There are politicians and generals who believe, perhaps honestly, that the answer to every issue is more bombs. They would have bombed Iran, North Korea, etc. How well in recent history has the big stick worked? Which military won in Vietnam? How well have the Israeli assaults won the peace with the Palestinians? Did our overwhelming use of force make things better in Iraq or Libya? And it is not just recent. Did England's overwhelming military superiority work in 1776? It is the strength of the belief in the people being bombed to withstand and recruit and continue that is so important. Every Israeli incursion creates a brief pause, and many more Palestinians willing to die.

The Ukraine is not important. I don't care if it is independent or part of Russia. Do your really care? What is the history of the area? What do the citizens there want? What are the policies of the Ukrainian government that might make it important to give them support other than they are not Putin? Is it a nation with a strong commitment to civil liberties, minority rights, protection of the environment or is a nation run by a petty dictator who is vicious in his own policies? How much different will the world be if eastern Ukraine is annexed into Russia? Is it worth any American lives or any American dollars?