring $1 billion dollars of aid to the new Ukrainian government. President Putin has backed away from his initial position and sent orders to troops, in the border areas of the Ukraine, to return to their bases. While Russian President Putin still seeks to make hay over change in government in the Ukraine, calmer heads will prevail.

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        “"This is my first trip to such an important venue where the Ukrainian future, maybe the future of the region, will be decided," Andriy Deshchytsia, Ukraine's foreign minister, said of the meetings in Paris. "We want to keep neighborly relations with the Russian people. We want to settle this peacefully."[2]  

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America’s Secretary of State, John Kerry, is attending the talks in Paris, today.  Today NATO (the North American Treaty Organization) engaged Russia directly.

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        “NATO was taking up the issue directly with Russia in an extraordinary meeting in Brussels of the military alliance, originally created as a counterbalance to the Soviet Union.”[3]

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Whereas I have no doubt that certain elements of American media, and their counterparts in the American government, will seek to continue to spin the problems in the Ukraine into fodder… red meat for the base, the truth of the matter is that calmer heads will prevail. President Putin will, likely, still feed his press with red meat and grouse and grumble at the loss of the Ukraine to the European Union. At this time, the die seems cast.

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The Iron Curtain is lifting from the Ukraine, and the international community gets a new democratic member. The people of the Ukraine will gain self-governance, and work to replace funds stolen from their treasury. Barring any unseen powder-keg in this situation I expect that all elements involved will work towards a peaceful resolution of this conflict. This is a victory for reasoned debate and further evidence that mankind does posses the ability to peaceably resolve our conflicts.

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I will bring any change or escalation of this conflict to you, My Dear Readers, just as soon as possible. Now, I hope to get back to writing about; American politics, The Mars Report, and my introductory horror article.

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank YOU!

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www.ebay.com/usr/enzomatrixlt

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[1]http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-crisis-diplomats-in-paris-tension-over-russia-takeover-of-crimea-lavrov/

[2]http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-crisis-diplomats-in-paris-tension-over-russia-takeover-of-crimea-lavrov/

[3] ibid

 

Trouble in the Ukraine - Part Four

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[caption id="attachment_2431" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Crimea Close-Up[/caption]

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                Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. As promised here is the most recent information on the Ukraine. In an obvious reaction to President Obama’s public statements that

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        “President Putin is on the wrong side of history”[1]

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along with growing pressure from the international community and the majority of the G20 leaders, President Putin has blinked. The world is still awash in mixed messages, and in that regard President Putin is creating other (more personal) concerns… that I will address towards the end of this article. However, Tuesdya’s military actions is clear.

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        “The supreme commander of the armed forces of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, gave the order for the troops and units, taking part in the military exercises, to return to their bases," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying…”[2]

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Prior to Tuesday’s order, there were close to 150,000 Russian troops, military vehicles and support services along the border of the Ukraine. These troops were, supposedly, part of military maneuvers that curiously coincided with Russia’s Upper House of Parliament voting to give President Putin the authority to use troops and military hardware as he desired without outlining where of why first. Even as President Putin is ordering the troops to leave the border areas, he was still engaged in false bravado in front of the press.

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This dichotomy, between President Putin’s words and his actions, are causing growing concerns regarding his sanity. It is obvious that President Putin is concerned about the shrinking landmass of the Russian state, and with it the loss of stature in the international community. In 2008, when the country Georgia moved to separate from the Russian nation, President Putin engaged with military troops, too. This is a troubling pattern of behavior, on the part of the Russian President.

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Regardless of President Obama’s (many and vocal) detractors, it is obvious that the words and actions of our current President (and his working international leaders) has made huge inroads. Inroads towards dissipating this crisis in the Ukraine, and forcing President Putin’s hand towards removing troops from the Ukrainian border areas. As well, even though President Putin is still barking in his comments to the press, he has walked back earlier comments saying the new government of the Ukraine was ;

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        ““an anti-constitutional coup and a military seizure of power” in Kiev had led to a situation inside Ukraine that was chaotic and out of control…”

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        “We see the revelry of neo-Nazis, nationalists and anti-Semites that is currently going on in different parts of Ukraine,” Putin said.”[3]

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The dialogue has toned down considerably since the earlier remarks. Even the voice of the far right, Fox ‘News’, is reporting that these comments are proven false and that President Putin’s actions are not in the best interests of Russia and the Russian people.

