Lelamarkham, Putin's gripe is NOT primarily about a threat to Russia from NATO. He is interested in reestablishing the old order of neighboring states being subservient to his wishes.

The danger for the West and democracy is that should he encounter little resistance with an unprovoked invasion into Ukraine, he will simply continue. Romania could well be next -- or one of the Baltic states. I get the picture that you would not have the U.S. as the founder of NATO defend these sovereign nations either?

Your and my security and prosperity rely on a strong and democratic Europe. Economically it is a huge part of our well being here in the the U.S. It is also key to our harmony with China which going forward will be enormously challenging.

The U.S. is as successful as it is because it has trade and all kinds of exchanges exchanges with not only Europe but also Asia, India, Mexico, South America, Australasia and Africa. Severing the connections with any of these places hurts us. You and I.

(Our primary COVID vaccine that has saved possibly hundreds of thousands of American lives comes from a German company).

Passionately felt, but I am sorrow, on the wrong page.

Many thanks