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By Jack Bernard

The above statement by the infamous MTG was her excuse to vote against the recently approved (368 to 57) bi-partisan $40 billion aid package to Ukraine, which Rep. Drew Ferguson and other more normal conservatives voted for. She incorrectly dubbed it the “America LAST Ukraine First spending bill.” 

MTG was one of only three extremist Georgia GOP members voting against the bi-partisan package. The other right-wing radicals were Rep. Andrew Clyde and Rep. Jody Hice, who is running in the GOP primary to replace our Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger. Supporting the dictator Putin rather than a democracy is reprehensible. But all three of the above politicians already have a less than honorable record as described below.

As you may know, this Act allows the US to assist the brave Ukrainians in resisting the aggressor Russians. It permits replacement of weaponry, the purchase of additional equipment from outside contractors, and assistance to help those displaced by Putin’s War. Morally, passing the bill was the right thing to do. Just as importantly, it was the smart thing for the US to do strategically. 

Prior to the Second World War, there were similarly bigoted and misinformed people who were against the US entering into what they viewed as a European conflict. Charles Lindbergh, a well-known anti-Semite, wrote to Vice President John Garner: “We are both anxcious (sic) to avoid this country being pushed into a European war by British and Jewish propaganda.”

As we all know, Japan eventually attacked us. Afterwards, Germany and Italy declared war on us. Then, we had no choice but to get involved in European matters.

As a result of WWII, US leaders in both parties learned that we must be deeply involved in world affairs. Thus, we led the successful initiatives resulting in the creation of the United Nations and NATO. Although both organizations are imperfect, we have been able to avoid a disastrous WWIII.  But that US leadership started to change with Donald Trump, not a true Republican, and his misguided “America First” populism. Trump, who had absolutely no foreign policy experience, simply preyed on the emotions of people with societal resentments to get elected. He used our allies as his foils, blaming them for problems and harming our relationships overseas. 

Similarly-minded politicians like MTG, Hice and Clyde jumped on the Trump band wagon. MTG even went so far as to tweet that California wildfires were brought about by Jewish Space Lasers created by the Rothchild banking family. Lindbergh would have been proud.

As for Rep. Clyde, he’s the Georgia Congressman internationally renowned for saying that to him the insurrectionists breaking into the Capitol looked just like a “normal tourist visit.” And then reiterating that he was correct when asked about it in Congressional hearings.

Finally, we have Rep. Jody Hice. Pastor Hice is a preacher and radio show host who ended up in Congress due to a gerrymandered district which cut Clarke County in half and includes rural, white parts of metro Atlanta counties. Hice is well known for his backing of the “Big Lie” that the 2020 Presidential election was stolen saying- “This election was just overwhelmed with fraudulent activity. There’s nothing that can change my opinion of that.’

The first sentence of his statement is 100% incorrect. However, that last sentence of his is true. The facts… which show no significant election tampering existed… will never change Hice’s mind. Especially now that he has decided, with the endorsement of Trump, to run against Georgia Sec. of State Brad Raffensperger in the GOP primary. Raffensperger is a conservative who committed the unpardonable sin of refusing to “find 11,780 votes” as ordered by Trump.

So, there you have it. These three voted against helping a democracy, directly helping the dictator Putin. Will Georgia voters understand and register their concern? It’s doubtful.