An open letter to Congressman Dan Bishop

In 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine and was able to capture Crimea and some land along the eastern Ukrainian border. We, the USA, effectively stood back and watched.

Two years ago, Russia came back. Once again they met stiff Ukrainian resistance. The Ukrainian Armed forces have been able to fight the Russian invaders to a standstill despite being out manned and out gunned. They were able to do this partially because of our support and could have done even better had President Biden not slow walked the support. The Ukrainians should have had F-16s a year ago.

You and your fellow Freedom Caucus Trump/Putin supporters have said you would not support aid to Ukraine without a southern border deal. You then took a three-week Christmas vacation. Upon returning to Washington, you received a bi-partisan bill from the Senate which was the greatest advancement on the topic in over 20 years. You and your fellow Freedom Caucus Trump/Putin supporters said it was dead on arrival and blocked the vote.

Now you are on yet another two-week vacation. (It must be exhausting accomplishing nothing). In the meantime, the Ukrainians are rationing ammunition because we have not stepped up. Ukraine is a country that has been invaded by Trump’s buddy Putin and where thousands of Ukrainian children have been rounded up and sent to Russia. 

Once again, there is an aid bill from the Senate on your desk and you and your Freedom Caucus Trump/Putin supporters are blocking it from a floor vote.

Now I recognize that I’m a veteran and you are not. I’ve contacted your office numerous times with my question and have yet to get an answer. So, once again, “If we do not support Ukraine, what do you feel will happen?” This is a complex problem and I assume, you have a simple answer. What is it?

— Eric C. Marsh,
Salisbury

Charlotte Mayor needs to address crime

With the weekly, almost daily, shootings and/or killings happening in Charlotte, one wonders where Mayor Vi Lyles is hiding, and why? Juvenile crime is now so rampant, national news outlets are giving it headlines.

As a native of the city, I can honestly say her leadership, or in this case, lack thereof, is pathetically horrible. It doesn’t help her not having any pressers outlining a single plan to combat the problems — not one.

Lyles enjoys being mayor for the title and perks, but she has no accomplishments. The citizens deserve better…much better!

— Floyd Prophet,
Kannapolis