Letter to my Congress-people

I sent this letter to my Congresspeople today, June 17, 2022.

I’m writing to urge you to support Ukraine.

I’m your constituent, I’ve lived in Takoma Park for over four decades. My home is in Takoma Park, but since 2019 I’ve been living and working as an English teacher in Ukraine - before I fled Russia’s imminent attack in February. 

The US and its allies must not let Russia win this war. Likewise, we must not settle for another “frozen conflict.” We must quickly send all the weapons and materiel necessary to end it as soon as possible. This is not just for Ukraine’s sake, or for the sake of Ukrainian and western democracy, but for the sake of the world economy and food supply. All are in crisis because of Russia’s war.

The war is waged against my Ukrainian students and friends. They are Russia’s targets because they desire to live as we do in a stable, democratic, (relatively) uncorrupt nation with rule of law, human rights, diversity, consumer protections, reliable infrastructure and good schools, health-care and a bright future for their children. 

The Russians fear this “westernization,” they fear it will spread to their own populace. They have gone to war to wipe it out in Ukraine. We see their tactics: mass murder, rape, torture, “filtration” camps, deportations and cultural and language suppression - war crimes, atrocities. 

It is very clear that their ultimate aim is to cripple and take down European and American democracy. They sow distrust and fake news calculated to undermine democratic institutions. They strain western infrastructure and society with a flood of war refugees. Russia is waging hybrid war against us. Ukrainian victory will be victory for us too. The same for Ukrainian defeat or stalemate.

Anything short of total liberation of Ukraine - to its pre-2014 internationally-recognized boundaries -  is unviable. The smallest of holds Russia retains over Ukraine will only lead to another invasion and more global destabilization. Russian promises and agreements are worthless. We have decades of proof. Only force and threat of force will contain Russia. 

So, please stand up for Ukraine in Congress.

• Send all the weapons they ask for as soon as possible.

• Don’t allow another “frozen conflict.” 

• Do not advocate trading Ukrainian territory for peace. Thoroughly investigate the motivations of anyone who suggests this. The only two possible motivations are corruption or gullibility.

• Make it easier for Ukrainian refugees to come to the US. Our current policy is an embarrassment and a disgrace. I’ve spent the last three months in Germany, Poland and other EU countries, where all a Ukrainian needs is a passport to enter.  To call it a “streamlined policy” as the government does is a cruel joke. US immigration policy needs a complete overhaul anyway, as I’m sure you know. This would be a good place to start. 

Thank you,

William L. Brown