OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BARACK OBAMA
Dear Mr. President:
It seems to me that the significance of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War 2 which came about largely because of D-Day, was that ultimately good had prevailed over evil. It was a victory over tyranny and imperialism. Granted Soviet forces were an integral part of the culmination, but, let's be honest, Soviet involvement occurred only because Hitler attacked the USSR in 1941. In 1939 Stalin and Hitler had collaborated to carve up Eastern Europe with no regard for other nations. Soviet propaganda aside, Stalin's participation in the war was hardly altruistic. Furthermore, history has judged that in terms of criminality Stalin was at least Hitler's equal.
In any event Stalin was not the war's hero. The heroes were theUnited Statesand its western allies as well as many of the nations of Eastern Europe and theUSSRwho were often employed as war fodder by their own tyrant and whose lands the war ravaged. Those nations suffered the most significant numbers in terms of human lives lost. Subsequently, many from theUSSRwho survived the war were forcibly repatriated by us and the British to perish at the hands of their Soviet tyrants. Many committed suicide to escape that fate. Perhaps President Roosevelt can be forgiven for his fondness for one of history's worst murderers, Josef Stalin, but seventy years thereafter with the benefit of historical hindsight, no American president can be accorded a similar benefit of a doubt.
This brings me to the upcoming observances inNormandy.Russia's President Vladimir Putin in terms of criminal behavior is, indeed, a worthy successor to Stalin. For that reason alone, we and other decent people, leaders of democratic law abiding nations cannot share with him the stage atNormandy. It's an affront to the victims of the war and, in particular, the now free nations of the formerUSSRwho fear Putin today despite their ostensible freedom, much like their ancestors feared Stalin. Putin represents everything that we fought to overcome in World War 2. His presence inNormandywould make a mockery of a significant and respectful observance of a courageous and principled venture.
Furthermore, having imposed resolute sanctions onRussiawhich are meant to make a difference, what message do we send to those people even now living in fear when we invite the subject of their fear to a joint observance of a noble event – that in politics it's business as usual. The argument advanced by our Department of State people that "Our current difference over Ukraine notwithstanding, the fact remains that the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the Soviet Union and many others united 70 years ago to defeat Nazism...This was an historic victory and those who sacrificed to bring peace deserve the be honored as part of that" is misguided. Soviet leaders sacrificed their people for whom they cared very little. Their ultimate aim then asRussia's policy now was and is land grab.
In fact, a suitable alternative would be to invite the leaders of those non-Russian nations that once comprised theUSSRand the satellites, Ukrainians, Poles, Balts and others. The message would then be clear and unequivocal – we commemorate theNormandyinvasion on this 70th anniversary, to remind the world that theUnited States of America, as in the past, today represents and stands for a world free from tyranny and imperialism. This position would serve as an open invitation to the Russian people as well – to join the free and democratic community of nations by deposing their own tyrants. Once againAmericawould stand as the beacon of freedom for those who thirst to be free.
Mr. President, please reconsider the current course and articulate a principled position to our French, British and German allies consistent with our resolve to deter Putin's Russia with isolation unless the Russian regime learns to respect the rule of law and international treaties and norms. As always Americamust lead. Our allies expect as much and our friends inEastern Europewho continue to live in fear much as they did seventy years ago, see us as their best hope. Thank you for your kind consideration of this request.
