Freedom in the Ukraine

The election troubles in the Ukraine are still fighting for media exposure against the latest revelations about Princess Di in this country. One thing I found interesting in the Ukraine story was the involvement of people like Vaclav Havel and Lech Walesa.

In the 1980's - Havel and Walesa were the symbols of freedom in Eastern Europe. They remain steadfast supporters of freedom to this day which is why their involvement in this story is newsworthy.

Who are the symbols of freedom from the United States?

It isn't Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton. Their embracing of dictators during their presidency make any endorsement of democracy now less than genuine. Do you remember the joke that was Jimmy Carter the last time he got involved with certifying a presidential election abroad?

Probably the historical enduring symbol of freedom from the United States will be Ronald Reagan. (The New York Times or John Kerry may not have been fans but ask Havel or Walesa what they thought of Reagan.) With Reagan passed on the question remains - who is the living, breathing symbol of freedom from the US?

George H W Bush could bear the mantle but he has to be careful not to step on his son's toes and to be honest - Reagan did the real heavy lifting while Bush Sr. was there to get the ball in from the three yard line. Meanwhile George W Bush is a sitting president and has certain constraints that preclude him.

I would nominate Nancy Reagan. She is old and has earned her rest but if she went to the Ukraine she would be a powerful symbol for those who wish to cheat the people to have to deal with.

Nancy Reagan would be sniped at by the liberal media but in the hearts and minds of Eastern Europe and the former territories of the USSR she would be a force. A symbolic force that would carry the legacy of her husband.