Summary:
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We’re at it AgainRegarding David Bromwich’s article “Russia Hating” (November 14–21): In the name of democracy, we are again supporting a political establishment that makes it hard for people to criticize.
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I’m ashamed of my fellow progressives and the liberal media for condemning almost everyone who isn’t entirely on board with helping Ukraine.
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I hope that Bromwich’s criticism of how the media has blindly supported the conflict in Ukraine will be the start of a much-needed reevaluation of what we are doing in yet another war on the other side of the world.
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Keeping synthetic drugs illegal while making it legal to own and use hallucinogenic mushrooms would have unintended consequences that would harm biodiversity and the environment.
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So, the risk of nuclear war is greater than ever, but it’s not coming from Russia.
We’re at it Again
Regarding David Bromwich’s article “Russia Hating” (November 14–21): In the name of democracy, we are again supporting a political establishment that makes it hard for people to criticize. Even worse, it forbids government workers in Donetsk and Luhansk from speaking Russian, doesn’t care about the Azov Battalion’s history, and kills mayors who raise concerns. I’m ashamed of my fellow progressives and the liberal media for condemning almost everyone who isn’t entirely on board with helping Ukraine. At the same time, another large sum of money is spent, primarily on our defence contractors. I hope that Bromwich’s criticism of how the media has blindly supported the conflict in Ukraine will be the start of a much-needed reevaluation of what we are doing in yet another war on the other side of the world. I’m hoping The Nation sets the example.
Key West, Florida’s Richard Boettger
Unintended Repercussions
Regarding John Semley’s article “Scott Wiener’s Acid Test” from November 14–21: I don’t have a strong view regarding the drug laws that Senator Scott Wiener of California wants to change. Still, I hope he would not “focus solely on ‘plant-based’ [or ‘natural’] psychedelics'” while rewriting the decriminalization law of SB 519, as Semley notes. Illegal harvesting and climate change hurt hallucinogenic fungi that grow in the wild. Keeping synthetic drugs illegal while making it legal to own and use hallucinogenic mushrooms would have unintended consequences that would harm biodiversity and the environment.
Philadelphia-based Naomi Miller
A Daughter from America
The poem “Mama I Am Sorry” by Cindy Juyoung Ok, published on November 14 and 21, is a masterpiece, in my opinion. We all fall short regarding empathy for our parents and other people. Ok’s poem is a powerful, tragic work of self-realization.
Idaho’s Robert D. Pittack Caldwell
Stupid Policies
I agree with Kai Bird that the US shouldn’t even consider using tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine [“If Russia Goes Nuclear, October 31/November 7]. However, I’m afraid I have to disagree with his suggestion that we adopt a compromise. Any agreement releases Russia from responsibility for its horrific actions. The international community never seems to learn from mistakes like appeasement, genocide, and war crimes against civilians.
Miami Michael Valerio
Putin has never threatened to use nuclear weapons. In response to Zelensky’s call for a preemptive strike and the US State Department’s statement that “all options are on the table,” all Putin has done is repeat the country’s “no first use” policy. NATO doctrine advocates first use, and US policy contemplates first strikes to decapitate and counterpower. So, the risk of nuclear war is greater than ever, but it’s not coming from Russia. It’s American-made.
Analysis by: Advocacy Unified Network
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