From the editor: Not fighting words

Ah, another ignoble spectacle.

On one end, President Barack Obama appears helpless as Russia envelopes the Crimean section of Ukraine, at least to impatient eyes. The volley of words from the White House is reminiscent of Obama’s response to the crisis in Syria, now in its fourth year.

On the other a predictable assortment embraces the leadership style of Vladimir Putin, despite its blatant anti-humanitarian, anti-democratic stance. This group consists mostly of knee-jerk opponents of anything Obama.

Not that the president’s stern verbal warnings don’t leave room for ridicule. His orations hav...