Thanks to Dave Simpson for his recent column.
Words cannot express the respect and admiration I have for Dave's father-in-law, Lt. Everett "Woody" Wood.
He and his generation, The Greatest Generation, were willing to sacrifice everything — including their lives — to join our allies to defend our shared democratic principles during World War II. My feelings are "hero worship," they fought alongside our allies to save the world from fascism and authoritarian rule.
Thanks to your father, Mrs. Simpson.
There is another greatest generation now sacrificing everything to defend their country from totalitarianism. They are the heroes of Ukraine who do not ask for our warfighters, but do need our financial support including weapons and political support.
Western Europe again realizes the threat on their doorstep. They are increasing their financial and military support against the brutal Russian invasion, which adds rape, torture and the kidnapping of thousands of Ukranian children to the terror of conventional warfare.
Our response? Let Europe do more, which is logical and desirable! But our threats to do less, to withhold weapons and technical support, which allows Putin the invader, a brutal dictator, to be militarily successful and control ceasefire negotiations is WRONG.
Russia is our adversary and should be held accountable during ceasfire negotiations. Our military and economic power should be combined with Western Europe and Ukraine to defeat and punish Russian aggression.
I firmly believe Lt. Col Wood and the Greatest Generation (including my father, a B-029 tail-gunner, and mother, a Rosey the Riveter) would have these messages for us:
• Learn from history(Russia/Nazi Germany).
• Confront and stop tyranny before it gains more strength.
• Do not abandon our values of democracy, freedom, honor, dignity and integrity to save money and lower taxes.
• Uphold and defend the Constitution and the rule of law. Do not let it be twisted and distorted.
• Be proud of the role of the U.S. as the leader and champion of the free world, appreciate how it enhances our own national security and accept that responsibility.
DO NOT GIVE AWAY THE INVESTMENT AND SACRIFICE OF PREVIOUS GENERATIONS!
Jim Barr
Cheyenne, Wyoming
