Extended edition: Episode 3-31-23

Good morning, my friends!

Here’s today’s brief round-up of news and some daily motivation.

If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.

My name is Stan R. Mitchell and I’m a prior Marine, journalist, and man who loves this country with all of my heart. I also like to focus on covering our military and looming hot spots, while also trying to unite the country as best I can.

I truly do appreciate all my supporters and listeners, and The View from the Front extended edition is just a small way I want to add value and repay those who have signed up as paid subscribers. (And it also is another step forward toward the long-term dream and vision I currently have.)

I will also continue to do my weekly podcast each Thursday.

If you’d like to upgrade and go from free to paid, here’s the link:

But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters.

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I wanted to begin this edition by honoring some brave warriors who passed in the last couple of days.

First, there was this tragic training collission between two helicopters: 9 soldiers killed in Army helicopter training crash in Kentucky.

Additionally, our country lost one of its most fierce warriors:

Task & Purpose @TaskandPurpose

Mike Day, Navy SEAL who survived being shot 27 times in Iraq, dies

trib.alMike Day, Navy SEAL who survived being shot 27 times in Iraq, diesMike Day, a decorated Navy SEAL shot 27 times during a firefight in Iraq in 2007, passed away on March 27.

Russia and Ukraine news:

In other news, Russia acted like the complete, out-of-control police state that it is again: Wall Street Journal reporter arrested in Russia on spying charges.

But the bigger question is, “Was this why he was arrested?”

And my firm belief is that all Americans need to just get out of Russia as fast as they can. The country is as out-of-control as Iran on false imprisonments and bogus detainments.

I’m probably over-reacting — not really — but I don’t even think we should have State Department folks there anymore. Russia is no longer a country that even comes close to following the rule of law.

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I have talked so many times about what a terrible strategist Putin is, but these two summaries were so concise and strong that I couldn’t NOT share them.

James Jay Carafano @JJCarafano

Putin just added 832 miles of border with NATO. If he really believed NATO was a threat and a problem he would have just left Europe alone. He is lucky NATO is an alliance about collective defense and not the aggressor.

James Jay Carafano @JJCarafano

Putin’s accomplishments so far 1) wiping out his first line military 2) Finland in NATO 3) ensured strongest army in Europe on his border and fighting mad 4) crashing economy 5) vassal of China 6) got himself declared war criminal. Super impressive

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On the flip side, Ukraine did something smart, in my opinion.

Zelensky invites China’s Xi to visit Ukraine.

Summarizing my thoughts perfectly, Alec Bertina, a journalist and conflict analyst, call the move “good diplomacy.”

“If Xi (Jinping, China’s President) doesn't turn up,” Bertina said, “it does not make him look like the impartial mediator he is trying to come across. If he does turn up, it is an uncomfortable situation for Russia. Plus it shows Ukraine is open to diplomatic input from anyone.”

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Finally, I’ve been meaning to squeeze this story in:

Military.com @Militarydotcom

Not Stopping Russia in Ukraine Would Force 'Doubling' of US Defense Budget, Milley Says

bit.lyNot Stopping Russia in Ukraine Would Force ‘Doubling’ of US Defense Budget, Milley SaysMilley’s remark at a House Appropriations Committee defense subcommittee hearing comes amid growing skepticism from Republicans about the price tag of U.S. aid to Ukraine.

China news:

This seems potentially concerning.

The Select Committee on the CCP @committeeonccp

RECAP: Earlier this month, @WSJ reported that Chinese cargo cranes control 80% of American ports. Pentagon officials expressed concern that CCP agents could weaponize Chinese Cargo cranes and disrupt American trade flows, including sensitive military components.

Tech news:

These are TWO different impressive tech news stories…