While Putinβs hordes commit genocide on the ground and from the air, the βfree worldβ stands by, justifying its moral paralysis by asserting Ukraine is not part of NATO, and thereβs too great a βriskβ of provoking Putin into a nuclear war. True, thatβs a risk, but the consequences of not acting, like implementing a βno flyβ zone, are equally dire, like encouraging expanded Putin adventurism, and Chinese aggression toward Taiwan. Weβve united the world in βcondemningβ Putin; weβve enacted serious βsanctionsβ on Russia; weβre sending money and weapons; but these βactionsβ havenβt stopped the carnage. Mexico is not a NATO member. Would we stand by if Russia attacked Mexico? Israel is not a NATO member. Would we stand by if Russia attacked Israel, even at the risk of a nuclear conflict? Not as chance. Ukraine is no different.
Jack Graef
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.