In an op-ed first published in National Review and posted to his own website Dec. 21, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), the second ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, who on a Fox News appearance on Dec. 7 urged that the U.S. should consider using a nuclear first strike against Russia, elaborated on how best to escalate a provocation with Russia. The op-ed is titled: “How Biden Can Outfox Putin in Ukraine; Ukraine Is Not a Treaty Ally, But U.S. Credibility Is At Stake Nonetheless,” and it calls for engaging in a nuclear chicken game with Russia. In rhetoric that would make even Dr. Strangelove envious, Wicker’s stunningly dangerous and psychotic call for escalation states:
“Putin must be stopped before he fires a shot. President Biden can take several steps to compel him to stand down.
“First, President Biden should make clear that there is no scenario under which Ukraine will be overrun by Russia, period. Putin is already courting a bloodbath should he attack Ukrainian troops. President Biden should up the ante by warning him that an invasion would saddle him with an intolerably high Russian casualty count. This means leaving all options on the table and granting no concessions.
“Second, President Biden should arm Ukraine with the advanced weaponry it desperately needs.… The U.S. should offer anti-aircraft systems to protect Ukrainian skies. We should also continue providing Javelin anti-tank systems to deter Russian tanks from crossing the border.
