The whole world sees it: Trump is doing lasting damage to global order that made US a superpower
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Americans may not understand what’s at stake. If we lose our post-World War II allies, we lose the foundation that has made us a superpower. Our allies — and enemies — get it. Trump’s performances at the G7 and in Singapore — and everywhere since — have caused lasting damage to the United States for, at best, short-term gain. As the president prepares for summits with NATO and Russian President Vladimir Putin next month, NATO couldn’t be more nervous — and Putin happier — about the state of affairs.
Putin, as a leader, has been defined by silence. Stationed in Dresden as a KGB officer during the collapse of the USSR, he called for backup to defend his post against growing demonstrations. "We cannot do anything without orders from Moscow," came the response, "and Moscow is silent.” Such silence was the hallmark of the Soviet collapse — and it was inexcusable to Putin. He has worked to ensure there is never again silence from the center, even as his power requires the silence of his people when they question his methods.
Putin was born of a brittle system and believes “the people” are nonsense. This core cynicism is what he projects to undermine Western ideals. But the American people are resilient, and we have never been a nation defined by silence. Our values are enduring, and have outlasted fraught presidencies before. And now our voices are needed to overtake the silence, reassure our allies and defend what is ours.
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http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-mckew-losing-transatlantic-alliance-20180624-story.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook
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