Bottom line up front: I can not stay silent.
Although I lost heart and was effectively silenced years ago by the vitriol of our domestic politics, the situation between Russia, Ukraine and the rest of the world has inspired me to return to political writing. It will take time for me to sort through my documents to see what is fit for public consumption (and even longer to bring back my archives) but this is the conflict I prepared for twenty years ago.
A few things as we get started:
- I don’t do identity politics.
- I’m an Orthodox Christian. We have great gratitude for many saints and theologians who have come from Russia through the centuries, but I have no allegiance to Russia.
- I have Russian friends, but I refuse to endanger them by asking for insider information. I love them, but not their government.
- I’ve spent significant time in Russia and the Middle East.
- My health is in the tank again (thanks Covid!) so there will be pauses.
- Comment strategy is still pending, but if comments are enabled, please keep it civil.
- Regarding the former military/pararescue links: we’re all aging out. At the time of restarting this page, I no longer have active pararescue contacts. If someone wants to change that, I would enjoy bringing that element back.
So let’s get started. Welcome back to The WatchCat, 2022 style!