Abandoning democracy

President Donald Trump has found a way to end the war in Ukraine — by surrendering. He has apparently decided to endorse a dictator and abandon Ukraine, a democratic nation and our ally, giving Ukrainian land, assets and the millions of people who live there to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The European Union warns Russia will interpret our weakness as a green light to invade other countries bordering Russia. The international efforts to isolate Russia for their actions are being cast aside.

The people of Taiwan must suddenly fear America will also abandon them. The Chinese must also be cheering as we can no longer be seen as a nation who will honor our commitments or democracy.

Russia and China have formed an alliance with the stated goal of eliminating U.S. influence and democracy throughout the world. Trump has thrown Russia a lifeline.

This is not who we are as a nation. We do not abandon democracies or cut deals allowing other nations to take over our allies. What has happened to the U.S. Congress? Are our representatives so fearful of maintaining their positions that they will abandon their principles?

Now is the time for every American to immediately stand and raise your voice. I urge you to call and write to your member of Congress. It’s more than saving the democracies of Ukraine or Taiwan. It’s saving our own nation.

Critical role

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is not a bowl of worms, as Elon Musk has suggested. This agency plays a critical role in U.S. foreign policy, and its work is often aligned with U.S. national security interests. While its primary mission is to provide humanitarian aid, foster development and promote democratic governance worldwide, USAID’s activities have a broader impact on national security. USAID helps address the root causes of instability, such as poverty, weak governance and lack of economic opportunity.

USAID promotes democratic governance, the rule of law, human rights and civil society, which directly support the long-term stability of nations. Its development and aid programs can directly help prevent the spread of terrorism and radicalization. By supporting education, job creation and health care, USAID can create alternatives to joining extremist groups, which often exploit socioeconomic grievances.

USAID provides emergency humanitarian assistance in conflict zones, which can help prevent situations from escalating into broader regional conflicts. Furthermore, USAID’s development work helps strengthen relationships between the U.S. and other countries, often improving diplomatic relations and fostering collaboration. This agency must have its personnel reinstated and its mission restored. All Americans must use the power of their voices to force Congress to act and force the administration to restore the congressionally appropriated funds to USAID.

Medical costs

In 2023 alone, the top five health insurance companies had total net positive income of $45.3 billion. Hospitals actually provide health care to us. Insurance companies provide no actual health care and are profit-driven financial middlemen.

So despite the author’s attempt to shift “blame” on to hospitals and one fraudulent doctor in Chesapeake, I am not convinced that extremely profitable insurers with highly paid executives are suddenly philanthropic angels looking out for the rest of us.