Russian fighters buzz U.S. Navy - Why? Because they can

Thumbing their noses If you've been watching the news over the course of the last 24-48 hours, you've no doubt seen the reports about Russian SU-24 attack planes buzzing the USS Donald Cook (DDG-75). This happened first on Monday, then again on Tuesday. At least one of the so-called "simulated attacks" saw the Russian fighters fly just 30 feet above the ship. If you haven't seen the footage, here you go:

The question is: Why would Putin do this? The answer is: "Because he can." Putin simply loves to thumb his nose at the feckless, impotent, and failed leadership he sees in Washington. What was once the most powerful, feared, and respected nation on Earth has become something he can harass and embarrass with impunity. Just as Iran knew it could capture our sailors without fear of reprisal, Russia knows it can do as it pleases without worrying about any unpleasant consequences - military or otherwise. Our feeble President is too busy making March Madness Brackets and watching Game of Thrones to be bothered with cold-war-esque provocations. Now, to be fair, this all started with Bush and his "I was able to get a sense of his soul" comments. Our diminished stature isn't just Obama's fault. It's the end result of a mor than a decade of groveling, simpering, and kowtowing to the planet's most brutish thugs. It's the result of poor judgment, post election 'flexibility,' reset buttons, apology tours, and ridiculous nuclear deals. We broadcast the message that we are weak, and that message has been received loud and clear.