President Putin has his adversaries killed, and after the death of an attorney with U.S. ties, Congress imposed sanctions. The Magnitsky Act of 2012 froze Russian assets and blocked visas. These were expanded after Putin invaded Ukraine. Without the latest drilling technology, Russian oil is not profitable. Putin wants them undone, and he sought help. 

It has now been confirmed by Donald Trump Jr. himself that leaders of the Trump campaign were, in June 2016, allured by a certain bait. It was made known that a Putin emissary could offer dirt the Russian government was said to have on Hillary Clinton. Young Donald replied, "I love it!" 

Along with Paul Manafort and Jared Kushner, he met the emissary, who wanted the sanctions lifted. Perhaps nothing came of it, but Putin knew he had them. He could hold it over them that they had been suckered to go after his bait. 

Now that the Senate has voted 97-2 to strengthen the sanctions, Putin must wonder whether he has any use of President Trump in his drive to "make Russia great again." 

The incompetence of these fish, hooked on Putin's bait, makes one wonder whether any of them can manage things. 

As David Frum aptly asked, "What does the President owe, and to whom does he owe it?" 

Olaf J. Ogland

Old Lyme