Contains Opinion of the Writer

Joe Biden has made some bad mistakes, but perhaps this is one of the worst. He has secured WNBA’s Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison by trading Griner for a Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout, aka “Merchant of Death.” The saddest thing about this is that Griner was exchanged instead of U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who was taken hostage in Russia four years ago on false charges of ‘espionage.’

The American Marine is disappointed that he is still there. “I am greatly disappointed that more has not been done to secure my release, especially as the four-year anniversary of my arrest is coming up.” – Paul Whelan.

He added that he was glad that Griner was freed but did not understand why he was still imprisoned as he had been told things were moving along in negotiations for his release. However, he also maintains his innocence and says, “I was arrested for a crime that never occurred.”

John Kirby defends the White House’s release of Britney Griner. He makes a good argument about the difficulties that occur in prisoner exchanges, but unfortunately, many believe this was not a good exchange. Kirby also gives out good advice to the American people traveling abroad: Travelers should check the list of countries that are quick to grab American Citizens who come to their country. There is a list of those countries at the White House website.

Many are concerned now that Joe Biden has shown he is willing to trade an arms dealer for a basketball player, what kind of dangerous terrorist will have to be released for our American Marine? In the clip, Kirby says trading a Russian arms dealer for the release of Paul Whelan was not, in Russia’s view, fair and equal trade. So, we took the lesser trade for an arms dealer that would most likely return to his previous occupation. For a basketball player. Think about that.

President Trump’s statement on Truth Social:

What kind of a deal is it to swap Brittney Griner, a basketball player who openly hates our Country, for the man known as “The Merchant of Death,” who is one of the biggest arms dealers anywhere in the World and responsible for tens of thousands of deaths and horrific injuries. Why wasn’t former Marine Paul Whelan included in this totally one-sided transaction? He would have been let out for the asking. What a “stupid” and unpatriotic embarrassment for the USA!!!

I pray for the health and safety of Paul Whelan and that his eventual release will be sooner rather than later. Four years is enough for one of our soldiers to be away from home in a Russian prison for a crime that did not even occur.