Russian Sanctions - Keep Them!

The hiring process for an employee into a company typically relies on a network of opinions and advice from people.  Before hiring references are checked, education levels confirmed, typically referrals from colleagues help, background check are completed.  Even once hired typically a 3 to 9 month probation period exists during which a dud higher can get the boot.  You want to minimize the risks.

Why then is it that the UK is already talking about removing certain sanctions against Russia?

Is it good enough that Russia withdraws from Ukraine and commits to no further aggression?  Do we trust the Russian government? Have they historically shown their ability to behave properly towards their citizens and their neighbours?

I think it is time for countries to stop handing out memberships to organizations such as NATO, the EU, the G7 or G20, the OECD  as a way of hoping a government will change its ways or inciting a government to change its ways.  I think it is time for these organizations to keep these governments and nations outside of these groups until such time that they have proven that they will permit a few things - freedom of expression (political, religious, sexual), a political system that allows for the current government to be kicked out of power and a new one elected, freedom of trade and commerce as well as full participation in solving global problems.

These clubs should be reserved for nations that follow basic human rights.  Only once followed should these countries be allowed membership.  We need to stop hoping countries will change their ways.

Dangle the carrot...but don't feed it to them right away.

By the way, I feel this should apply not only to relationships between nations but also to companies, sporting leagues, entertainment and so on.  The world needs to once and for all learn a lesson from what Russia is doing.  We need to stop the illusion of normalcy when dealing with these types of regimes.  It anything but normal to deal with bullies and criminals as if all was fine.

Don't allow dirty money and politics to take precedence over decency.  Keep the sanctions as long as is required.


Let me know what you think about what you have just read. Please and thanks!

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