Kucinich Criticizes U.S. Foreign Policy

U.S. Proxy War Against Russia

As of May 2024, the U.S. has committed over $175 billion, borrowed funds, to escalate the proxy war against Russia. This has been done with little accountability for tracking military hardware, equipment, funding, or fraud prevention.

Ukraine's Former President's Visit to Pennsylvania

Vladimir Zelenskyy, the former president of Ukraine, recently visited an ammunition factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This factory produces some of the three million 155mm artillery shells the U.S. has given Ukraine. The Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania was pictured with Zelenskyy, signing one of the high-velocity artillery shells that will be aimed at Russia.

Critique of U.S. Leadership

The fervor for war, driven by machismo and bravado, illustrates a failure of leadership and a lack of understanding of the diplomatic process. The focus should be on the science of human relations, not on ego-driven brinkmanship that accelerates the dialectic of war.

Opposition to War

For decades, the author has opposed war and advocated for a shift in America's policy from "Peace through Strength" to "Strength through Peace." The author has challenged the foreign policies of the Bush II Administration and introduced Articles of Impeachment against President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney over the Iraq war. This war, which was both illegal and unnecessary, cost the U.S. over $3 trillion, the lives of 5,000 servicemen and women, and led to injuries to countless more troops.

Impact of the Iraq War

The Iraq war resulted in the deaths of over one million Iraqis. The war had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks and damaged America's global reputation. Since 9/11, America has borrowed $8 trillion to maintain the war machine while neglecting domestic needs for housing, health care, education, child care, and retirement security.

Democratic Party's Stance on War

The author criticizes the Democratic party's stance on war. Vice President Harris's endorsement from former Vice President Dick Cheney is seen as proof that the Democratic party supports war. The author also criticizes Harris for invoking lethality abroad.

Trump's Approach to War

Interestingly, former President Trump, who is often criticized, is the one who speaks to the need to negotiate and talk directly with potential foes to avoid or end war.

Efforts to End War

The author ran for president in 2004 and 2008 with the aim of ending endless wars, stopping the hemorrhaging of the nation's wealth, and redirecting attention to domestic needs. During the Obama Administration, the author opposed the expansion of war and attacks on Libya and Syria.

Consequences of War

The U.S. government's quest to instigate or fund endless war is now sweeping up nations and, if unchecked, will soon draw in American troops and potentially lead to a world war that will impact the U.S. in ways far exceeding the horrors of 9/11.

Loss of Diplomacy

Our nation's leaders have lost their capacity for diplomacy, and we have lost many chances for peace. Ronan Farrow, in his book "War on Peace, the End of Diplomacy and the Decline of American Influence," traced the catastrophe of substituting militarism for statecraft.

Impact of Military Strategy

The author criticizes the military strategy of baiting targets to justify preemptive attacks. This strategy is not about protecting our allies but rather about escalating conflict. The author calls for level-headed leadership instead of politicians pandering for votes or cash from the military industrial complex.

Ukraine as a Pawn

Ukraine is seen as a pawn, politicized for Democratic presidential electoral gain. The author believes Ukraine should have been free to choose its own destiny, government, and resources, without fear of invasion and control from Russia or any other country.

Call for Peace

The author calls for an end to the madness of war and for a focus on peace, diplomacy, and the continuation of life on our planet.

Bottom Line

The critique of U.S. foreign policy presented in this article is thought-provoking. It raises questions about the costs and consequences of war, the role of diplomacy, and the impact of political decisions on global peace. What are your thoughts on this perspective? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Also, don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.