I even respect your position, GZ.
This will sound like Clinton's compartmentalize, but it is not -- I care very much about being honorable.
Personally, I think one should keep promises, while recognizing that at times I have said I would do things that I did not wind up carrying out.
As we get older and I think are aided by God provided we look to him -- those occurrences should be happen less often than in our youth. But to say that we have never failed -- is self-deception.
What's that got to do with promises that the US government made? Do I want the US to act honorably, keep its promises, uphold the rule of law?
Generally, I do, but I also recognize that with the US as with other national powers in this world ... these are corrupt (meaning -- affected by evil powers at work in the world) and driven by many more conflicting desires than myself ... both when making promises ... upholding them or deciding to abrogate them
(we are not a Christian nation -- individuals make that choice).
So I like the idea of a 'principled' nation and a nation that 'stands for certain things.' But given that nations are by their very nature corrupted -- the price that I am personally willing to pay myself or for other innocents to pay -- to hew to this ideal is very limited.
The best I can do, with God's help, is to live a principled life myself, acknowledge my need for His help to do that and forgive me when I fail. As far as the affairs of the nations -- I believe God is sovereign over these affairs, He has plans that I don't always see or understand.
I don't idolize our nation as I see it's many failings. To the extent that I can encourage it -- I would like to see our nation uphold godly principles.
It appears to be failing miserably at present and has taken a turn for the worse. But I am very sanguine regarding treaties, agreements entered into by our nation and the like. For me, I have to look at practicalities and what's good for the largest number of people going forward.
I do believe that nations, practically, in this evil world must pursue each their best interests (MAGA!!) -- and if this is done in trade and with the minimum of interferences in the affairs of other nations -- the best result will happen.
I think the concept of empire is dated. Our interests in Ukraine are limited -- some would have you believe that if Putin gets his way -- gets the Donbas and other Eastern regions back he will want all of Ukraine.
I actually believe Putin on this point. I don't think he wants to "march into Europe." I think he wants what he said he wants -- no NATO inclusion for Ukraine and self-determination for the Eastern portions of Ukraine.
I desire the best outcome from here: Stopping the killing and destruction.
That is very much an honorable and principled end from my POV regardless of what agreements were made earlier. |
