Letters to the Editor: Ukraine under the bus

A year ago, I didn't think that I would see this.

The President of the U.S. has thrown Ukraine under the bus.

Do you understand (perhaps you don’t get it) that Putin’s goal is the restoration of the U.S.S.R.?

When Ukraine is finished, the Baltics will be next (you know that they have action there now).  Next in their conquest will be Byelorussia, Hungary, Moldova, Poland and more of Eastern Europe.

Having conceded these matters in the west, you should understand that China and North Korea will be seeing our weakness.

When Russia has finished in Europe, they will likely turn its focus to the east.

You do remember in your social studies in school that a couple of centuries ago that Alaska was part of their empire.

At this point the balance of power in the world will now be seen in a new perspective.

You should be thinking ahead about how the U.S.A. will meet these challenges.

Let’s see some leadership. 

Pr. Norm Porath, Denton, Neb.

Let’s tell our senators to find their big voice

In the 1972 movie, “The Cowboys,” John Wayne says, “a big mouth don't make a big man.”

Maybe not, but when mixed with willful ignorance and unchecked power, it causes big trouble...

President Trump recently blamed Ukraine for starting the ongoing war with Russia.  

That’s a big mouth in solidarity with willful ignorance and unbridled power. Our European allies are reeling and scrambling for ways to protect themselves, since their steadfast partner for 80 years has joined the dark side.

Yet, Trump’s own party leaders — the ones who have ridden to victory on the importance of a strong national defense and robust leadership in international world order — can’t muster even a whisper of criticism. Senate majority leader John Thune of South Dakota opined that we have to give Trump “space to achieve a peaceful outcome.” How much space? How much time? As much as the six months Neville Chamberlain gave Hitler to swallow up all of Czechoslovakia?  

Anyone can understand that Trump’s uninformed bluster is no way to begin negotiations. Anyone but Senate Republicans.

Iowa Senators Grassley and Ernst have sufficient heft to command attention, to speak out about this dangerous defection, to gather other Senators to speak in common voice.  Their timidity sets us on a perilous course and defies their oaths of office to defend against enemies foreign and domestic.  

Call Grassley at 202-224-3744. Call Ernst at 202-224-3254. Tell them to find their big voice.  Then, call again!

Karen Heidman, Sioux City