Dear President-Elect Trump:
Republicans and Democrats have very different outlooks on how to benefit America. It is a constant struggle, one that has the capacity to be either debilitating to America or healthy for America depending on how Republicans and Democrats handle the struggle. However, with few exceptions, Republicans and Democrats desire similar outcomes for America. Each desire and seek a strong and independent America. We become stronger as we work together because our end desire is the same.
The same cannot be said about the relationship between the United States and Russia. We are not two nations that have different ways of accomplishing the same goals. Instead, we have two national philosophies that are fundamentally opposed to the other. When America accomplishes its goals, Russia does not celebrate. And Russia’s goals and objectives are fundamentally contrary to principles of American freedom.
I know many Russians. Those that I know are wonderful people. I admire many things about them. But there is a massive difference between Russia’s people and Russia’s political structure.
I have encouraged you in past letters to collaborate with Republicans, Democrats, and Independents in Washington. Why? Because we all have America’s best interest at heart. We just have different ways of going about it.
But we must see things as they really are regarding our relationship with Vladimir Putin and his objectives for Russia. America desires to expand freedom around the world. Putin diminishes freedom both within and outside of Russia.
Vladimir Putin is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Those who naively believe that Putin’s interest and America’s interest can be aligned will find themselves unprepared to defend against the appetite of a wolf. America’s interest and Putin’s cannot be aligned.
Please watch your step with Vladimir Putin. He is dangerous to American interests and values. Some things cannot be reduced to a business deal. Dealing with Russia is one of them.
Sincerely,
David O. Leavitt
