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Russian President Vladimir Putin took to the op-ed page of the New York Times to address the American people Wednesday on the situation in Syria and plead his case against military action there.  I must admit, it was one of the most insightful things I have read in the New York Times in years.  At his conclusion, President Putin warns of the danger of American exceptionalism, stating “It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation”.

This is a very revealing statement.  American exceptionalism is dangerous, especially for people like President Putin.  For two hundred years, American exceptionalism has been dangerous to tyrants, terrorists, and totalitarian leaders all over the world.  It was American exceptionalism that defeated fascism and imperialism on the battlefields of the Second World War and helped rebuild Western Europe and the Pacific in the aftermath.  It was American exceptionalism that led the world in economic growth, technological innovation, and medical science in the twentieth century.  It was our exceptionalism that freed Eastern Europe from the scourge of communism and gave Mr. Putin the opportunity to be elected to the position he currently holds.   

Let's be clear, President Putin’s actions surrounding the crisis in Syria have nothing to do with the ideals he lauds in his editorial.  The Russian government is solely interested in enhancing its power and influence in the Middle East, and protecting client governments like the Assad regime in Syria.   While warning the American people against intervening in internal conflicts, Mr. Putin is directly and openly aiding the Assad regime.  He has high praise for the United Nations and international law, while utilizing every tool at his disposal to keep it from working.

That Mr. Putin still finds the United States’ commitment to freedom and human rights so dangerous should put a smile on every American’s face. Mr. Putin may not like it, but American exceptionalism will continue being a positive force in our world. We should all hope that it always will be.  

WASHINGTON—Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s remarks on Syria:

“The president has not convinced Americans that the Syrian civil war represents a vital national security threat to the United States.  Neither has he adequately explained how the U.S. would achieve the limited objectives his plan seeks to accomplish.  According to the administration, even after the limited military action, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad would continue to have access to the chemical weapon stockpile and the ability to carry out further attacks.  My greatest concern remains the likelihood that the proposed strike would leave Assad in power with access to these weapons and lead our country further into war.  The better path for the president would be to continue to work with our allies to secure Syria’s chemical weapons and ensure they do not proliferate throughout the region.”

SALT LAKE CITY—Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement regarding the death of Sergeant Johnson:

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Draper City Police Sergeant Derek Johnson.  My wife Sharon and I are praying for the family and for our law enforcement community as they begin to cope with this loss.  Days such as this are a reminder of the commitment, courage and sacrifice so often displayed by those who protect and defend our neighborhoods and cities."

Wednesday 4 September 2013 – Juab County
When: Wednesday 4 September, 2013 @ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Where: Levan, Utah @ Levan Town Hall, 20 North Main, Levan, UT 84639 (Council Room)

Wednesday 4 September 2013 – Juab County
When: Wednesday 4 September, 2013 @ Noon – 2:00 PM
Where: Mona, Utah @ Mona City Office, 50 West Center, Mona, UT 84645 (Council Room)

Tuesday 10 September 2013 – Millard County
When: Tuesday 10 September, 2013 @ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Hinckley, Utah @ Hinckley Town Hall, 161 East 300 North, Hinckley, UT 84635 (Council Chambers)

Tuesday 10 September 2013 – Millard County
When: Tuesday 10 September, 2013 @ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Delta, Utah @ Delta City Library, 76 North 200 West, Delta, UT 84624 (Conference Room)

Tuesday 17 September 2013 – Duchesne County
When: Tuesday 17 September, 2013 @ 10:00 AM – Noon
Where: Myton, Utah @ Myton City Hall, 125 E Main, Myton, UT 84052 (Multipurpose Room)

Tuesday 17 September 2013 – Duchesne County
When: Tuesday 17 September, 2013 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 PM
Where: Duchesne, Utah @ Duchesne Library, 130 S. Center, Duchesne, UT 84021

Wednesday 18 September 2013 – Uintah County
When: Wednesday 18 September, 2013 @ 10:00 AM – Noon
Where: Vernal, Utah @ Vernal City Hall, 374 E Main, Vernal, UT 84078 (Upstairs Administrative Conference Room)

Wednesday 18 September 2013 – Uintah County
When: Wednesday 18 September, 2013 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Ballard, Utah @ Ballard Town Office, 2381 E 1000 S, Ballard, UT 84066

Tuesday 24 September 2013 – Grand County
What:  Mobile Office Visit to Grand County
When: Tuesday 24 September, 2013 @ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Moab, Utah @ Grand County Public Library, 257 E Center, Moab, UT 84532 (Board Room)

Wednesday 25 September 2013 – San Juan County
What:  Mobile Office Visit to San Juan County
When: Wednesday 25 September, 2013 @ 10:00 AM – Noon
Where: Blanding, Utah @ City Hall, 50 W 100 S, Blanding, UT 84511 (Council Chamber)

Wednesday 25 September 2013 – San Juan County
What:  Mobile Office Visit to San Juan County
When: Wednesday 25 September, 2013 @ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Monticello, Utah @ Monticello Library, 80 N Main, Monticello, UT 84535 (Open Use Room)

Thursday 26 September 2013 – Emery County
What:  Mobile Office Visit to Emery County
When: Thursday 26 September, 2013 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Green River, Utah @ City Hall, 460 East Main Street, Green River, UT 84525