Donald Trump has made his deal with the devil in the hopes of lowering American diesel prices. It remains to be seen whether Vladimir Putin’s promise brings lower prices at the pump before the American midterm elections.

Is this a cynical move on Trump’s part just weeks after expanding sanctions against Russia’s oil and gas sector? Of course it is.

Can Putin be trusted to deliver on his promises? Just as much as Trump can.

The situation has me thinking though. At what point would I abandon my principles to accept something that was in my self interest?

My parents generation suffered through rationing in the Second World War. Gas, oil, paper, meat, dairy products and other foodstuffs were crucial to the war effort. Citizens had to do without or with reduced quantities. People understood that sacrifices needed to be made to fight Nazi tyranny.

Do we as a society have the same attitude today? Do I?

Donald Trump has a certain shrewdness and political instinct that has propelled him into the White House twice. His populist approach resonated with a lot of people.

He is calculating that the proposed off lower fuel prices (and maybe some lower prices on other things as a result) will outweigh the idea that Russia is an enemy to democracy. This multi billion dollar deal (possibly as much as $600 billion) will fuel Russia’s war machine, but Trump is gambling that Americans don’t care. He may be right.

I’m not sure where I would draw the moral line. I believe sacrifices are necessary when you confront injustice and evil. Here that means paying higher prices for many things because Canada is in a trade war with the US,

But that is just an inconvenience. What would my position be if the US ratcheted up the trade war?

(I think they would be stupid to do so. I believe Canada can inflict more economic damage on America than they can on us. But that is besides the point.)

Am I ready and willing for World War Two style rationing? Are Canadians?

Are Americans? Donald Trump’s ill advised war with Iran has raised gas prices for the American people. That certainly has affected his popularity. The Republicans stand a very real chance of losing control of Congress, which would hamstring Trump’s agenda.

Trump obviously believes sacrifice isn’t something Americans are willing to consider any more. He is trading Ukrainian deaths for American convenience. It is probably a winning political strategy, though it may be a little late to do him much good.

What about you? How do you feel about sacrificing for a cause? And I am not talking about theory. I am talking about willingly embracing hardship for the greater good.

Do you have it in you?