Letters: The fight over Ukraine
Re “West aims to turn up heat on Putin,” March 20
If Mexico invaded Texas and annexed it — as it was once part of Mexico — would Washington just moan and groan or would it send in military forces?
Yet we have heard no demands from Washington that Ukraine defend its own territory and send whatever military forces it has to Crimea without reservation. Why should anyone care to the extent indicated by the West’s response if the Ukrainians do nothing? It is their country, and if they don’t think it’s important enough to risk Ukrainian lives, then our response is way off base.
Of course Russia’s actions are outrageous, but it’s even more outrageous that Ukraine will risk nothing to defend its sovereignty.
If the result of the incursion was actual military fighting, Russia would be considered even more of a military aggressor and indefensible in the eyes of the world. Actual combat against a weak defender is the last thing Russia wants.
Norman Brown
Woodland Hills
When I was a boy, I learned when to take my marbles and go home; as a man, I have learned when to hold them and when to fold them. It is now time for Washington to fold them.
The will of the people in Crimea has been expressed loud and clear. To strut our military in the Black Sea now would get as much attention as the barnyard rooster while costing American taxpayers a fortune. Sanctions by the U.S. and Europe may cost us just as much as they do the Russians.
Peace always has a price; sometimes it requires swallowing one’s pride.
Phil Wilt
Van Nuys
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