In a recent conversation in which I pointed out that the war in Ukraine was a contest between the first and second most corrupt governments in Europe, the other participant retorted, “So? In World War II we sided with the Soviet Union against Germany, despite knowing what evil creatures they were, because the Nazis were the greater evil at the moment. Here, Putin is the greater evil, by far.”
This statement is an excellent encapsulation of a widely held belief about American involvement in World War II. Moreover, this opinion is quite a testament to the saying that winners write history and an excellent example of manufacturing consent. The following is the historical record of U.S. support for the Soviets during World War II:
■ August 23, 1939: Nazi-Soviet non-aggression pact.
■ September 1, 1939: Nazi invasion of Poland.
■ September 17, 1939: Soviet invasion of Poland.
■ October 1940: FDR states, “Your boys are not going to be sent into any foreign wars!” to a crowd that responded rapturously.
■ June 22, 1941: Nazi invasion of the Soviets.
■ December 11, 1941: American declaration of war on Germany.
One need not be a world-ranked épée fencer to wield Occam’s razor with sufficient skill to see that the only operative moral calculation was, my enemy’s enemy is my friend.
And when it comes to actual moral judgments, the performance of Churchill and FDR at the Tehran and Yalta conferences reveal quite rusted moral compasses. Six years after Britain went to war to preserve the independence of Poland, they blithely condemned Poland to a half-century of Soviet tyranny.
But what of contemporary moral calculations? As revealed by the Panama Papers, Zelenskyy and his cronies control offshore assets worth tens of millions of dollars. Will any of these be liquidated to support the 100,000 Ukrainian refugees heading to America? Or are they counting on the seemingly limitless willingness of American taxpayers to borrow money from China?
Kevin Tyson
Claremont
With the closing of after-school programs, it seems to me there is a golden opportunity for local senior centers to step in and care for elementary school children after school.
There are nursing homes that are also day care centers where the residents engage with the kids and the kids have a lot of grandparents. It works out for everyone. Such after-school care at senior centers would provide purpose and activities for both the adults and the children and would be good use of the facilities.
Add a connection with local libraries and everyone will be enriched.
One could envisage such a program continuing year-round to the benefit of the entire community.
Susan Brown
Enfield
Recently a cherished family member fell ill and passed away at Springfield Hospital. In the difficult hours we fought to save my brother’s life, we could not have been more comforted by the staff in the Emergency Department and on the floor at Springfield. Included in the amazing team are Julie, Carla, Joella, Chris, April and Louisa. Also Kate, Perla, Alexis, Alissa, Melissa, Nikki, Taryn, Mary, Sherry, Nikki, Bri, Gabby, Red, Ella, Karen and Lyndsy. You and the others who I may not have mentioned gave Steven the best care he has ever had. Thank you all so very much.
Devon and Jill Barger
Chester