On Why the Citizens of Crimea Voted Overwhelmingly to Rejoin Russia

Maybe because a) the region is largely composed of ethnic Russians who speak Russian and b) they didn't want to live under the thumb of N.A.T.O. and American influence 24/7. I mean, put yourself in their shoes. Would you want Russia or China to come in and mediate a possible secession of California or Texas? I certainly wouldn't (nor would I want a bellicose entity like N.A.T.O at our doorstep threatening war if we ever got out of line as N.A.T.O. has done to Russia by bringing in countries like Montenegro and Estonia).