quoting presidents

I have argued relentlessly that the “law of self-interest” eclipses national interest in politics. Sadly, we have political actors who are determined to sacrifice fellow citizens to promote their self-interest in part because they want to be national heroes. 

Recently, I recalled how one of America’s great journalists of the Nixon epoch reported with excitement that President Bush was a “war president,” when he declared war in 2001 and 2003. Indeed, he wrote: “Bush is a war president” suggesting the uniqueness of being a war president. 

I have seen one of the dramatis personae in this unfortunate military saga in Ukraine receive standing ovations in Parliament after Parliament (some even attempted to out-perform the other in their praises) for his courageous position on this war. In truth, these enthusiastic plaudits for an underdog continue to galvanize him into more actions at the expense of his fellow compatriots. 

Furthermore, arms manufacturers on both sides of the war are delighted to test their new inventions at the expense of Ukrainian and Russian lives, and may be fanning the embers of the war. This situation is regrettable!

Peace is by far better than the outcomes of war. Thus, I recommend a diplomatic solution to this quagmire in which “there will be neither victor nor vanquished!” Thus, I pray for the success of the contemporary meeting of both sides.

Ike Udogu