TNT letters: Sacrificing for Ukraine; real patriotism; spike in catalytic converter thefts
Sacrifice for Ukraine
The West cannot let the Putin invasion of Ukraine stand. Although I resisted and protested the “domino theory” argument in Vietnam in my youth, I may have been wrong. Putin clearly wants to re-establish the Soviet Union. We simply cannot let the regimes of China and Russia slowly take over the world. (Now might be a good time read “Animal Farm” if you’ve not)
Clearly, no one wants to risk an all-out ground war with Russia over fear that it will become nuclear. However, something has to be risked here. The only choice is economic. The leaders, businesses and people of the West are going to have to share the sacrifices of Ukrainians. Trigger the massive sanctions, cripple Putin’s ability to sell oil and gas. Yes, that means the West and others will also suffer economically, fairly seriously.
It will be hard on millions of people. It will not be less hard at some future point, rather the opposite. This is a turning point that will shape the future — towards totalitarian lies and oppression or open societies based on freedom and choice. We must choose the latter. We cannot get there for free.
Robert Saunders, Steilacoom
Real patriotism
To all the paper tiger insurrectionists of Jan. 6 playing dress-up in their Rambo costumes: You want to see how real patriots defend democracy? Watch the Ukrainian civilians taking up arms to defend their nation against a brutal authoritarian bully.
The mothers, fathers, grandparents, teachers, politicians and students. They are the heroes of democracy, not the cowardly traitors participating in an attempted coup in the name of their own homegrown totalitarian bully.
Faren Bachelis, University Place
Catalytic converter thefts
Re: “WA bill would make illegal catalytic converter sales a felony” (TNT, 02/26/2022)
I applaud state lawmakers for taking a tougher stance on crime. That said, the proposed to House Bill 1815 - which would make it a felony to try to unlawfully buy or sell a catalytic converter that has been removed from a vehicle - amendment is the epitome of form over substance.
Crime in general is an increasing problem that needs to be addressed head-on. Rather than enacting new laws and hoping criminals will think twice, I suggest we enforce our existing laws and allow for sentencing that will give pause to criminal activity.
Washington State laws governing crimes of theft, stolen property, extortion and robbery can be found in the Revised Code of Washington. Various sections of state law address other crimes, define degree and provide for punishment for the crimes of shopping cart theft and organized retail theft.
Another bill, HB 1054 — which was passed during the 2021 legislative session — has restricted the ability of police to investigate crimes and arrest criminals. Prosecutors have acknowledged that this law has contributed to an increase in crime.
Until we once again enforce our laws, criminals will continue to commit crimes with impunity.
Edward Nadler, Gig Harbor