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We are far from having the results most Americans, and most of the international community, want to see. Yet, the dynamics have changed, as has the direction of the inertia in this conflict. I sincerely hope that in the coming weeks, I will be able to report that Russia has removed all troops and that the people of the Ukraine are moving towards membership in the European Union.

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 As I have promised, I will continue to work towards bring you, My Dear Readers, timely and truthful updates to the situation in the Ukraine.

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank YOU!

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[1]http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-crisis-putin-is-on-the-wrong-side-of-history-says-president-obama-9166831.html

[2]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/10674812/Vladimir-Putin-orders-troops-near-Ukraine-border-to-return-to-bases.html

[3]http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20140304/188083232/Putin-Military-Invasion-in-Ukraine-Last-Resort.html

 

Trouble in the Ukraine – Part Three

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[caption id="attachment_2431" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Crimea Close-Up[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. First a little personal update, this morning I woke up to a fever… again. It was 99.8 degrees when I woke up and 101.2 by noon. Last night I had the raspy... water-like sounds in my chest, again. I took all the antibiotics, just as prescribed, and this crud has returned anyway. I ache all over, fevers just drive me nuts, and the coughing is starting up.

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I am going to do my best to write through this episode, My Dear Readers. I just cannot take the hit to my readership that comes with any absence. I have started a little horror story, it is called “The Horror in Smithville”. It is a tale of two middle school aged boys, and their adventures when a carnival comes to town. I started writing right before this crud decided to revisit my chest.

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I will do my best to get the first part of ‘The Horror of Smithville’ published this week. Right now, I want to write about the changes happening with Russia and the Ukraine. It appears that Russian President Putin has taken leaves of his senses, and putting his nation of poor footing for the future.

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This morning President Obama addressed the Russian President:

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        “"I spent the weekend talking to leaders across Europe, and I think the world is largely united in recognizing that the steps Russia has taken are a violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, their territorial integrity — that they're a violation of international law, they're a violation of previous agreements Russia has made with regard to how it treats and respects its neighbors," Obama said Monday at the White House.[1]

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The world is “largely united” in condemnation of the incursion of Russian military troops into Crimea. President Obama has made it clear that by putting troops into Crimea Putin has “put Russia on the wrong side of history”[2]

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President Obama went even further, in his remarks, outlining the course of action the international community will take if Russia continues in its ill-fated course of action. 

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        “What we are also indicating to the Russians is, if, in fact, they continue on trajectory that they're on, that we are examining a whole series of steps — economic, diplomatic — that will isolate Russia. and will have a negative impact on Russia's economy and its status in the world," the president said.”[3]

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Since these comments were made by President Obama, signals coming out of Russia, and Crimea, have become mixed… even confused.

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        “Russia's Black Sea Fleet chief Aleksander Vitko threatened a full assault if they did not surrender by dawn on Tuesday, the sources said.

However, Interfax news agency later quoted a Russian spokesman denying that any ultimatum had been issued.”[4]

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This mixed message does little to help Russia’s image in the international community, and calls into question President Putin’s ability to control his commanders. Putin is well known for his statements of bravado, which all too often are later retracted. Ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has (reportedly) asked Russian to use military force in the Ukraine.

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The movement of two thousand troops on to the Russian base in Crimea was seen to be an answer to this plea for military assistance. However, with two days past since these troops arrived, and no further action or movement has been reported, calls into question Putin’s real motives.

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With the entire international community prepared to welcome the Ukraine into the European Union, NATO, and eventually the United Nations. It would be a failed strategy for President Putin to involve Russian troops, anymore than they are already. The White House and the United Nations Security Counsel are already drafting economic sanctions and  travel restrictions on Russian Officials.

