Ron Paul: Crimea secedes. So what?Residents of Crimea voted over the weekend on whether they would remain an autonomous region of Ukraine or join the Russian Federation. In so doing, they joined a number of countries and regions — including recently Scotland, Catalonia and Venice — that are seeking to secede from what they view as unresponsive or oppressive governments.
These latter three are proceeding without much notice, while the overwhelming Crimea vote to secede from Ukraine has incensed U.S. and European Union officials, and has led NATO closer to conflict with Russia than since the height of the Cold War.
What's the big deal? Opponents of the Crimea vote like to point to the illegality of the referendum. But self-determination is a centerpiece of international law. Article I of the United Nations Charter points out clearly that the purpose of the U.N. is to "develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples."
Why does the U.S. care which flag will be hoisted on a small piece of land thousands of miles away?
Critics point to the Russian "occupation" of Crimea as evidence that no fair vote could have taken place. Where were these people when an election held in an Iraq occupied by U.S. troops was called a "triumph of democracy"?
Perhaps the U.S. officials who supported the unconstitutional overthrow of Ukraine's government should refocus their energies on learning our own Constitution, which does not allow the U.S. government to overthrow governments overseas or send a billion dollars to bail out Ukraine and its international creditors.
Though the Obama administration has applied some minimal sanctions on selected Russian and Crimean individuals, neither the U.S. nor the EU can afford significant sanctions against Russia. Global trade provides too much economic benefit to both sides.
Indeed, international markets rallied on news that the sanctions would be thus far minimal. They understand that trade and economic engagement are the surest roads to peace and prosperity. Let's hope governments will follow their lead.
Former representative Ron Paul of Texas is host of the new RonPaulChannel.com.
Comments
Ludolf Pauli Pozzo · Physicist at Large Henron Collider
Dr. Paul gives another accurate prognosis. A modern day Founding Father. Those who like to puff their chests go sign-up and 'save' the people of Russia...I mean Crimea from their own vote for self-determination.
Rick Blankenship · Top Commenter · West Carrollton High School
We are NOT the world police. USA should keep our noses out of the other peoples problems. What if Russia had intervened when we elected an Ass Clown (obama) for president? I wish they would have!
RV Rad · Top Commenter
This man should be President of the United States. Unfortunately, until electoral college system is abolished no real change with happen in this country. Both parties will continue maintaining their grip on power and keep driving this country to its end. And the end is nearer and nearer.
David Nelson · Top Commenter
While not a Ron Paul fan, his commentary is both accurate and realistic. There were reports that US would punish Putin by freezing the overseas assets of his rich supporters, but has been reported those individuals already have removed most if not all their assets and returned them to Russia.
Greg Mauer · Top Commenter · Works at Tab Sound Design
Exactly! Keep out of it. We don't need anymore financial crisis' brought on by the manchild President! Go golf for the rest of your term and quit raising taxes to pay for Obama phones!
Donald Wade · Top Commenter · Wayne State University
Russia gave the Crimea to the Ukraine in the 50's when the Ukraine was part of Russia. this does not surprise me that the Crimea returns to Russia. This should not cause a war.
John Moore · Works at UC Santa Barbara
I do not always agree with Ron Paul, but here he seems to have hit the nail on the head. Why didn't US newspapers report the vote? Were they embarrassed by the outcome?
Ron Erke · Top Commenter · Mansfield, Texas
Ron Paul is right, Crimea was part of Russia before the Soviet Union, Khrushchev gave it to Ukraine in the 1950's thinking that the Soviet Union would never dissolve.
Steve Gaines · Top Commenter · .NET Architect / Developer at Matrix Resources
Leave it to Ron Paul to speak wisdom based on truth and consistent application of principles of justice and fairness.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/03/17/crimea-ukraine-russia-ron-paul-editorials-debates/6544163/