Let’s be very clear, there is no war in Ukraine; it is a genocidal massacre on a free, democratic country that is being attacked by a large, autocratic country that is being directed by an egomaniacal dictator. Putin is directing a genocide to demonstrate he can do whatever he wishes to enhance his reputation as leader.
Putin is causing millions of people to leave their homeland for safety, mostly women and children who are doing so under duress. There is indiscriminate bombing that is destroying buildings that are apartments and homes, that are shelter for the people who live there and structures that are reflective of Ukrainian culture. Citizens are being killed. These are all war crimes. With today’s technology, we see all this in real time.
Putin is a bully showing the worse traits of Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler committing inhumane crimes daily. The only way to address a bully is by offense not defense. The free world must react on moral terms to end this genocide. When this ends, Putin’s name will be remembered in infamy. As Albert Einstein said:
“Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding. You cannot subjugate a nation forcibly unless you wipe out every man, woman, and child. Unless you wish to use so dramatic a measure, you must find a way of settling your disputes without resort to arms.”
Tom Nowak
South Bend
That’s your opinion
An experienced professional high school teacher, especially a Teacher of the Year, should know not to slap a student. The only acceptable reason would be a physical threat. It matters not how reprehensible the student’s mouth is. I realize some will be on the teacher’s side for their reasons and opinions. This doesn’t equate with accountability, it’s only their opinion.
More examples: At the United States Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, if you believe the riotous people were peaceful sightseers or as the GOP declares, practicing “legitimate political discourse,” that’s also only your opinion.
If you agree it’s acceptable to loudly heckle President Biden during his first State of the Union address, that’s also only your opinion. One GOP member noted it’s OK to disagree, but not yell, heckle and disrupt his speech. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert apparently chose to ignore the memo. (For Greene’s “whoopsie” see Rex Huppke’s column, Tribune, March 3)
If you declare, with arms in the air, “I don’t know nothing about the First Amendment” that’s not an opinion, but an admission of extremely poor education. However, that doesn’t justify being a completely inconsiderate buffoon.
Author Philip K. Dick said, “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.” I fanatically agree!
Jerry Schpok
South Bend
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Vladimir Putin is directing a genocide to show his power.
