A time for sacrifice. Are we up for it?
We are all watching the wanton destruction of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin. More than 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine to escape Russian oppression and aggression. This has turned out to be Europe’s largest exodus of refugees since World War II.
They keep asking, when will the West help them from being annihilated? The United States and our European allies have already put strong sanctions on Russia’s economy, and global companies are now pulling back from Russia.
Unfortunately, it’s obvious Putin does not care about anything except proving he can bring Ukraine to its knees and back under Russia’s control. No one can predict how far this madman will go, but it looks like Putin will never leave Ukraine without a victory.
Will Americans be willing to sacrifice a little by paying higher gas prices and more inflation to really cripple Putin? Will Americans stand up for democracy like we did in World War II?
Since we were so divided about COVID vaccinations and wearing masks, I wonder if we will be up to the challenge.
Roxie Bivinetto, Palm Desert
Holding Putin accountable
Unless you have been in a coma the last two weeks, you are aware that Russia, unprovoked, invaded a neighboring country, Ukraine. With the aid of modern technology, we have been able to see the atrocities of war in our living rooms. This is reminiscent of Sept. 1, 1939, when Germany, unprovoked, marched into Poland.
We are seeing indiscriminate bombing and killing of citizens, including children. The Russians have attacked a nuclear reactor, exit corridors for refugees, cluster bombs in residential areas, and today a hospital. These are acts of crimes against humanity.
I believe Vladimir Putin and those aiding in the war effort must be charged with crimes against humanity. Will the current situation lead to World War III? I certainly hope not. But Russia must be held responsible for the damage they have caused and must pay to rebuild Ukraine.
I have heard comments that Putin is insane, mentally unbalanced. I don’t think so. Evil people appear to be insane, but they make rational decisions based on their value system. He must pay for his crimes.
Paul Williamson, Palm Springs
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Ending Russia-Ukraine war requires Americans to sacrifice. So will we?
