Why sanctions matter
In 2011, Rex Tillerson, CEO of Exxon, signed a $500 billion contract with Vladimir Putin to drill for oil in Russia's Arctic region.
In 2014, when Russia grabbed Crimea from Ukraine, President Obama slapped on sanctions that included a restriction that American companies could no longer drill for oil in Russia. This was a very big deal to Putin since oil is Russia's largest asset. This is also when Paul Manafort played his big role in Russia and Ukraine. Do you wonder why Manafort volunteered to chair the Trump campaign at no salary? The sanctions were at the source of it all.
In 2016, when incoming President Trump's people were talking about sanctions with Russian representatives, this is the main reason it was so important to Putin. No drilling--no income.
Then Trump selected his secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, who he had never met, but who had been awarded the "Order of Friendship" by Putin in 2013. (This is noted on Tillerson's resume.) Rumor has it that Tillerson was mentioned as his choice by Putin even though Trump had indicated he might select someone else.
So, with Trump elected, the sanctions become a bigger issue. Many have tried to have the sanctions lifted but without success. All of this discord over the sanctions makes it understandable why many of Trump's group made trips to Russia, met with Russians, talked with Russian officials, etc. Was there money for removing them for the Americans besides Exxon? But Trump's apparent alignment with Putin indicates it is either money or blackmail. And Russia will do anything to get the sanctions lifted.
E.H. BROWN
Little Rock
Attention on the road
I am out on Little Rock's roads every day for running and dog-walking, mainly in Cammack Village, the Heights, and Hillcrest. I think motorists do not realize that pedestrians and runners can easily see inside cars as they're being driven, and the sights can sure be shocking.
More often than not, the driver (both young and old) will have his or her large, bright iPhone screen in hand, eyes not on the road. I have even noticed this problem on residential side streets, where we usually travel for supposed safety. We do our best to walk and run "defensively" with flashlights, reflection, and face oncoming traffic. Yet this does not really deter others from running stop signs and red lights, or encourage them to yield to pedestrians.
Several years ago, I witnessed a motorist run a red light and hit a young man in a crosswalk. Fortunately, first responders arrived quickly and the individual only had minor injuries.
Many do not realize that driving can have deadly consequences. If you are driving, texting can wait. Focus on the road. Signs are there for a reason. Remembering these simple things could actually save a life.
BILLY McMAHON
Cammack Village
Editorial on 12/12/2019