So we now have the definitive response to the US-UK 'Drang nach Osten'. Victoria Nuland, KUDOS! It is significant that she remains in charge of East European policy at the State Department. Too bad it is the Ukranian people who pay the price.

Talk about over playing one's hand! What hand? We invoke 'self determination', Putin invokes Pan Slav mysticism. Putin has 200,000 troops available, detailed intelligence and the initiative. We have no troops involved.

Now we get to see who the sanctions hurt the most. I expect to pay over $5.00/gallon at the gas station tomorrow. I expect SWIFT to loose its front teeth.

"It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."