Letter: Don’t lay blame for war on all Russian people – Grand Forks Herald

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There are simple semantics at play in the current media coverage of Russian Oligarchs. The US has its fair share of oligarchs, but they’re known as the super-rich. There are many similarities between the Russian oligarchs and American super-rich such as their opulent lifestyle, ability to influence governments, use of tax havens and expectations of special treatment. The most recent American super-rich who expected special handling was when his super-yacht wouldn’t fit under the Rotterdam bridge – thankfully, cooler heads prevailed, and the bridge was not dismantled to pander to that particular person. And, yes, there are many dissimilarities too – there are many American super-rich who have concern for humankind and have philanthropic hearts and do good works.

Then I wonder how it is that a certain news network feels about being a mouthpiece for Russia? For this news media to be singled out by a Russian high official is simply stounding (not in a good way) on so many levels.

Does anyone remember what Russia did to Aleppo and what happened to the people there? We are watching Russia play out that playbook play again. The sad thing is the West did not a thing to help the Syrians of Aleppo.

Next, those who spout their vitriolic rhetoric without any modicum of researching the issues might want to, as my parents would tell me, “Think before you speak.” In other words, stop before “you put your foot in mouth” and remove all doubt as to your lack of understanding. Simply parroting sound bites doesn’t make them true, no matter how many times they’re played or spoken.

One last thing, I stand with the people of Ukraine. And I don’t lay this war at the feet of the Russian people – a single man and his administration deserve to be held accountable for the travesty unfolding before the world’s eyes. And, no, it’s not the US president.

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