Editor, Times-Union:
Thank you for publishing the lengthy but important Op Ed by Marc Thiessen (Washington Post) on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. I hope many of your readers took the time to read the whole thing.
Mr. Thiessen explains in detail how U.S. aid to Ukraine has worked so far and why it is important to continue. In contrast to the sound bites we get when we watch the news on TV or read the headlines in our newsfeeds, this essay is chock full of information valuable to informed taxpayers. I learned that 90% of the $68 billion in military and related assistance Congress has approved has stayed in our country.
The money has revitalized military industry in cities all across the U.S. and enabled our military to replenish stockpiles with more advanced products. By sending weapons and gear to Ukraine, the Army receives more modern weapons. One would think any patriotic American would endorse such a move but several Republican senators have voted to oppose or restrict the aid, even when it is benefitting their own districts! Additionally, other countries that have sent older equipment to Ukraine are now buying upgraded products from the U.S.
Bottom line: "Our military aid to Ukraine is revitalizing manufacturing communities across the United States, creating good jobs here at home and restoring the United States' capacity to produce weapons for our national defense. Helping Ukraine is the right thing to do for U.S. national security.
I agree.
Pam Nichols
Warsaw, via email