Document text
Letters, June 8 By Mail Tribune readers Jun 08, 2022 12:00 AM A A Throwing billions at Ukraine As Americans find themselves houseless or rent-burdened, and residents struggle with increased commodity and fuel costs or to find baby formula, American oligarchs throw billions at a war in Europe. What does Democratic Party “resistance” to the war profiteers look like? Every Democrat in the U.S. House and Senate voted for a $40 billion Ukraine “aid” package that funneled $20 billion to weapons manufacturers for a war that is essentially over. Oregon Republican Congressman Cliff Bentz and Democratic Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley joined the bipartisan rush toward unfettered reckless military escalation. Only 11 Senate Republicans and 57 House Republicans voted against the bill that continues a war the U.S. could have diplomatically ended before it started. Our leaders ratchet up aggression toward and fear of Russia and China in order to manufacture consent for World War III. The “crazies” in Washington think they can win a nuclear war, believing that U.S. hegemony should not be challenged, despite recent military defeats in Iraq and Afghanistan and the evident death throes of the capitalistic U.S. empire. For those who prefer our elected leaders aid Oregonians, it is time to organize and vote for only those who deserve it. Derek Volkart Talent Teach reponsible parenting The June 2 La Grande Observer editorial notes the ways we are failing our pre-school children (poverty, bullying, hunger, education) and argues for a federal program for 3- and 4-year olds. I agree to a point. A high school program stressing the responsibility and duties of parenting would complement child care programs. In my opinion, children with responsible parents usually do well and create stable families who do the same. Given the extent of violence by young, violent males, a focus on parent responsibility and education will put the issue in a broader and more accurate factual setting that could reduce such violence much sooner. John M. Moore Eagle Point