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There are moments of crystal clarity in history which starkly reveal the character of a leader. In a recent example, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was offered U.S. assistance to evacuate in the face of the Russian invasion and he responded:“I need ammunition, not a ride.”
In that moment, Zelenskyy showed himself to be a leader of courage and integrity. And ever since, the Ukrainian people have shown themselves to be a force of extraordinary resilience, bravery, and resourcefulness, as they continue to fight, repel, and embarrass the vastly larger Russian invasion forces.
Unfortunately, another moment of crystal clarity occurred on Friday, Feb. 28, when Zelenskyy met with U.S. leadership in the Oval Office.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance took turns berating and demeaning our ally in the signature strongman style of authoritarian dictators. This moment publicly confirmed, on camera and beyond doubt, what many had long suspected — that the Trump regime has abandoned democracy and is fully aligned with Vladimir Putin.
Two of Maine’s elected leaders, however, were unable to recognize this moment of clarity. Sen. Susan Collins and Rep. Jared Golden said they have some points of concern, but wouldn’t want to overreact or rush to judgment.
An authoritarian regime can be quite comfortable for those who manage to make a place for themselves in the new world order, through appeasement and concession and accommodation. In this historic moment, it couldn’t be more clear: If one day our fate rests in the hands of these two leaders, they will take the ride.
Sydney Michalski
Columbia
