STOPPING PUTIN'S NASTY GAMES

Putin enjoys playing a worldwide game of being the 'bad boy'. As we all know, bad boys get WAY too much attention.

Putin believes that attention to Russia makes Russia a more important country.

Because Putin has less money, he needs to get his attention fix at a discount rate.

The easiest way Putin gets attention is to fund 'rebellions', especially if the distraction of violence will slow or stop natural gas and/or oil production.

Not content with the violence in Syria, Putin is now funding violence in Libya.

We used to counter the violence caused by Putin by offering aid to countries to fight insurgencies, to train troops, to feed and educate people. This is so much LESS expensive than building aircraft carriers and fancy new planes.

Giving aid to countries is also more effective in keeping us safe. We may have nuclear weapons, but we wisely hesitate to use those weapons. If providing food can stop violence, then we should provide food. If our embassies are funded, the ambassadors have a chance at negotiating a truce to stop the violence.

Our President is worried about wire-tapping of Trump Towers. He forgets that there are at least two people on a phone conversation. I am fairly certain that we tap the phones of Russian operatives. The Russian operatives know this, and should have been more careful in their conversations, if any, with the Trump election campaign.

Unfortunately, our President is going to allow Putin a free playing field around the world.

Saving money by refusing to adequately fund foreign aid and our embassies, will make the entire world less safe.

WHO KNEW FOREIGN POLICY COULD BE SO COMPLEX?   %<)