To avert nuclear war, stop sending missiles to Ukraine!

  By Reginald Johnson

                                     Commentary

  URGENT: The situation in Ukraine is quite serious. We all need to take notice and if possible, to take action.

 In recent weeks the war between Ukraine and Russia entered a new and highly-dangerous phase after Ukraine fired US-made ATACMS missiles into Russia and were given assistance in the launch by American personnel.  This attack was made after President Biden, reversing a previous position, gave the greenlight. Russia responded by firing back with a new and more deadly missile at Ukraine.

 At the same time, Russia changed its nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold under which they would make a nuclear response to a missile attack. According to experts like Scott Ritter, a former UN weapons inspector and intelligence official, the ATACMS missiles used by Ukraine MEET THE STANDARD FOR A NUCLEAR RESPONSE under Russia’s new doctrine. This is frightening. Should Ukraine fire these missiles again at Russia, who knows what will happen?

 Many people think that Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, would never go so far as to retaliate with a nuclear weapon. But who can be sure? The fact is, according to Ritter and others, we are closer to a nuclear conflict then we have ever been and that includes the very dangerous Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. We really need to let our voices be heard and say that as clearly as possible we don’t want nuclear war, which would result in the end of life on earth.

  Ritter and others like peace activist Medea Benjamin of Code Pink are making a good suggestion --- that we call our elected representatives in Congress and demand that they pressure President Biden to reverse his decision on allowing the use of ATACMS missiles. At the same time, they ask that we tell our Congress Member to support House Bill 10218, which prohibits the administration from shipping any more ATACMS to Ukraine.

  We need to flood Congress with calls. It can make a difference. The Congressional switchboard is 202-224-3121. Call that number and ask for your congress person and they will switch you in. You can connect with your senators through the same number. While you’re at it, call the White House at 202-456-1111 and say you don’t want nuclear war and the President needs to pursue peace and stop sending missiles.

 Thank you!