The once great power that was America is now just a memory, as an indicted war criminal reduces the mighty United States to a compliant puppet of a nation living on the reputation of a long-gone power
Thank you for the most powerful piece of reporting I have read in a long time. Your analysis, spot on truth and searing images is not only a wake-up call, but the dire warning needed in these times. This effect of it will remain in my soul for a long time as I fight as an ordinary citizen, as millions of others on board to save our democracy, to bear witness to these atrocities and the evil perpetuating them.
You are welcome. It comes across that you are well educated and knowledgeable. I believe that Europe has to take the moral path to be the leader, since our dictator has made it clear which side he is on. We are going down the road so fast in repeating history, leaders outside of the US have to have the moral conscience, integrity and utmost commitment to stop pure evil.
I simply want to express my deepest admiration and gratitude for your outstanding work on Substack. Your sharp insights into American, Russian, European, and Ukrainian affairs – particularly your ability to expose the betrayal and cynicism of both Trump and Putin in relation to the war in Ukraine – are truly remarkable.
I am constantly impressed by the clarity, depth, and courage with which you analyse such complex and pressing issues. Beyond your insight, I also admire the sheer energy and commitment you bring as such a prolific and tireless commentator.
You have become, quite genuinely, one of my heroes. Thank you for the important work you do – it matters more than words can say.
Wow, I don’t know what to say Jakob. Your words are the fuel that drives my passion to speak out without fear or favor.
These are challenging times my friend and I take my responsibility to contribute to the conversation very seriously, but not without humour where appropriate.
We live in a world where lies travel around the world before the truth can pull up its pants, so it’s never easy. But each night I go to bed feeling that enough people read my work to give it value.
It’s not easy to always be the guy delivering bad news, but rest assured as soon as I find some good news, I’ll be equally enthusiastic.
As always, you cut to the heart of what has happened and is happening.
NATO should eject the US. I hate to even think that or say it- but 47 has betrayed and spat on every good friend in the Alliance. IMO we’re into a long period of exile from our international friends and allies. That exile is self-imposed aided and abetted by SCOTUS over the years. We should be able to rebuild, but the “American Century” has ended.
This piece is absolutely profound. A powerful and unapologetic look at where our country is and where Europe is in this watershed moment in history. Thanks for this.
This is a writing that needs to be shared far and wide, as it truthfully exposes Trump’s actions, his lies, and the ways in which the Republicans in Congress have allowed him to pressure Zelensky by withholding the aid which had already been approved and promised. Our country, once seen as a great support for democracy worldwide, is now seen as weak, as betraying of our word, as money grabbing in the face of destruction of an innocent country. We need to be very clear with our leaders (if they deserve to be called that, I personally do not give Trump that title of respect) that they must step up for Ukraine and honor our word. The world is watching and they don’t trust our current leaders.
I thank you for your insightful honest relating of facts (a commodity we used to believe should be shared) and your relating them to virtue and moral implications. The US is no longer the beacon of enlightenment ideals it espoused, and was slowly working toward, but has become a black mark on government. Without virtue no government will function in the way our founders hoped. Madison and Franklin expressed this thought clearly. Trump and the movement he is controlled by, and the media that has enabled them, have proven their fears to be correct. Tribalism, power and greed have taken over. But now the world has changed. Battles not only involve armies, but all people. Resources used in wars suck up resources needed for ending our march toward climate catastrophe. We have weapons of destruction that can end life as we know it. The stakes have never been this high. Yet Putin and Trump live in a dystopian world that should have died with Bismarck. I hope Europe and China can come together and bring order to this universe. I see no other hope. Is there another?
You’re welcome. Someone has to tell it as it is and bring along receipts. The information is out there, it’s just a matter of having someone like me join the dots.
Always spectacular writing . There's no other way the coalition of the willing must make Ukraine part of NATO . Rip the bandaid off. Unofficially haven't we already withdrawn from NATO in our failure to deliver to Ukraine promised military support. There is no trust now .✌️
I am overwhelmed by this article and want to thank you for writing it. It will be interesting to see what comes of today’s meeting. Here’s hoping EU leaders show the spine congress has misplaced.
While it maybe a complex issue, trumps impact is simple to understand. He is no statesman and continually gives in to Putin. Your article laid it out perfectly and provided the best case scenario with EU leaders.
Betrayal of what has always been America's core values is a public disgrace. There is no way to dress this up and make it seem less shameful. The American people are at a crossroad. Those who still have not been able to pick a side are mirroring the behavior of the isolationists of the prelude to World War II. They will wake up eventually, but it will be way too late to be helpful. Those of us who have seen the writing on the wall must influence those we can, continue to support the leaders who still remember their oath of office. This will be a long, painful, possibly bloody slog and I cannot imagine any way we can avoid it.
Thank you for the most powerful piece of reporting I have read in a long time. Your analysis, spot on truth and searing images is not only a wake-up call, but the dire warning needed in these times. This effect of it will remain in my soul for a long time as I fight as an ordinary citizen, as millions of others on board to save our democracy, to bear witness to these atrocities and the evil perpetuating them.
