If you were as offended and horrified by the behavior of the U.S. President and Vice President towards Ukrainian President Zelensky in the Oval office, here’s your chance to express your feelings and support for Ukraine. The Ukrainian Embassy number in Washington, D.C. is 202-349-2963, the email is emb_us@mfa.gov.ua; the mailing address is President Volodymyr Zelensky, Embassy of Ukraine, 2250 M Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20007.
If you wish to donate money to assist Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, you can do so at this website, which is sponsored by the Ukrainian government: https://u24.gov.ua/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Lack of civility and basic diplomatic etiquette is bad enough, but this was clearly an orchestrated double hit man stunt to provide what the man who leads our country said: “This is going to make good television.” He lied about Zelensky not being thankful. I bet he’s thanked the U.S. at least as many times and in as many venues as Trump has played golf in his first weeks in the White House. Estimates that I’ve seen average are about 1/3 of Trump’s time in office at a cost of $10.7 million taxpayer money at his own establishments. DOGE, where are you? Never did Trump respond to Zelensky’s request about ensuring Russia’s word for a ceasefire. A valid concern on Zelynsky’s part as Russia has not kept their word about brokered deals in the past.
This is the lowest point I have ever witnessed in U.S. diplomatic history, and that includes Viet Nam, Iraq, Afghnistan, and Gaza, among other travesties from El Salvador to the Congo.
We’ve moved beyond passionate disagreement into a realm of personal attacks, name-calling, and outright hostility. It seems that the goal is no longer to persuade or find common ground, but to utterly destroy the opposition. This toxic environment is not only unpleasant; it’s detrimental to a healthy democracy. Instead of debating the merits of a policy, we’re treated to character assassinations and attacks. This distracts from substantive issues and discourages thoughtful debate. Social media algorithms and partisan news outlets reinforce existing biases. When insults and personal attacks become commonplace, they lose their shock value. This desensitizes us to harmful language and lowers the bar for acceptable behavior. The constant barrage of negativity and hostility fuels division and resentment, which of course, is the goal. 🙁
Thank you, Pete. You’ve put it very clearly and succinctly! It is a “toxic environment” and certainly, as you say, “distracts from substantive issues,” of which there are many that need thoughtful discussion.