The Confounding and Dangerous Nature of Nitwits in Power

It will be difficult to avoid dwelling on the nonsense that spews forth from the statements and actions of the current POTUS and his ever compliant minions. However, the predominantly negative influence on global matters cannot be ignored.

Hence, some takeaways from the recent so-called "Zelensky slap down".

Unlike the current parade of global leaders who have come to the White House to kiss the boots and flatter Trump, Zelensky did not play that game. Given that both Trump and Vance look at the world through a narrow slit of a me-first cloaked in America first lens, Zelensky took exception (and rightly so) to Vance's statement that they were engaging in "diplomacy" with the Russians. Aside from the fact that the "engagement" with the invader's lackeys did not include the main party to the "diplomatic" effort, it was a presumptuous and sanctimonious statement.

Moreover, Vance suggested Zelensky was being disrespectful of the Oval Office in his efforts to clarify their misunderstandings in dealing with Putin.

Let us be crystal clear: neither one of these so-called leaders of a major superpower has an informed sense of both recent and past history, or, more importantly, a respectful, diplomatic bone in their body. The President, like a high-school mean girl, calls other world leaders or political opponents childish names. His sidekick preaches to European leaders about how their democracies need a re-set and to "listen to their people", notably the segment that has been sucked into the vortex of the extreme right. It appears that this, like most of the disruptive and destructive pronouncements of the current US Executive Office, is a new definition of diplomacy.

The preaching, rather than listening, which is at the core of real diplomacy, incensed Zelensky and emboldened Trump who's nature is to resort to put downs and insults. Hence an intractable argument ensued. It is unknown what the outcome will be following Zelensky's banishment. One thing is certain, Putin is relishing what he sees and will use it to press ahead in his war of attrition, the very point that Zelensky was trying to make and that Trump and Vance refuse to countenance.

The global order will be dangerously disruptive going forward with a famously unhinged and impulsive President, and a VP who will be working tirelessly on his run for the Presidency in four year's time.

Canada's policy responses need to take all of these things, and more, into account.