The specter of Russian troops and tanks pouring into Ukraine has shocked the world and generated collective revulsion. Putin’s motives in carrying out this unprovoked attack are clear. Ukraine’s democratic society presents an existential threat to his regime, because it shows the Russian people that there is a better alternative to Putin’s oppressive and corrupt autocracy.
Scenes of Ukrainian resistance have stirred onlookers around the globe, and caused many to wonder: what can I do to help? Some answers including attending rallies, donating to charities that support Ukraine, and letting your legislators know how you feel. But the most important — indeed, the super urgent — thing any of us can do is to realize that the fight isn’t just over there. The invasion of Ukraine is just one battle in a worldwide campaign of fascist aggression. And one of the most important theaters of war is right here in the United States.
This has been true for a long time, but so far it’s been hard for the majority of Americans to accept. As we saw during the buildup to the invasion of Ukraine, even in the face of clear evidence, it’s difficult for many to grasp the extent of Putin’s ruthlessness and ambition. Hopefully the launching of this conventional aggression will stir Americans out of their slumber.
How do we know that America is under Russian attack? The evidence has been sitting in plain sight.
— In 2016 Russian military intelligence attacked the US presidential election. The aggression was multipronged, and included the hacking of a Democractic National Committee server and collusion between Russian intelligence and Trump’s campaign. While aware of the attack, US intelligence did nothing to stop it. As a result Russia’s efforts were successful and helped bring about Trump’s election.
— Once in power, Trump worked steadily to undermine US power and international prestige, unilaterally withdrawing troops and undermining alliances in areas where they curtailed Russian ambition. He revealed secret information to Russians, conducted one-on-one meetings with Putin without supervision, and publicly praised Putin.
— Trump solidified autocratic control over the Republican party, forcing out any who attempted to stand up to…