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[caption id="attachment_2430" align="aligncenter" width="454"] Crimea[/caption]

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INHO President Putin would be best served by allowing his commanders to look foolish, and taking no further action. He need not remove the troops, now stationed in the Russian Port/Base in Crimea. Just do not use them to further engage the Ukrainian people. The Ukraine has made it abundantly clear that they wish to move away from being a Russian province and are asserting the sovereignty. Allowing the Ukraine to have another vote on their President. Not blocking movement to join the European Union, and not exercising their security counsel vote to block Ukrainian membership into the Untied Nations would be the smart course of action.

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Well now, My Dear Readers, I am going to get back to resting and trying to get my fever back down. I hope to publish again, soon.

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here to read my work.

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Thank you!

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The Other Shoe eBay Store

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[1]http://www.nbcnews.com/#/storyline/ukraine-crisis/obama-allies-agree-russia-broke-international-law-n43326

[2]http://www.nbcnews.com/#/storyline/ukraine-crisis/obama-allies-agree-russia-broke-international-law-n43326

[3]http://www.nbcnews.com/#/storyline/ukraine-crisis/obama-allies-agree-russia-broke-international-law-n43326

[4]http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26424738

 

Trouble in the Ukraine - Part Two

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[caption id="attachment_2424" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Russian Troops entering the Ukraine[/caption]

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                Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. As promised when the situation changed I told you I would update you, My Dear Readers. Russia has made a fatal mistake, in the Ukraine. As of Sunday morning Russian military troops have moved into the Crimea province of the Ukraine.

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        “said15,000 Russian troops are already in Crimea and that their numbers are “increasing every hour.”[1]

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This transpired after a vote, Saturday, of the Upper House of Russia’s government. Their vote gave President Putin the power to move Russian troops into the Ukraine, without having to specify where first. Ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and the newly elected Prime Minister of Crimea, Sergei Aksenov;

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        “appealed for Russian troops to enter Ukraine's Autonomous Republic of Crimea.”[2]

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This is a grave escalation of the situation in the Ukraine, and has drawn great ire by the international community. On Friday, from the White House pressroom, President Obama warned President Putin and all parties involved:

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        “"there will be costs for any military intervention in Ukraine."[3]

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Personally, I am amazed at the level of stupidity shown by Putin, and the Russian Parliament. It is well established (especially after Russian’s bloody intervention into Georgia in 2008) that the international community can and will hold Russia to task for military action outside their borders. Today Secretary of State John Kerry, while appearing on Meet the Press, made the results of military action quite clear:

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        ““He's going to lose on the international stage, Russia is going to lose, the Russian people are going to lose, and he's going to lose all of the glow that came out of the Olympics, his $60 billion extravaganza,” [4] 

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Secretary Kerry went even further to say”

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        ““There’s a unified view by all of the foreign ministers I talked with yesterday – all of the G-8 and more -- that they’re simply going to isolate Russia; that they’re not going to engage with Russia in a normal business-as-usual manner…. The ruble is already going down and feeling the impact of this,”[5]

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This is the proper reaction to the actions of Russia and President Putin. However, as if to stress just how out-of-touch some media outlets are (with the real world), there is ‘saber rattling’ on a certain outlet, already. As if to relitigate the 2012 election, these grossly uninformed and out of touch ‘reporters’ are saying that the irresponsible actions of Putin are;

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        “Proof Presidential candidate Mitt Romney was correct in his statement about Russian being the center of foreign affairs for America’s future…”[6]

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 One conflict in the Ukraine does not rise to the level of upcoming world war as failed candidate Romney claimed. This escalation by Russia is grave. Russia does have a military base in Crimea, and the right to defend that base and move troops into and out of this base. We Americans will not be fooled; this is an act of military might against the sovereign state of the Ukraine.

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        “"Throughout this crisis, we have been very clear about one fundamental principle: The Ukrainian people deserve the opportunity to determine their own future," Mr. Obama said. "We are now deeply concerned of reports of military movements taken by the Russian Federation inside Ukraine."[7]

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[caption id="attachment_2418" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Map of the Ukraine[/caption]

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This is a troubling move, by the Russian Parliament and President Putin. President Obama is correct in warning President Putin that his actions will have serious and long-lasting results. The international community is much more on the ball, than we were in 2008. We are proactive and standing with the people of the Ukraine. The people of the Ukraine want membership in the European community, and America and all its allies will stand together to make that membership a reality.

