I believe it is important to speak out in support of Ukraine in its effort to preserve freedom and democracy against the brutal tyranny of Vladimir Putin.
Putin not only wants to acquire Ukrainian territory, but also to stamp out the Ukrainian identity. But that’s not all. He wants to restore the USSR in the form of an expanded Russian empire.
That means he is unlikely to stop with his expansion into Ukraine and Georgia.
I understand that some people believe it is more important to protect our Southern border and we can’t do both. I agree completely that it’s very important to protect our borders. An orderly screening and entry system is essential. It should be fair to all, humane and limited. We cannot take in all of the poor from even Mexico and South America, let alone the rest of the world. We also can’t allow the entry of criminals and terrorists. Those in urgent need of entry due to threats to their lives should be given priority. The fact that some Afghanistan interpreters had applied for visas as much as two years before our exit and still did not have visas is inexcusable.
Yet, understanding the importance of defending our borders, not helping defend Ukraine is morally and strategically questionable. Our status as an ally in the world would be so diminished as to be beyond recovery. At the same time, Putin’s status as a dictator would make him feared by all the world except possibly China.
America must be able to defend our borders and defend freedom and democracy. We failed to support the Kurds when we backed away from the Turks after the Kurds carried much of the burden defeating ISIS. We should not do that again.
Another argument I have heard against supporting Ukraine is corruption and theft. Yes, that occurred, as it does in every war, but Ukraine has arrested perpetrators and made extraordinary efforts to control inventory (see the 60 Minutes presentation on that subject). Corruption may be less of a problem in Ukraine than in our own country. All we can do is our best to limit that.
A third concern I have heard is actual involvement of Americans in the war. I have no doubt that we already have advisers on the ground, but I don’t know exactly where, most likely Poland but it is possible some are in Ukraine.
In recent wars, that has been a prelude to full scale involvement. Unlike Vietnam and Afghanistan, full scale involvement of our troops against a nuclear power seems unlikely. While you may not respect the common sense of manyDemocrats, even the more radical are not that stupid.
On Feb. 24, 2022, Russian tanks and soldiers crossed the Ukrainian border intending to capture Kiev. Ukrainians fought valiantly against a strong Russian force and thwarted that attack. Since then, many cities, infrastructure, factories, offices, hospitals and schools have been leveled to rubble. Russian troops occupy 20% of Ukraine’s territory. Thousands died, including women and children, 14 million Ukrainians have been displaced from their bombed out homes, and 8 million Ukrainians, mostly women and children seeking safety, have become refugees worldwide.
I repeat, it is a moral and strategic failure not to support Ukraine. Our elected officials should want to support their cause. Isolationism does not work well. We would no longer be the shining city on the hill, but instead, a fortress of solitude in which Superman no longer resides.
Michael LeClair
Chehalis
