To the Editor:

Many Americans believe the Cold War is over due to the collapse of the Berlin Wall and fall of the Soviet Union. It is not. Vladimir Putin took control of Russia in 1999 with a single intention: reverse its humiliating defeat versus America by re-establishing the Soviet Union.

Reclaiming Ukraine is Step One in his Imperial Ambitions to regain global power. Unable to defeat America either militarily or economically, Putin has strategically determined he can vanquish the United States from within using lies and propaganda. He is currently succeeding to a breathtaking degree. Fifty percent of today’s Americans seem to believe Putin is a reliable ally not a mortal threat to our democracy. For decades, trillions of US dollars were spent and over 100,000 soldiers’ lives lost in Korea and Vietnam. For what? 

America is flirting with the disturbing prospect of losing the Cold War’s next chapter with a stunning whimper. Putin has found his secret weapon: Donald Trump. Does anyone remember Helsinki, the most cringe-y display of an American President kowtowing to a foreign leader ever? It was pathetic. For all Trump supporters who think Trump controls Putin, take a deep breath and listen. The sound you hear is…The. Whole. World. Laughing! Doddering Donald behaves as Putin’s fawning fanboy and puppet in office or out. If elected President again, he will capitulate completely. Hopefully, enough people realize the danger of America bowing to Russia and will vote accordingly. 

If not, I want to pre-emptively apologize to every person, to every family that suffered unthinkable losses throughout the Cold War, particularly in Korea and Vietnam. I’m sorry America has elected a draft-dodging coward as Commander in Chief who thinks your lost loved ones are suckers and losers. 

I say this now because those of us who vehemently disagree won’t be allowed to say so in Trump’s America. Puny narcissists don’t tolerate any dissent. We will, however, quietly continue to honor the memory of those who sacrificed everything to keep America’s promise of freedom for all alive and well. For decades, we fought and won against all foreign enemies. And now, after spending so many years and so much National Treasure, America may ultimately lose the Cold War by voluntarily voting for it. If we elect a bootlicking president who champions dictators and oppression via state control. 

But here we are. So long Home of the Free and Land of the Brave. It was spectacular knowing you….

Jane Barrett
Potsdam