Im pretty much a hippie that grew up with the military.

[Eko]

I took NJROTC in high school and took it seriously, I wanted to be a Navy pilot but found the skateboard and guitar and never looked back. Plus I didn't want to hurt anyone. I've been studying military strategy, history, and armaments my entire life. I know more about the military than most people in the military. I 100% believe in peace but also of having a strong military. That being said I am extremely surprised by the,,,,, outcry on DU for us to join this war. It is a war, but it is not a world war at all and it is not a war for us to join yet. It is going to get much worse. I'm sorry but it is. If we join it would mean a war between nuclear superpowers and one where a possible madman wields the button.Are you that sure of your impression of Putin? Willing to bet the planet on it? It could easily turn into a real world war with China and North Korea joining Russia's side. Then what? Pakistan and India could work on their feud, multiple African countries would side with the new axis or allies. And the Middle east? That does not mean do nothing, it is not an A or B problem, there are multiple options. People are going to die, it horrible. Its unforgivable. Its war. War is horrible and unforgivable. Do not be so quick to inflame it and add to it. Stand against it. Don't advocate for more. Use those Ukrainian people standing peacefully in front of tanks stopping them as an example, till we cant. If they can do it, we can for now. Call your representatives, tell them to support them however we can. Give to the red cross. That is what is required of us for now. Not calls to attack russia.
Eko.

[multigraincracker]

1. Brother.

Graduated from a military high school and it turned into a 60s hippie.

[Eko]

2. Keep on keeponing.

Eko.

[multigraincracker]

5. Remember one Sunday Parade marching with our

M1 rifles when a car load of long hairs drove by screaming PEACE. Laughed so hard I almost dropped my weapon.

[bahboo]

3. good, sensible post....

[Eko]

7. Thanks, I appreciate that.

It took a while to write. People are dying, a country is being invaded and I tell people to calm down when everything inside me rages to make it stop. 1st with the head, then the heart. 1st with the head, then the heart.

[Calculating]

4. Yeah, we should just let Hitler have Poland

Surely he'll stop there right? At what point does the world stand up against this sadistic bully? He'll kill millions in Ukraine if he has too. Ready to let another holocaust happen because a monster threatened nukes?

Putin isn't going to end the world over Ukraine, nobody is saying we attack Russia. Just Russian forces unlawfully invading Ukraine until they GTFO.

[Eko]

8. Checking post,,,,,,

Nowhere did I say that. So,,,,,,,,,,
And yes, quite a few people on here are calling for us to attack Russian forces.
eko

[TomSlick]

6. I only know as much about the military as thirty years service provided, so help me understand.

Where is the red line that requires the US to respond? If the crimes in Ukraine do not cross the line, would an attack on Latvia cross the line? How about Poland? If not then, would an attack on Germany, and the death of US soldiers stationed there, require a US response?

[Eko]

9. In order of your questions,

Skip the first question cause the rest answer it.
Yes
Yes,
Yes.
Good enough?

[halfulglas]

10. Yes, they are NATO countries.

We are treaty obligated to go to their aid. In the meantime lend-lease and other aid. If the conflict widens to other countries, that is Putin's decision, not ours.

[Eko]

11. Glad it was good enough for you.

[TomSlick]

16. I hope you are correct.

I worry about our resolve to defend Europe when Putin rattles his nuclear saber.

I mostly hope we do not learn what will happen if Putin decides the US lacks the resolve to defend Europe.

[BootinUp]

12. I haven't said yet that we should do a no-fly zone

but in my opinion, that should be on the table. I think we have to act based on the best long-term outcome, and hope that aligns with short-term interests as well. The best reason for NATO not doing a no-fly zone, is, if we determine he will soon be much less of a military threat just due to sanctions. If that is not the case, then more agressive opposition is possibly warranted, just based on Putin's actions thus far.

[Eko]

13. I like that.

But I think he is just getting started. Hopefully I am wrong but he is a dictator in all but title so he can run his country like North Korea if he wants to.

[Hekate]

14. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[Happy Hoosier]

15. You heart is in the right place...

… but I think you‘re dead wrong. I think we need to nip this in the bid before it gets pit of hand. Deterrence only works if you are willing to act.

We can do it in steps, but we‘d better start making noise now.