By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times
Making a deal with the Devil shouldn’t appeal to many folks but it has never been a problem for President Trump, as shown by his handshake agreement to import Russian-produced diesel fuel.
He and Russian President Vladimir Putin, a man he greatly admires, apparently are pals again because this diesel agreement apparently ends years of U.S. efforts to cut off Russian energy from the global markets after Putin ordered Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The infusion of billions of new American tax dollars into the Russian economy will provide Putin’s government with the resources to kill more Ukrainians, including women and children, through indiscriminate bombing of residential neighborhoods.
This “diesel deal” was announced less than a month before the Nov. 3 midterm election, developed as high fuel prices caused by the war in Iran pose major liabilities for Trump and Republicans as they try to hold onto control of the House and Senate in Washington.
Putin also benefits because Trump last weekend called for Ukraine voters to oust President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for prolonging the war with Russia and not being willing to make a “deal” to end the conflict.
Despite the money our country has spent on arms and ammunition for the Ukrainians, Trump seemingly now wants the U. S. to switch sides and let the Russians take over that free, sovereign nation in the same fashion as they annexed the Crimea in 2014.
Energy experts are saying the amount of Russian diesel fuel to be imported from Russia is a small percentage of the daily amount consumed in the U. S.
The decision by individual states like Kentucky to allow red-dyed diesel to be used on streets and highways creates a major obstacle for owners of personal cars and trucks because it is not sold at gas stations but by fuel suppliers or wholesalers in fuel terminals.
Moreover, with the election looming on Nov, 3, that date likely will come sooner than pump prices for diesel fuel can be lowered enough to ease voter unhappiness.
Again, this “diesel deal” by the master of misdirection is another grandstand effort to divert our attention from the runaway costs of vital goods and services under his administration and the Republican-controlled Congress.
Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.
