Jason,
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is tragic, unnecessary and completely unprovoked.
I remember a time when it wasn't controversial for Americans to condemn authoritarianism and acts of war — when no matter what party you belonged to, you despised dictators and despots. But today, some folks have become so warped by partisanship that they've essentially become Putin apologists — going on TV to blame NATO or Ukrainians or the current White House for Russia's actions.
To me, that behavior is shameful and un-American, and it scares me about the state of our politics. Even if you didn't vote for President Biden and don't support his domestic policies, it's beyond the pale to effectively root for Putin (who sits on the world's largest number of nuclear weapons aimed at the United States) on the world stage against freedom and democracy.
Let's make one thing absolutely clear: Russia and Putin are to blame for this attack. The loss of life and damage that will result is on them — not Ukrainians, not NATO, not our president, not our former president, nor any talking head on TV. If we fail to remember that, we risk losing a lot of who we are as Americans.
My friend Jon Meacham put it really well: "The stakes aren't partisan. The issue is democracy vs. autocracy. Rule of law vs. appetite of the ambitious. To encourage aggression is to dishonor the sacrifice and the blood of millions who have stood for freedom for centuries."
It's profoundly messed up that even has to be said. But here we are.
The news today puts into perspective a lot of the work we've been doing together, and there's a lot to do in the months ahead. For now, please join me in standing with Ukraine, and standing for freedom and democracy as our government led by President Biden is doing right now.
Amy
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