Zelensky showed U.S. politicians what patriotism looks like

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech to Congress on Wednesday didn’t please everybody. Some weren’t thrilled that he confirmed as much as the White Home and on Capitol Hill wanting like, nicely, a commander in chief combating a struggle.

I’ll let you know who Zelensky’s speech happy: our readers. A number of wrote letters evaluating him favorably to Winston Churchill and different wartime heroes. A handful made unfavorable comparisons — however solely of sure American politicians to Zelensky. Maybe that helps explains the quibbles over the Ukrainian president’s vogue decisions.

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To the editor: The president of Ukraine confirmed the world what a real hero seems to be like. This brief, barely chubby comic is actually a person amongst males.

What isn’t broadly recognized is that though he may justifiably declare that he’ll keep in energy indefinitely, he isn’t doing that.

Zelensky fashions to us all braveness, perseverance and humility. If all our leaders within the U.S. would emulate these qualities, the beliefs of the American dream may come to fruition.

We could be proud that this courageous man is preserving his eye on the star, and with the assistance of the U.S. and different allies, he’s positive to attain his goal.

Barbara H. Bergen, Los Angeles

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To the editor: As I listened to Zelensky’s speech, my first thought was what may have occurred in Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal if President Ashraf Ghani had stayed and united his nation, as Zelensky did, as a substitute of fleeing.

Had he stood along with his residents, labored to implement a peaceable transition and confirmed the world Afghanistan was sturdy, Afghanistan may now have a completely completely different consequence the place girls may go to high school and have stronger employment.

Zelensky impressed; Ghani fled.

Debbie Cassettari, Chino Hills

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To the editor: Sure, Zelensky was capable of handle a joint session of Congress with an impassioned and insightful speech, and in a overseas language for him.

Sure, he has been capable of characterize his nation to the world, with dignity and gravitas, regardless of his youth and diplomatic inexperience.

And sure, he has been capable of encourage and information Ukraine by essentially the most tough circumstances conceivable.

However let’s not neglect the very first days of the struggle. Intelligence companies warned of a fast and decisive Russian victory. Nobody would have criticized Zelensky for looking for security and organising a authorities in exile, contemplating the hazard and his obligations to his spouse and younger kids.

But within the face of a large Russian military, assassination squads and mercenaries, he selected to remain in Kyiv, exhibiting extraordinary braveness.

To all Republicans who nonetheless adhere to the Trump-Putin axis and rejoice the “courageous patriots” who overwhelmed an outnumbered U.S. Capitol Police power to invade and defile the guts of our democracy on Jan. 6, 2021, I counsel you take into account the Ukrainian president to study the that means of true bravery and patriotism.

One factor is for positive: You’ll hear no claims of heel spurs from Volodymyr Zelensky.

Joel Jaffe, Beverly Hills

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To the editor: The winter solstice represents the time at which daylight occupies the least period of time in a day. With the chilly and shortened days, the urge is to seek out heat and light.

For that reason, it was solely becoming for Zelensky to go to Washington on Dec. 21. His speech to Congress was essentially the most inspiring handle I’ve heard from Capitol Hill in my 28 years. He spoke of conquer tyranny and victory within the new yr.

It’s inevitable that 2023 will deliver the improved problem of a bolstered Russia-China alliance alongside Belarus, Iran and North Korea. Despite the winter flurries forward, it’s clear that the incoming chilly snap is merely getting ready us for continued struggle forward.

Zelensky’s speech confirmed that solely within the darkness will humankind be directed towards our united, democratic future. As Ukraine has proven us, we should not lose our love of life and liberty when the lights exit.

We should ramp up our resolve and proceed to arm Ukraine. Zelensky has not misplaced his vitality within the face of evil, and neither ought to the US.

Henry Wilson, Washington

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To the editor: Zelensky’s speech to Congress was considerably private for me, since my grandfather was born in Ukraine.

Nonetheless, from a extra international and historic perspective, Zelensky’s speech was paying homage to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s speech to Congress in 1941, when he appealed for America’s assist to repel Adolf Hitler’s assault on his nation.

Within the trendy world, Russian President Vladimir Putin is not any much less a risk than Hitler was in 1941. America and our European allies should reply with all obligatory monetary and army assist to repel Putin’s brutal assault on the folks of Ukraine.

Gary Vogt, Menifee

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To the editor: What number of of these senators and congressmen who stood to applaud Zelensky voted to acquit our former president of making an attempt to shake him down for a political favor?

What ethical flaccidity. What a shame.

Jay Abramowitz, Santa Monica