Joe Biden has never been interested in winning in Ukraine -- neither in deterring Russian invasion, nor in "reversing" it, which Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Friday was the administration's new goal.
The clearest signs: Biden lifted sanctions on Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline last year; Biden essentially gave Russia a green light to invade by saying Putin had to do so; Biden created an absurd system of "tranches" of sanctions that all but admitted Putin would invade; Biden refuses to sanction Russia's energy industry; and Biden has ruled out the use of troops to help Ukraine.
What they've opted for, instead, is a set of sanctions that Putin has easily ignored in the past, and efforts to embarrass Russia on the international stage, which Putin has clearly demonstrated do not move him in the slightest way.
All Russia has ever understood is force, and the challenge is that force could trigger a nuclear confrontation. Trump's approach was to use limited, yet overwhelming, displays of force that helped avoid larger clashes. Putin decided the risk of incurring Trump's unpredictable wrath wasn't worth it.
Now we are the ones trying to figure out an unpredictable Putin, amid fear that he might go nuclear or somehow cause a Ukrainian nuclear "accident."
What is the strategy for victory? We've never had one. I think it begins by finding some indirect way to bleed Russia -- not economically, but literally -- such that Putin pulls back in Ukraine. What's the target -- Russian forces in Syria? Disputed islands in the western Pacific? Creative thinking needed.
This is the final edition of THE AGENDA -- finished a few days early!
This week's portion elucidates some of the first laws and principles of the Torah that follow the Ten Commandments, including -- a message particularly relevant to freed slaves -- the Jewish restrictions on indentured servitude.
God also provides the basic civil laws of Jewish society, governing almost every area of life -- in this one portion! -- as well as several basic principles of faith and religious observance. Moses then ascends Sinai for 40 days.
One of the laws God gives is the law against taunting a foreigner. This is different from allowing people to enter your land illegally; it is about showing respect, however, for people from other lands and other groups.
I am reminded of the importance of this principle because of the rhetoric lately attacking Elon Musk, a fellow South African-turned-American, for his foreign roots -- often by people who favor illegal immigration, ironically.
...
Since the Palisades Fire on January 7, my posts have been fairly sparse. I have just been so busy -- fighting the fire, covering the fire, helping neighbors, and launching a new podcast, "Three Homeless Guys," with two local friends.
Things are up and down. My family is still displaced, and we haven't resolved our living situation. We are awaiting answers from the insurance company (State Farm) on what they will cover, including alternative living expenses.
There are some incredible opportunities opening up -- more on that later -- and our kids are generally doing well, though this has been hard for them as well (especially the two middle kids, who miss their friends and their house).
The emotion of it all hit me yesterday. Today I feel wrung out. But I also feel that, in a way, going through the fire has been a process of refinement, of re-casting in a new mould, to face new challenges. And to win each new day.
So much to talk about, once again, as the Trump administration continues at breakneck pace. From DOGE chewing through the federal bureaucracy, to Marco Rubio heading out on his first missions for Trump, there's so much...
Special guests:
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio -- on the L.A. fires and reforming CA insurance
Matt Boyle -- Breitbart News political editor, on DOGE and confirmations
Jamie Paige -- founder of the Westside Current, on L.A. politics and the fires
Frances Martel -- Breitbart News foreign editor, on Rubio and Russia/Ukraine
Rob Hersov -- South African commentator, on SA's fight with the White House
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call in: 866-957-2874
