On May 11 of 2014, a "Self Determination" Referendum took place in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions of Ukraine.
The people of these regions showed up to defend their democratic right under threat of a military assault. Results showed high voter turnout of nearly 75%, and 89% percent of of the votes were cast in favor of autonomy.
Whether or not the hastily prepared referendum meets international standards, there appears to be little doubt about what the will of the people in the region is.
The United States needs to stand up for Democracy, and allow these people to have the right to self-determination.
Doing so would help prevent a Civil War in Ukraine by sending the un-elected Kiev government a message that throwing the country's military against it's people is not acceptable