What's My Advice to President Biden in Regard to Ukraine?

[MineralMan]

I have none. I'm not qualified to offer any. That, despite having been involved in military intelligence with a strong connection to Ukraine and Russia while serving at a small, remote USAF base on the Black Sea coast many years ago.

I know the region. I know the languages. I know the history. However, I know nothing about what is going on right now, nor about what the Biden administration is planning, nor what discussions are currently underway with NATO allies and others. I am no longer directly involved in any way.

So, I have no advice to offer people who are current on all that information and much more information that I never had.

I keep seeing people on DU offering advice about what President Biden should or even must do immediately. And who are the people offering such advice? What is their expertise in the matter? I've asked, but have received no answers to those questions. So, I must assume that the answer to the second question is "None."

Right now, President Biden has advice from the intelligence community, which knows stuff most of us don't even know is there to be known. He has advice from other world leaders, who also have expert advice from military, diplomatic, intelligence agencies, and more. He is in talks with other leaders of NATO and other nations. All are alarmed at Putin's invasion of Ukraine and are trying to figure out the best possible approach that can be taken.

Today, I've seen would-be advice-givers tell Biden he should speak more aggressively. One said Biden should not worry about a possible nuclear conflict, because "if it happens it happens." Someone else hinted that a secret assassination squad might be a good idea.

What on Earth?!?

Joe Biden doesn't need our advice. He has expert advice from people who have vast experience and expertise. He needs our support, instead. He has advice. Support will help him feel confident that we'll stand behind his decisions.

He needs no advice from me, so I won't be offering any. It's a very difficult situation. I have confidence that his experience and good counsel from experts will lead to good decisions going forward. He does, however, have my support.

[doc03]

1. +1

[PatSeg]

2. Yes, the President needs our support, not our amateur advice

[redstatebluegirl]

3. Thank you I have been thinking this all day!

[MineralMan]

7. Thinking - What an Idea!

[Ohio Joe]

4. Agreed...

As I'm seeing the reports come in on what the President and our NATO allies are doing, it all looks to make sense to me.

[MineralMan]

5. Yes, and what we know is just what has been publicly announced.

Beyond that, we know very little. I have no doubt, based on my experience, that there is much more going on that we aren't privy to. That's as it should be.

[lagomorph777]

6. We should keep our opinions to ourselves.

I mean, what do we think this is? A discussion forum?

[MineralMan]

8. Well, see, you're perfectly free to voice your opinions.

As am I. I just did, in fact.

[dpibel]

12. Your opinion being:

"You people shouldn't express your opinions."

Your OP seems to be based on the premise that Joe Biden reads DU, but we oughtn't bother him with our advice.

Elsewise, why on earth would it make any difference what kind of advice, if you want to call it that, gets offered here?

Maybe it would help you if, any time you feels someone is offering the president unwarranted advice, just recast the offending post as "I think the United States should do..."

That way, it will help you understand that people are discussing their opinions, rather than interfering with the orderly conduct of government at the highest levels.

Just tryin' ta help here.

[MineralMan]

13. I have zero control over what anyone posts here.

It's not my website.

You're perfectly free to post anything on DU that you wish.

By the same token, I'm perfectly free to comment on what people post here on DU.

See how that works?

[dpibel]

16. I'm giving this high marks

for unintentional humor.

[ificandream]

9. Excellent OP. Thank you.

[MineralMan]

10. You're very kind.

[BootinUp]

11. K&R

[3catwoman3]

14. Well said, MM.

I wouldn't presume to tell anyone what to do unless the situation were directly in my own area of expertise. That leaves out most areas of endeavor.

And, as you said, there are things going on that we are not privy to, nor do we need to be.

[MineralMan]

15. Thanks!