HISTORY IS REPEATING ITSELF

The saying goes that those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it.  Russian President Putin is mimicking the actions of another mono-maniacal leader.  Here is a news story from 75 years ago, nearly to the day!

"On March 12, 1938, German troops marched into Austria to annex the German-speaking nation for the Third Reich.  In early 1938, Austrian Nazis conspired for the second time in four years to seize the Austrian government by force and unite their nation with Nazi Germany. Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg, learning of the conspiracy, met with Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in the hopes of reasserting his country's independence but was instead bullied into naming several top Austrian Nazis to his cabinet. On March 9, Schuschnigg called a national vote to resolve the question of Anschluss, or "annexation," once and for all. Before the plebiscite could take place, however, Schuschnigg gave in to pressure from Hitler and resigned on March 11. In his resignation address, under coercion from the Nazis, he pleaded with Austrian forces not to resist a German "advance" into the country.  The next day, March 12, Hitler accompanied German troops into Austria, where enthusiastic crowds met them. Hitler appointed a new Nazi government, and on March 13 the Anschluss was proclaimed. Austria existed as a federal state of Germany until the end of World War II, when the Allied powers declared the Anschluss void and reestablished an independent Austria." 

Other parallels are also striking: both Hitler and Putin were 'elected' by rigged systems, and both took action just after having hosted the Olympics.

President Obama has a choice.  He can attempt to appease like Prime Minister Chamberlain, dither like President Roosevelt while Europe descends once again into war, or take decisive action.  Especially he must not make the mistake of relying on the 'United' Nations.  The UN has no teeth as long as the obstructionist structure of the Security Counsel is in place, and no power at all without the US military behind it.

President Obama must act, decisively and swiftly!