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Stay tuned… I will keep updating as quickly as the situation changes.

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Thank you!

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[caption id="attachment_2296" align="aligncenter" width="630"] The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning[/caption]

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[1]http://www.voanews.com/content/ukraine-refuses-to-act-against-russian-provocation/1861937.html

[2]http://www.voanews.com/content/ukraine-refuses-to-act-against-russian-provocation/1861937.html

[3]http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-there-will-be-costs-if-russia-moves-troops-into-ukraine/

[4]http://www.nbcnews.com/#/storyline/ukraine-crisis/kerry-denounces-russian-act-aggression-warns-trade-freeze-n42326

[5]http://www.nbcnews.com/#/storyline/ukraine-crisis/kerry-denounces-russian-act-aggression-warns-trade-freeze-n42326

[6] From ‘The Five’ cable outlet show by Fox, Friday February 28^th, 2014.

[7]http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-there-will-be-costs-if-russia-moves-troops-into-ukraine/

Trouble in the Ukraine – Part One

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[caption id="attachment_2416" align="aligncenter" width="504"] Map of Ukraine and Europe[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. For the past several months I have watched the people of the Ukraine battle elements of the corrupt government. From the pages of Time I have seen the street-by-street fighting in Kiev. To date, hundreds of ‘protesters’ have lost their lives at the hands of militant members of the now defunct government. I say “defunct government” because Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has been chased from the capital, ousted by the people.

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President Viktor Yanukovych is now sought refuge in the city of Rostov-on-Don, near the southwestern border with Ukraine and about 700 miles south of Moscow. In a statement he gave, today, he makes it clear that he wants Russia to return is Presidency to him.

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Giving a press conference in Rostov-on-Don Ex-President Yankovych said:

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“As soon as this meeting takes place, I will understand his attitude. ... It would not be correct now for me to speak about what Russia should do now. ... Russia must use all its possibilities in order to overcome this chaos, this terror which today is taking place in Ukraine. It is difficult for me to say what can come about,…”[1]

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Showing his hand Yankovych said:

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“"I consider that Russia must and has to act,"[2]

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The international community, on the other hand, favor self-rule in the Ukraine. Aye, there’s the rub. The riots, in the streets of Kiev and other major Ukrainian cities, are between the ‘rebels’ (actually they are the people of Ukraine that favor joining the European Union and the ouster of President Yankovych), and the military of Ukraine. In just the past two months hundreds of protesters have given their lives in the pursuit of self-rule in the Ukraine.

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“The sights of bullet-riddled bodies slumped amid smoldering debris, some of them shot in the head, and screaming medics carrying the dead and wounded to emergency clinics, including one in a hotel lobby, shocked the country and the world. The opposition said that at least 70 and as many as 100 people had been killed, while municipal authorities put the day’s death toll at 39.”[3]

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The majority of the people, not in power, seek a democratic Ukraine becoming a part of the larger European Union. Where those in power and a ever decreasing minority of the people want strong ties with Russia. The Ukraine has, for decades, had strong cultural and governmental ties with Russia. They speak the same language and have been close allies, since the formation of the former U.S.S.R.. The, just ousted, President and government sought to crush the people that sought membership in the European Union. Labeling them rebels and revolutionaries in the state controlled media.

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[caption id="attachment_2417" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Russia and the Ukraine[/caption]

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America, from the beginning of the conflict, has stood by the people of the Ukraine and for membership in the European Union. The people (rebels by the state run media… and certain media outlets abroad) have made inroads towards self-rule and the ouster of the hardliner Russian sympathizers. Even to the point of chasing a member of the ousted Parliament through the streets;

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“SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine – A Ukrainian member of parliament arrived in this Crimean city Friday evening only to be jeered and chased through the streets by angry pro-Russian demonstrators.

