Another Latin phrase worth remembering

"Quid pro quo," this for that, is a hero. The Latin phrase has single-handedly saved the Latin language, once considered a dead language, from the irrelevance of the ages.

Only a vicious political spat can do this.

The "this for that" proposition has always been an integral part of human interaction and deal making. If you do your homework, you can go out and play. If you work hard, then you can earn more money, etc.

All U.S. relations with all foreign and domestic relations have always been based on quid pro quo. In 1999, President Clinton signed a treaty with Ukraine saying "if Ukraine denukes, then the U.S. et al, will help defend Ukraine."

Quid pro quo.

But that didn't happen. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014 but the U.S. didn't help defend Ukraine. President Obama sent Ukraine blankets when they needed Javelins, an anti-tank weapon.

This makes one wonder about another Latin phrase: "cui bono," who benefits. Who would benefit if the U.S. did not honor the treaty signed by Clinton and help defend Ukraine? Well, I would guess Putin would be happy we didn't intervene with weapons.

Ergo, if Obama didn't honor the treaty and help our ally Ukraine, then Putin and the Russians would benefit by taking the Crimean Peninsula unopposed.

Ergo, it was Obama who helped/colluded with the Russians in their desire to invade and take Ukranian territory.

But wait, didn't the Democrats and the press insist it was Trump who colluded with Russians?

Mike Simon

Glen Ellyn