It is not only human life that is lost in war. Principles that, in times of peace, are held as inviolable also die. Currently, in Canada, principles such as the right to self determination, to freedom, and to doing unto others as we would have them do unto us, are on life support.
They will continue in jeopardy until such time as Canada , and its NATO allies, summon the courage to become actively and militarily involved in the defence of Ukraine.
Yes, there is risk of escalation to nuclear conflagration. But that risk cuts both ways. Russia, the unjustified aggressor in the Ukraine conflict, is also at risk.
We have a serious choice to make. We can live in fear and loathing of bullying thugs like Putin, trying to convince ourselves that material contributions alone, to those who would stand in his way, are enough to maintain our sense of self respect.
But with every Russian gain in the Ukraine, and every Ukrainian casualty, our self respect withers a little bit more.
For myself, I would rather run the risk of dying in a nuclear war, or the effects of such, than trying to content myself with sitting idle while supposedly wiser heads in our government try to subdue Mr. Putin with sanctions. I have never seen a case where sanctions stopped a determined aggressor on the world stage. I doubt they will stop Mr. Putin.
And the question has to be asked, after the Ukraine is stomped into submission, or non-existence, what will Mr. Putin want next.
The Ukraine is in a tough spot. But so are we. The people of Ukraine will live, or die, as heroes, having given their all for freedom and self determination. We, if we continue our policy of non-participation, will continue to live or die as cowards, who sacrificed sacred, inviolable principles, for self-preservation.
Terry Storey,
Olds