As the most high profile representative of the Maidan movement to come to the Crimea peninsula since the conflict began, Petro Poroshenko attempted to enter the Crimean parliament to start a dialogue with officials.” [4]

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Just moments ago President Obama made a statement, from the White House, to the White House press corps. The President was making his statement, in support of the people of the Ukraine, and in response to reports that Russia has upped the ante and escalated the conflict by:

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“On Friday afternoon, the regular flight from Moscow touched down in the Crimean capital of Simferopol, in the south of Ukraine, carrying the leader of a Russian motorcycle gang known as the Night Wolves. Alexander Zoldostanov, an old friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was wearing his usual get-up – a flaming wolf’s head stenciled onto his black leather vest – but for once he was not the most intimidating figure on the scene…”[5]

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Russian President Putin is obviously working to apply more pressure on the ‘rebels’ and support the ousted government. Using this “biker gang” in the stead of actual Russian military forces. You see, Putin realizes that as soon as Russian military forces are involved the international community will quickly draw parallels between his use of troops in Georgia.(See Russian-Georgia War “The Russia–Georgia War of 2008 (also known as the 2008 South Ossetia War, Five-Day War or August War) was an armed conflict in August 2008 between Georgia on one side, and Russia and the separatist South Ossetia and Abkhazia on the other.”[6] )

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For many, especially those of the newly installed government of the Ukraine, Russia has already brought military troops into the conflict.

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“That, at least, is what they looked like to Ukraine’s new leadership, which was vaulted to power only a week ago after overthrowing President Viktor Yanukovych. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Ukraine’s acting Interior Minister, Arsen Avakov, called the presence of these troops a “military invasion and occupation,” claiming the troops were part of a Russian military force. But Moscow refused to confirm or deny that. In a statement Friday evening, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that it had informed the Ukrainian authorities that Russian military vehicles and troops would be moving around the Crimea “to ensure the security of the presence of the Black Sea Fleet on the territory of Ukraine.” The statement added that Russia saw no need to consult further with Ukrainian authorities about the movement of its military assets in the Crimea, which usually houses at least 13,000 troops and dozens of ships at the base in Sevastopol. Beyond that base, however, they normally need the permission of Ukrainian authorities to move around.”[7]

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My Dear Readers I have hesitated in writing about this conflict. I can hesitate no longer. Today, I will not publish the horrific pictures coming out of Kiev. As editor of this blog… I work tirelessly to make sure that young readers can come here and read my work. Having said, I have yet to publish (at any time during the past four years) violent images. For all parents that number among My Dear Readers? I will give you a warning. Within the next week… I fear that I will no longer be able to accurately represent the situation on the Ukraine without publishing images… from said conflict.

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[caption id="attachment_2418" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Map of the Ukraine[/caption]

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If you are a parent and know that your young adult of child reads my blog? I suggest that you preview any upcoming articles I may publish about this conflict in the Ukraine. Trust me; I will work to make my selections ‘in good taste’. I genuinely respect all of you My Dear Readers and your children. For the past four years I have never published anything I would not want my own child of 10-14 to view or read. However, my standards may differ from yours and I want to show you the up most respect by publishing this warning.

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My Dear Readers, America was once as the Ukraine is today. As France stood by our fledgling democracy, I feel America should stand by and for the people of the Ukraine and their pursuit for self-rule. I freely admit my bias in this conflict. I will do my best to write and report in the most fair and balanced way possible. As the days and weeks pass, I will do my best to make timely updates on this conflict.

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Having said, if there is news on this conflict I will break my scheduled articles to make way for any said update. I will resume my regularly scheduled articles just as soon as is possible. Today was a ‘Free’ day. In that I give myself Fridays to publish what ever strikes my fancy. Today, this struck my fancy.

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As I am still recuperating I am going to make this article short, in that I will stop for today. I will make sure that I update this article just as soon as there is any breaking news. Thank you for your time and your consideration.

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank you!

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[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="234"] The Other Shoe eBay Store[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_2296" align="aligncenter" width="630"] The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning[/caption]

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[1]http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/28/world/europe/russia-ukraine-yanukovych-speech/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

[2] http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/28/world/europe/russia-ukraine-yanukovych-speech/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

[3]http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/21/world/europe/ukraine.html?_r=0

[4]http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/ukrainian-mp-chased-through-crimean-citys-streets-n41481

[5]http://world.time.com/2014/02/28/crimea-russia-putin-night-wolves/

[6]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia%E2%80%93Georgia_war

[7]http://world.time.com/2014/02/28/crimea-russia-putin-night-wolves/

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