Expectations of citizenry is up in the air. Trump & Putin talk.

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   tsmogposted 24 hours ago

   Clash of Ideals: Liberty, Democracy, and the Fog of Partisan War
   
   Maybe a little late, but, hey, why not get it out there. Today, Friday August 15th Trump meets with Putin to discuss this and that. Hints have been given what those may be, yet it will be after their meeting we will get the lo-down on some of the details. Trump has hopes, Putin has hopes, and so does Zelenskyy. And, so do we as a nation.
   
   As Russia presses its authoritarian boot against Ukraine’s fledgling democracy, a quieter battle unfolds at home: the American soul wrestling with its own ideals. Liberty and democracy—once shared lodestars—now fracture along partisan fault lines. A recent Pew study lays bare this divide, revealing not just differing views on foreign policy, but divergent understandings of what it means to be free, to govern, and to stand for others. In the graphics and numbers, we glimpse a deeper question: Can a nation divided in its vision still serve as a beacon for those fighting to be free?
   
   How Americans view the Trump administration’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine war presented by Pew Research (Aug 14, 2025)
   https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads … raine-war/
   
   
   
   
   ** Do you think the meeting between Trump and Putin will reflect your hopes and concerns for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict—or reveal deeper divides in how we define peace and justice?
   
   ** What does liberty mean to you in today’s America—and does our response to Ukraine’s struggle mirror that meaning?
   
   ** Can a nation fractured by partisan visions still serve as a moral compass for others seeking freedom and self-rule? Or must we first reconcile our own ideals before we speak for them abroad?
   
   Thoughts, accolades, criticisms, and/or commentary?

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      Sharlee01posted 7 hours agoin reply to this

      "Do you think the meeting between Trump and Putin will reflect your hopes and concerns for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, or reveal deeper divides in how we define peace and justice?"
      
      After yesterday’s meeting, I was encouraged. I saw it as proof that the door to peace hasn’t been slammed shut. Trump was clear that this is not our war, and that is the truth many politicians refuse to admit. Yet, he’s still stepping up, trying to get Putin and Zelensky together at the same table. That alone gives me hope, because unlike endless military aid packages, it shows leadership focused on results, not on keeping the conflict going. Some will say it reveals divides in how we define “peace and justice,” but to me it shows Trump is willing to push past those divides. Justice doesn’t come from dragging this out, it comes from saving lives and preventing further destruction.  It’s been many years since I’ve felt this proud of a president. Yesterday, Trump finally stepped up and showed real leadership by making a serious attempt to bring an end to this war. It's odd that no one ever approached the question of why no one has tried before Trump.
      
      "What does liberty mean to you in today’s America—and does our response to Ukraine’s struggle mirror that meaning?"
      
      Liberty today means the right to put America first, to protect our borders, safeguard our economy, and ensure citizens are free from government overreach. In many ways, our response to Ukraine has not mirrored that meaning. Billions are being spent overseas while many Americans feel abandoned, whether it’s veterans, workers, or families struggling with inflation. Trump understands that liberty isn’t just about speeches; it’s about prioritizing our people’s well-being. That doesn’t mean turning our back on Ukraine, it means helping in ways that encourage peace rather than endless war, while not sacrificing our own freedoms or prosperity at home.
      
      "Can a nation fractured by partisan visions still serve as a moral compass for others seeking freedom and self-rule? Or must we first reconcile our own ideals before we speak for them abroad?"
      
      Right now, America is fractured, no doubt about it. But the truth is, the world still looks to us, not because we’re perfect, but because we’re strong when we have leaders who put our country’s interests first. Trump proves that you can serve as a compass without having to solve every internal argument. In fact, focusing on strength at home, rebuilding trust in elections, securing the border, reviving the economy is part of how we regain moral authority abroad. I don’t think we need to wait until every partisan fight is healed before speaking up for freedom. But we do need to show that we practice what we preach: sovereignty, security, and accountability.

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