The terrible situation in Ukraine causes me strong feelings of gratitude and guilt for our country’s response to direct military involvement.
Grateful that no American, family member, or friend will be placed in harm’s way. We lost so many American lives in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam on lost causes. Guilty because if the U.S. could justify involvement in those countries, how can we stand by and let Russia annihilate the innocent population of Ukraine?
I temper my guilt with the realization that, like Hitler, Putin will not hesitate to do anything to achieve his objectives, including deploying nuclear weapons. A nuclear world war must be avoided. Absolutely.
So, I agree the U.S. and its allies should employ every possible avenue to remove Putin from power. Foment extreme discontent and discomfort within the Russian citizenry. Stop buying Russian oil, even if it spikes prices here. Offer monetary incentives for Putin’s arrest and conviction for war crimes at the International Tribunal. Treat Putin just like the WWII war criminals brought to justice at Nuremberg. Putin needs to be made impotent and soon, before millions more Ukrainians become victims.
Paul Gallo
Barre