U.S. Diplomacy by Extortion Gets Blindsided at Its Very First Crossroad

The opening gun of the Orange Man’s extortions was directed against Ukraine and his demand for rare earth and mineral rights in exchange for ‘possible’ continuing support against Russian attack, but “we’ll discuss that later, it’s only an inference for the time being.”

Not good enough for Zelenskyy, not by a long shot.

And so, in its first trial as a national diplomatic principle, extortion ran a red light and was wrecked at the intersection in an embarrassing crash that killed no one, but exposed a very reckless driver at the wheel. Most such accidents rate a minor notice on page three, but this one blazed across headlines worldwide.

Zelenskyy refused the deal, was thrown out of the Oval Office, and sent home like an errant schoolboy.

And the Orange Man claims a foul. Trump officials fume at Zelenskyy for disregarding advice before meeting, blares the Guardian headline. Officials say minerals deal would serve as commitment to US security guarantee and Ukraine leader shouldn’t have pressed issue.

Really?

Zelenskyy was wrong not to demand the rock not be thrown through Ukraine’s window, give away his rare earths and minerals, agree to repaying U.S. monetary support at $2 for every $1 expended, and settle for a future negotiation on the rock.

That was the advice he disregarded.

Zelenskyy is small in stature, but a giant in moral courage compared to the Orange Man. Having held off Putin for three years, and engineered an impossible response to naked aggression by a far superior military force, he was in no mood to agree to a criminal extortionist’s demands.

So the American bully followed the well worn path of his negotiating history, and shamed an allied head of state in a public setting before international journalists and television cameras. Then, in a scene reminiscent of his tv days on The Apprentice, he pointed the finger and roared “You’re Fired,” sending the President of Ukraine home like an errant child, not to return until he showed better manners and increased gratitude.

The Orange Man will double down. It’s his history.

So, the Orange Man left the White House (who some have renamed The Fight House) scheduled to attend a fundraising dinner for the Maga SUPERPAC in Palm Beach, where he’s always more comfortable, raising money before a supportive audience. That’s his ‘comfort food’ in a crisis.

Zelenskyy made his departure from the US for the UK, where he was met in the street outside #10 by the Prime Minister, before a cheering crowd, and awaits a State Dinner arranged by the King.

Some days you’re the nail, and other days the hammer.