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So how does President Joe Biden react after being told “No” by the Pentagon in October after he expressed his desire to authorize use of American missiles in Ukraine, and after being told unequivocally by Russian President Vladimir Putin that this would be an act of war? Without any debate in Congress or public debate, Biden made a personal decision to authorize their use despite warnings (“U.S. approval affects Ukraine’s use of a missile and its mission,” column, Nov. 21). A selfish and dangerous act on all counts. So guess what folks, we now have the beginnings of World War 3 with Russia. How well will this turn out for us? This is most likely a last-minute effort by Biden to save face for himself as he leaves office, as he has been largely responsible for all the death and suffering in Ukraine and elsewhere in the world.
Barry Riesch, St. Paul
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Biden, whom I once voted for, has authorized the use of U.S.-produced long-range missiles to be fired into Russia. I wonder if this administration thinks that this type of action will cause Russia, China, North Korea and Iran (now aligned) to back down and concede to U.S. demands? None of the leaders of those countries want to lose face and so my fear is they will retaliate, possibly with nuclear weapons. Additionally, as we have learned from history, missiles don’t always hit their targets, resulting in collateral damage — meaning innocent civilians too often pay with their lives, causing deeper divides between nations. This is not a red or blue issue because it involves everyone in this country, not to mention the citizens of other countries. Our tax dollars paid for the bombs that are being deployed overseas. Is this OK with most Americans? Why are military means seen as a solution to international disagreements and problems? We are playing with fire here. The highest and wisest spiritual masters throughout history have warned us that violence is never the answer. As Pete Seeger posed, “When will we ever learn?”
Ginger Beck, Glenwood, Minn.
VOTER TURNOUT
Yes, yes and yes!
John Crea’s article on our civic duty is right on the mark (“We still need better voter turnout. Here are three suggestions,” Strib Voices, Nov. 21). Election Day should be a federal holiday. In most countries, federal elections are held on Sundays, when most businesses are closed. Personally, I would rather not mix government and religion in any way, so I prefer making the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November a federal holiday for voting. Besides, everybody likes a holiday — even business owners, as long as they can blame the government for cutting into profits.