Letter: U.S. must choose between security and Trump

Published 2:27 pm Monday, February 12, 2024

The United States has about 4.2% of the world’s population, with a share that declines as the rest of the world grows. (tinyurl.com/US-pop-count)

About 16% of the world’s manufactured goods are made in the USA. (tinyurl.com/Cundiff-manufacturing-ranking and tinyurl.com/Cundiff-powerhouse)

After adjusting for prices, the U.S. accounts for about 15% of global Gross Domestic Product. (tinyurl.com/Cundiff-GDP-link)

During World War II, the most recent global war, the U.S. and allies (two of whom were also very strong) eventually defeated our adversaries — but it took almost four years, and the outcome was seriously in doubt during the first half of the war.

This history, and these current facts, show us that our alliances and friendships are not optional! In war and peace, the most important task in U.S. foreign affairs is to maintain enduring, stable friendships and alliances.

There’s no store that sells friends. You can’t buy good friends — you have to earn them. Friendship is a relationship — not a series of transactions. Friendship requires trust, which is earned over time but can be squandered very quickly.

Joe Biden’s and the congressional majority’s commitment to supporting Ukraine is a necessity for national security. Ukraine didn’t choose to be Russia’s invasion target in 2016 and 2022. The war in Ukraine is 100% Vladimir Putin’s choice — not Ukraine’s.

Ukraine’s democracy is imperfect — but it is a real democracy. A congressional minority, acting at Trump’s behest, has delayed basic supplies that Ukraine needs to fight, defend, and prevail without unnecessary casualties. Our country’s credibility — essential to true friendships — has already been severely damaged and may be damaged further.

Nobody knows how much deprivation Ukraine can withstand without losing catastrophically. We cannot afford to find out.

It no longer appears possible to support America’s security while supporting Donald Trump. Americans must choose. The world must hope that Americans choose wisely.

DAVE CUNDIFF

Ilwaco