Thank you for your kind words. I have followed and understood this conflict from day one. We can put a stop to it if Europe does the right thing
You are welcome. It comes across that you are well educated and knowledgeable. I believe that Europe has to take the moral path to be the leader, since our dictator has made it clear which side he is on. We are going down the road so fast in repeating history, leaders outside of the US have to have the moral conscience, integrity and utmost commitment to stop pure evil.
Dear Martin
I simply want to express my deepest admiration and gratitude for your outstanding work on Substack. Your sharp insights into American, Russian, European, and Ukrainian affairs – particularly your ability to expose the betrayal and cynicism of both Trump and Putin in relation to the war in Ukraine – are truly remarkable.
I am constantly impressed by the clarity, depth, and courage with which you analyse such complex and pressing issues. Beyond your insight, I also admire the sheer energy and commitment you bring as such a prolific and tireless commentator.
You have become, quite genuinely, one of my heroes. Thank you for the important work you do – it matters more than words can say.
With warm regards and deep respect,
Jakob Thøisen (Denmark)
Wow, I don’t know what to say Jakob. Your words are the fuel that drives my passion to speak out without fear or favor.
These are challenging times my friend and I take my responsibility to contribute to the conversation very seriously, but not without humour where appropriate.
We live in a world where lies travel around the world before the truth can pull up its pants, so it’s never easy. But each night I go to bed feeling that enough people read my work to give it value.
It’s not easy to always be the guy delivering bad news, but rest assured as soon as I find some good news, I’ll be equally enthusiastic.
Have a great day
Martin
As always, you cut to the heart of what has happened and is happening.
NATO should eject the US. I hate to even think that or say it- but 47 has betrayed and spat on every good friend in the Alliance. IMO we’re into a long period of exile from our international friends and allies. That exile is self-imposed aided and abetted by SCOTUS over the years. We should be able to rebuild, but the “American Century” has ended.
The best and most honest piece of writing I’ve read on the current state of affairs that exists today.
You are very kind
This piece is absolutely profound. A powerful and unapologetic look at where our country is and where Europe is in this watershed moment in history. Thanks for this.
You’re welcome, thanks for your support
This is a writing that needs to be shared far and wide, as it truthfully exposes Trump’s actions, his lies, and the ways in which the Republicans in Congress have allowed him to pressure Zelensky by withholding the aid which had already been approved and promised. Our country, once seen as a great support for democracy worldwide, is now seen as weak, as betraying of our word, as money grabbing in the face of destruction of an innocent country. We need to be very clear with our leaders (if they deserve to be called that, I personally do not give Trump that title of respect) that they must step up for Ukraine and honor our word. The world is watching and they don’t trust our current leaders.
I appreciate your kind words Diane
Excellent article. Your last paragraph was spot on. These two men will be and should be seen as you described.
I thank you for your insightful honest relating of facts (a commodity we used to believe should be shared) and your relating them to virtue and moral implications. The US is no longer the beacon of enlightenment ideals it espoused, and was slowly working toward, but has become a black mark on government. Without virtue no government will function in the way our founders hoped. Madison and Franklin expressed this thought clearly. Trump and the movement he is controlled by, and the media that has enabled them, have proven their fears to be correct. Tribalism, power and greed have taken over. But now the world has changed. Battles not only involve armies, but all people. Resources used in wars suck up resources needed for ending our march toward climate catastrophe. We have weapons of destruction that can end life as we know it. The stakes have never been this high. Yet Putin and Trump live in a dystopian world that should have died with Bismarck. I hope Europe and China can come together and bring order to this universe. I see no other hope. Is there another?
You’re welcome. Someone has to tell it as it is and bring along receipts. The information is out there, it’s just a matter of having someone like me join the dots.
Always spectacular writing . There's no other way the coalition of the willing must make Ukraine part of NATO . Rip the bandaid off. Unofficially haven't we already withdrawn from NATO in our failure to deliver to Ukraine promised military support. There is no trust now .✌️
Appreciate your continued support Frances
Thank you Martin
I am overwhelmed by this article and want to thank you for writing it. It will be interesting to see what comes of today’s meeting. Here’s hoping EU leaders show the spine congress has misplaced.
You are very welcome, I know it’s a lot to absorb. This is a complex conflict made all the more deadly by Trump’s abhorrent behavior
While it maybe a complex issue, trumps impact is simple to understand. He is no statesman and continually gives in to Putin. Your article laid it out perfectly and provided the best case scenario with EU leaders.
Betrayal of what has always been America's core values is a public disgrace. There is no way to dress this up and make it seem less shameful. The American people are at a crossroad. Those who still have not been able to pick a side are mirroring the behavior of the isolationists of the prelude to World War II. They will wake up eventually, but it will be way too late to be helpful. Those of us who have seen the writing on the wall must influence those we can, continue to support the leaders who still remember their oath of office. This will be a long, painful, possibly bloody slog and I cannot imagine any way we can avoid it.
Thanks for your valuable contribution to the conversation Pat.
I enjoy hearing from others and joining the conversation - you are welcome.
That's how leaders speak!
🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯
This is the image of Putin forever tattooed in my brain. Murderer.
ALOHA.....