NATO

[kerravon]

Hello Estonia from Australia!

I used to dream that one day we (the free world) could get behind the Iron Curtain and ask the people there whether they REALLY supported their communist dictators or not. Quite frankly, I didn't think I would ever see the day, because I didn't think the dictators would ever have an incentive to relinquish power.

You simply cannot imagine how happy I was to see the collapse of communism.

Anyway, although Australia is not a member of NATO, it's effectively part of the free world military alliance, and I counted the days to Estonia being safe and secure under NATO's umbrella. Some of the other countries can't understand why people are so keen to join NATO given that the USSR has already collapsed, but you and I both know exactly why NATO is important when a small country is unfortunately located next to an aggressive neighbour.

Thankfully, it all went off without a hitch.

You should go and see the video of some of the NATO ascessions. It's quite beautiful. Although Bulgaria was the most emotional.

However, I think Estonia has got to be the number 1 liberated country in terms of enthusiasm for freedom and the morality and need to fight for freedom rather than just ignore dictatorship in the world.

Although I'd like to see some polls on that. What was the maximum support the 2003 Iraq war ever got in Estonia?

Regardless, what I would really like is for the Estonians to lead the free world. Come up with a war plan on who should be liberated next, and go and assemble a coalition. EVEN IF AMERICA DOESN'T JOIN.

People are probably more willing to help out Estonia as countries like France and Canada can avoid the image of being "America's servants". Actually, I had hoped that Australia could take on that role itself. But alas, it didn't happen.

If not the Estonian government, then at least a pro-freedom-fighting Estonian-led NGO that lobbies the rest of the world to topple as many dictators as it can.

Another thing I would like to see - a (native Russian-speaking) Estonian permanently heading NATO. Wouldn't that be a sight to see? NATO-Russian dialogues taking part between two Russian speakers in Russian!

Part of protecting Estonia is to ease tensions with Russia. While we would all like Russia to morph into a larger version of Estonia overnight, it's not going to happen. A lot of patience is required. I've (hopefully) embedded some Russian below. Hopefully some of you guys know what it means (I know you mostly speak Estonian, not Russian, but a lot of Estonians still know it). I'll tell you the (original) English sometime later. Imagine what would happen if Russians internalized that after being taught it as children. There's your long-term solution. Note - I was born in Australia, and am of British descent, and have no Estonia heritage or anything. I just share the passion for freedom.

Bye!

Я клянусь использовать мой мозг для борьбы с притеснением таких, как я - а вы?

[Alex]

I'd be pretty happy if no one would lead anything for a while.