Zelenskyy asks America for continued help but is bullied instead
By Michael O’Looney
Watching the unsettling exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, I was not sure if I felt more ashamed or more outraged by our national leader. One thing, though: I was not surprised by our president. He behaved as one might expect after observing him on TV over the past several years.
It was only a few days ago Trump talked about bullies: “I know what a bully is. He’s really a weak person.” Does this president of ours have any self-awareness?
Zelenskyy, surrounded by Trump’s advisers and cabinet members, all glaring at the vulnerable Ukrainian president, could hardly get a word in edgewise as our president, in a browbeating harangue, disparaged the Ukrainian leader.
A theatrical performance
I had the feeling that somehow the whole thing was a performance, Trump Theater you might called it, as he tried to show America what a strong leader he is. But it only showed millions of us watching what a bully Trump and his sycophant crew are as our president verbally attacked an ally — a freedom fighter — who has for three long years fought for democracy and independence while parts of his country have been crushed into rubble by Russian invaders.
When we were children, I think we all witnessed this kind of bullying on the playground. Someone who knows that everyone is watching, who needs to put on a show and demean his vulnerable victim. We watch, wondering what we could do about it as the bully attacks, belittles, intimidates the kid who just stands there and takes it. Or at least until someone comes to his aid. But this time no one did.
Zelenskyy, as he has done with Russia, stood his ground. That’s what made us feel so uncomfortable — it’s what made us squirm in our seats. The fact we stood by and watched someone being bullied.
A respect for dictators
In that moment, we knew our leader spoke in a way he never would with the Russian dictator or the dictators of China and North Korea. For Trump, these men somehow deserve more respect than an ally and patriot like Zelenskyy. There were times when America came to the defense of our allies and friends, of those who fought for the same democratic principles we believed in.
But no longer. History has been turned upside down by “a rogue president and a rogue administration” as Frank Kendall, the recently terminated Secretary of the Air Force, put it.
Trump accused Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III.” And being ungrateful for American generosity.
But he is just a friend who needs our help. Apparently our leader thinks fighting bullies costs too much. Trump has put a price tag on loyalty and friendship and embarrassed all of us in the process.
Michael O’Looney lives in Talent.
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