Note: This first appeared in the PJ Tatler.
In Russia’s shadow, Ukraine – a former Soviet Union satellite – is deepening and entrenching its commitment to traditionally Western free market principles. And the economic results are – shocker – phenomenal.
Ukraine’s approach offers much from which we here in the United States can learn.
As we’ve seen on myriad occasions, President Barack Obama and his Democrats are much more comfortable bowing East than leading West. And dragging our economy further toward the failed Eastern model – government-centric, regulation-laden and stiflingly small.
And the economic results are – shocker – terrible.
We – and basically the entire planet predicated upon that Eastern model – have been mired in nearly four years of non-recovery “recovery.”
Westernized free market Ukraine, meanwhile, has exploded.
Ukraine’s economy grew by 4.2% in 2010 – and 5.2% in 2011. Our “growth,” meanwhile, was 3.1% in 2010 – and an anemic, plummeting 1.5% in 2011.
Ukrainian exports grew last year by 37% – that, by the way, is a gi-normous number of new domestic Ukrainian manufacturing jobs. In 2010, they exported €11.4 billion worth of goods to the European Union (EU) alone – and purchased €17.3 billion worth from the EU.
And Ukraine is reforming its energy sector to ensure even more efficient use of its ample coal, oil and natural gas reserves. Which strengthens its position as a European energy conduit – one Russia can’t use to hold the EU hostage.
Ahh, Russia. What can now at best be described as a Cold Adversary nation.
As Ukraine moves in all manners policy further away from Vladimir Putin’s Playhouse – what are we doing?
In a notorious March hot mic exchange with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, President Obama asked of Mother Russia – electoral patience.
President Obama: “This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.”
Prime Minister Medvedev: “I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir.”
(Perhaps this is a reason why when the absurd United Nations recently reconvened President Obama took a complete pass on meeting with any world leaders. It rarely redounds to his – or our – benefit.)
“Transmit to Vladimir” – that would be Putin, the ex-KGB Russian puppet master pulling the strings of the man to whom President Obama is pledging greater “flexibility.”
“Flexibility” – to do what? Even more Russia-appeasing damage to our allies? Things like in 2009 selling out Poland and the Czech Republic on missile defense?
So despite this Presidential abuse of our other one-time confederates in its region, Ukraine remains steadfast in moving away from Russia – and towards free market liberation.
Ukraine also has a looming election – on October 28. And they are not asking for more “flexibility” – they are seeking to unleash even greater economic freedom.
Something we easily could – and should – emulate. If only our elected officials were smart enough to do so.
Comment
Comment by John Gearhart on October 9, 2012 at 4:32pm Two things are needed to return to our Constitutional Republic form of governance 1) disbanding of the FED; 2) serious reductions in nonessential areas of government and elimination of ALL unconstitutional departments.
Semper Fi!
Comment by Billy Bowlegs on October 9, 2012 at 4:13pm 
Comment by Brian Keith Prince on October 9, 2012 at 1:31pm What did I just say about "CYBER ATTACKS" - childish garbage...the LEFTIES have to resort to!
Capital One has become the latest victim in an ongoing cyber operation by a group claiming to be aligned with radical Muslims. The twelfth-biggest U.S. bank by assets said it is experiencing online 'issues' due to the attack, but does not believe customer information is at risk. FOX Business first reported a specific threat against the firm Monday. The same group has threatened attacks on two other banks later this week.
More on this story: http://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/2012/10/09/capitol-one-confir...
For more news, please go to FoxBusiness.com and watch the FOX Business Network.
Manage Subscriptions | Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy
©2012 Fox News Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
FOX Business never sends unsolicited email. You received this email because you requested a subscription to Breaking Alerts from FoxBusiness.com.
Comment by Brian Keith Prince on October 9, 2012 at 12:47pm VERY RELEVANT TO DISCUSSION - BECAUSE COMMODITIES - WHICH BACK CURRENCY - INCLUDING ENERGY COMMODITIES LIKE OIL AND GAS:
|
||||||
 |
||||||
| Another Obama green-tech subsidy recipient begins furloughs for wor... 10/9/2012 10:01:03 AM Ed Morrissey 7 Comments When Barack Obama arrived in Holland, Michigan to break ground for the new Compact Power plant in July 2010, he promised that the $150 million in subsidies that prompted the construction of the new facility would result in more than 300 jobs and an More... |
||||||
Comment by Brian Keith Prince on October 9, 2012 at 12:22pm P.S. - "SINO - Radio" - stands for Socialism Is Not an Option.
Comment by Brian Keith Prince on October 9, 2012 at 12:20pm Another T.E.A. FRIEND...trying to INFORM Us. Carefully read their SUGGESTION about "True Twit." I upgraded personally, it was FREE. I also Trust the People that are their Friends and Ours. Judson or Vern can "check them out." Or at least look into "True Twit."
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||
Comment by Roc29 on October 9, 2012 at 11:53am Remember history. The Ukraine was known as the breadbasket of Europe until Stalin removed all the crops starving to death from 7 to 11 million Ukrainians and causing the USSR to be unable to feed itself without grain imports. Which, by the way, they couldn't buy because the ruble was so corrupted that it had no international monetary exchange rate. They either had to use gold or trade. We're headed down the same road to a worthless dollar.
Bad blood between Russia and the Ukraine should not surprise anyone.
Understanding Russia is as easy as studying their history. Ukraine is considered part of Russia by Russians. Ukrainians typically see themselves as Ukrainians. There is an independent spirit that prevails within the country. But, the Eastern and the Western parts of the country are quite different. The Crimea residents trace their ancestory back to non-Ukrainians. The relationship with Russia is complicated but not unfathomable!
Russians respect strength. They back Putin because he is viewed as a "strong, paternal" figure, who "won't take mess off anyone." Atempting to drive a wedge between Russia and Ukraine doesn't work the way many Westerners would expect! While Ukrainians covet independence, they are still essentially "cut from the same cloth," holding too many commonalities with Russia to stray too far!
Russians and Ukrainians are literalists. They hold to a belief that "words and deeds are two separate things. Totally different."
Both Russia and Ukraine are "men's countries." The households are traditional. The values are more defined.
Barack Obama may be liked by the Russian government. But he is not respected. In fact, he is commonly referred to as "Vash Chornie Glyoopetz." For those who speak the language, you know what I mean!
Comment by william mcdonald on October 9, 2012 at 10:55am After this election, we will be back on track!
Comment by Vern Shotwell on October 9, 2012 at 6:40am Gee. Perhaps we should leave Socialism, just like the Ukraine!
But then where would we get our Obamaphones?
© 2013 Created by Judson Phillips.
You need to be a member of Tea Party Nation to add comments!
Join Tea Party Nation