I fear that by the time this letter is in print Ukraine will have fallen under the complete domination of Russia and thousands of Ukrainians will have been killed, injured, or displaced.
Ironically, Putin claims he is seeking to eliminate a neo-Nazi regime when in truth that is what he represents. While Ukrainian President Zelensky is Jewish and democratically elected, Putin is a former Soviet intelligence officer who has held power since 1999. Putin is responsible for the torture and death of anyone who dares to oppose his authoritarian rule. Even those brave Russian citizens who take to the streets to protest the ruthless actions waged against Ukraine face arrest and uncertain future.
Does this sound like a “genius” and someone who should be admired? Yet former President Trump has also used such terms as “very talented, gifted statesman, smart, very savvy” to describe Putin — whom he has praised over the years. And Trump’s own Secretary of State added we should respect that Putin “knows how to use power.”
I would not heap praise on or show respect to a madman who threatens world order and has committed crimes against humanity. Instead, I will continue to honor our veterans and others who serve to protect democracy. As Europe feels the threat of Putin’s ruthlessness, I remember especially those who fought and died in World War II battling the tyranny of Hitler.
While today our nation is afflicted by polarization and political gamesmanship and division, this is a time we must be unified in standing for democratic values and the people of Ukraine, and in opposition to despots.
Dennis W. Streets
Pittsboro