As the probe into Russian meddling in our election process continues, more people are registering their indignation. We feel violated, as we should. We believe, correctly IMO, that our sovereignty was compromised.
In view of our justifiable anger and disgust, I believe it is fair to ask if Democrats have learned anything. Have they had a “road to Damascus” moment where they understand that just as it is outrageous for Russia to meddle in our internal politics, it is equally outrageous for the United States to meddle in the internal affairs of other nations.
Name a Latin American nation and it is highly likely that the United States has intereferred with their government, from directly overthrowing their government to using coercion and other methods to influence their electoral processes.
The United States has imposed regime change throughout the Middle East, resulting in numerous failed states throughout the region.
Some will claim that the United States is a force for freedom, humanitarianism, and democracy but given the record, that simply is not true. Most often those interventions support US national interests or corporate interests.
True humanitarian crises should be handled by the UN, with all peacekeepers directly under UN command and the UN flag.
Are we ready to renounce all US interference in the internal politics of other nations? Are Democrats ready to place US soldiers under the direct command of the United Nations to resolve humanitarian crises? When the Democratic Party regains power, will they actually shut down Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, formerly known as the U.S. Army School of the Americas? (Closing WHINSEC is in the 2016 Democratic platform, but then President Obama’s also promised to close Guantanamo.) Are we ready to pass legislation to prevent the CIA from using various methods, including cyber warfare, to undermine foreign governments or interfere with their electoral politics?
Preventing the Russians from interfering with our electoral process is a worthy goal, but I also hope this episode would result in some introspection regarding US interference in governments around the world.