I am not sure yet how to feel about the Russian payments. On its face, it would almost seem to be an act of war. Yet, nothing seems to have been done about it. I have a hard time believing, as the Left believes, that it was to do with Trumps investments. If so, it would be tantamount to treason. But lets say Trump knew. What would the proper response be, or why may he not have done anything.

These are a few scenarios I can image possible.
1. The United States was doing the same thing in Syria, or somewhere else, and does not want to reveal this.
2. This has been going on for years with both sides doing it, neither sides wants this revealed. .
3. This has been going on for years and was just discovered. Rather than
admit our lack of intelligence on the matter, the U. S. tried to cover it up and negotiate an end to it quietly.
4. Trump is not capable to dealing with the Russians, and, much like our own WDFW dealings with the Indians, simply gives in out of fear.
5. Retaliations have already taken place, with notification to the Russians in private as too why they were done. The American people kept out of the loop to prevent cries of War,
6. Trump is completely in the hands of the Russians and is willing to allow them to
kill Americans.
7. This is a retaliation for something just as sinister, that the US did.
8. This is retaliation for the Syrian battle that killed Russian operatives. It may be
that the those in power are agreeing to allow it to go by as a response. Now that we know, both sides agree to pull back and call it even.

Of all these, the number 6, seems the most unlikely. Number 4 gives the Democrats just as much ammunition, but does not seem to be the choice they are chasing.

What if the truth is much more complicated, and there are reasons the U.S. let it go unanswered, and what if the Russians know all this, and then helped facilitate the release of this information to further destabilize and divide the U.S. What are we going to do. Start world war 3. Put out sanctions. In the end, I have very little faith in what is being disclosed. Lately it seems that everyone, both Democrats and Republicans, have secret motives, none of which are for the benefit of the whole.