How could Greenville audience applaud Rep. Greene’s speech?
Greenville, South Carolina:
I attended the recent luncheon of the Greenville Republican Women featuring U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. The most impactful part of her speech was when she spoke of Ukraine and said that nobody outside of D.C. cares about it and couldn’t find it on a map. The audience rose to their feet, clapping. (Not me. I know where it is and its crucial geopolitical significance.)
Alarming Applause:
As people were clapping around me, I remembered where I was when I first heard about the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, and yet here, in this room, most of the attendees, much older than me, must have a memory of that day, too. How could they possibly be applauding a KGB officer (Putin) from the 1980s who has stated it is his goal to rebuild the Soviet Bloc with Ukraine being phase one?
And I wondered how anyone could not care about a Putin victory over a people who long to be free. Ukrainians don’t want to go back under that horrible tyranny! How did Republicans get aligned with Kremlin goals like this? Putin is likely thrilled with this America first language (as Hitler was in the 1940s) that we would step back and let him take over. It’s quite something. Reagan has to be rolling over in his grave to see us willing to allow the USSR to rise again.
America First vs. Global Concerns:
The stance of putting America first seems to have blurred the lines of global concerns and the value of freedom for oppressed nations like Ukraine. While domestic policies and interests are important, we cannot turn a blind eye to international crises and human rights violations.
Repercussions of Ignorance:
Applauding statements that dismiss the seriousness of a foreign conflict not only showcases a lack of empathy but also a dangerous ignorance towards potential threats to global stability. The repercussions of such attitudes can have far-reaching consequences, not just for the people directly affected but for the global community as a whole.
Importance of Awareness:
It is imperative for individuals, especially those in positions of influence, to be well-informed about international affairs and to show solidarity with those fighting for freedom and democracy. Ignorance and indifference only serve to embolden oppressive regimes and undermine the progress made towards a more peaceful and just world.
Conclusion:
The applause at the Greenville event may have been a momentary display of support for a political figure, but it also highlights a concerning trend of disregard for global issues that demand our attention and action. As citizens, we must be vigilant in holding our leaders accountable and advocating for policies that reflect our values of freedom, democracy, and human rights.
