Right from the Middle: Biden must impose stronger sanctions on Russia

By William O. Lipinski

William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia — William O. Lipinski former Congressman

Now that President Biden has finally stopped the importing of Russian oil, it’s time for him to do a few other things.

Ramp-up the production of our Land of Liberty’s gas and oil to its full capacity. So, we will be self-sufficient. And start replacing Russian oil in countries that now import it.

Remember America at full production is the largest producer of gas and oil in the world.

To accomplish this, the Biden administration will make its progressive Left-wing and anti-fossil fuel supporters very unhappy and very angry.

Russian soldiers in front of the Kremlin. Photo courtesy of Steve hHarvey, LrwMuJNTIA unsplash

But I am sure Biden knows these people have no place else to go electorally, so he loses no voters and probably will pick up some moderates.

Temporarily it may increase gas prices, in our Fortress of Freedom, but in the long run it will reduce gas prices significantly. Next, he must persuade Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates to increase their production of oil to further replace Russian oil.

This will not be easy, because of the lack of attention the Biden administration has shown these countries but with some personal diplomacy I believe President Biden can accomplish this for the good of Ukraine and the world.

Remember, this is a war with Russia, and if we are going to win; without using the American military these steps are necessary. We must also persuade Japan and South Korea to send more of their liquid natural gas to European countries, both have other sources of Energy.

And if we must, we must permit Iran and Venezuela to sell their oil on the open market to the fullest extent of their ability.

Please recall what Winston Churchill said if Adolph Hitler invaded hell, he would have some good words to say about the devil.

Now, let me outline what other steps can be taken, to win this war with Russia. The next step, and I know it is highly controversial, is to impose a “No Fly Zone” over Ukraine.

I thought about this for several days I’ve asked other individuals what they thought about a No Fly Zone. The older generations I have spoken to supported it, there is much less support for it with younger generations.

It was the Russians’ brutal, indiscriminate, inhuman, bombing of helpless civilians that convinced me of the need for a No Fly Zone.

When the Ukrainians gave up their nuclear weapons Russia promised to respect Ukrainian borders, and Ukraine nation hood.

If Ukraine still had those weapons, you could be sure there would not have been an invasion by the Russians. It was NATO countries that very strongly encouraged Ukraine to give up their nuclear weapons.

For that reason alone, NATO should be support of a No Fly Zone. NATO’s refusal to implement a no fly zone over Ukraine, is based upon their thinking that it would be offensive and they are a defensive organization.

It would be defensive it would be simply protecting women and children from the Russians brute air attacks.

If we don’t employ a No Fly Zone over the Ukraine it will be very difficult to defeat the Russians. And remember China is watching a few other steps we could take would be: prioritize the rapid and free flow of weapons to Ukraine; covert operations on behalf of Ukraine; supply TB2 drones; ensure the fast flow of intelligence; open field hospitals in Poland; and, make Landstuhl military hospital in Germany open to all Ukrainians.

And last but not least establish the alliance for freedom and democracy to protect all democracies around the world from totalitarian evil nations.

Our Land of the Pilgrims Pride can lead this collation but all member democracies must contribute economically and militarily. It is time for an organization to protect and expand democracy around the world.

(William O. Lipinski served in Congress representing the 5th and 3rd Congressional District from 1982 until 2005. Email Bill at [email protected]. This column originally appeared in the Des Plaines Valley News newspaper group.)

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William Lipinski

William Oliver Lipinski is a former U.S. Representative from the State of Illinois. He served as the Democratic Committeeman from the Chicago 23rd Ward from 1975 and as Alderman of the Ward until he was elected to the Congress in 1982.

Lipinski writes the "Right from the Middle" Column twice each month.

Born in Chicago, Cook County, Ill and graduated fromSt. Patrick High School, Chicago, Ill., 1956; attended Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, 1956-1957; United States Army Reserves, 1961-1967.

Lipinski was elected alderman, Chicago, Ill., city council, 1975-1982; He was a delegate to: the Democratic National Midterm Convention, 1974; Democratic National Convention, 1976 and 1984; Illinois state Democratic convention, 1977.

He was elected as a Democrat to the Ninety-eighth and to the ten succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1983-January 3, 2005)

His email is [email protected]

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