In the end only kindness matters...

The situation in Crimea is quickly turning scary. Talking head Obama previously only spoke about vague retaliatory threats, but today it appears real economic and visa sanctions against Russia will soon be a reality. Meanwhile, it's very difficult to understand what truly is happening from a distance. In America, most people can view English language news on the Russian channel "RT", which is government-sponsored. Obviously the slant here is pro-Putin, yet I still occasionally watch it to try to understand the perspective of those who support intervention in the region. One of the broadcasters officially resigned on air yesterday, stating that she could no longer deliver false information to the viewing audience, or support Russia's actions in Crimea.

Yesterday, the U.S. State Department issued an official press release entitled "President Putin's Fiction: 10 False Claims About Ukraine." The text is reproduced below. Some Russian media portray most of these claims as truth, and I don't know what to believe. Perhaps the only people who really know the truth are those on the ground, or our fearless leaders who sit behind closed doors and instigate further actions which will likely impact citizens of both nations, either economically, or limiting travel options for some. So educate me if you wish. Which of these State Department "false claims" do you believe to be truth? Do you support the actions of your nation?

I will read your comments and make my own judgments, but please be respectful to one another if you wish to engage in a dialogue or debate with another reader. It's not about who is right or wrong, but about calling out blatant lies on both sides of the fence. This will be my only post about the Crimean situation, and it mostly serves as a quest for personal enlightenment.

President Putin's Fiction: 10 False Claims About Ukraine

Fact Sheet
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
March 5, 2014

As Russia spins a false narrative to justify its illegal actions in Ukraine, the world has not seen such startling Russian fiction since Dostoyevsky wrote, “The formula ‘two plus two equals five’ is not without its attractions.” Below are 10 of President Vladimir Putin’s recent claims justifying Russian aggression in the Ukraine, followed by the facts that his assertions ignore or distort:( Read more... )