There are pivotal times in our world when important issues should do more than catch our attention.
Relevant discussions in our Nation on the situation in Russia and in Ukraine are important and defining for much of the world.
It is important to understand, regardless of discussions and dissensions in the United States, there is a basic freedom to offer opinions. It is part of the First Amendment in the U.S.. Our ability to disagree with the government, in what ever variable form, is in contrast to the Russian autocracy.
Vladimir Putin shuts down discussion, puts opponents in jail, may try to harm opponents physically, and likely sees nothing wrong with his approach.
He limits valid discussion and controls information to the residents in Russia. His controls of television news are slanted only one way. What ever he wants the residents to believe is right and there is no exception. Reports have Russian residents believing that the war is the fault of Ukraine residents and government and that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was justifiable, and not really an invasion. Photos provide another reality.
Criticism of the U.S. role in working with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is permissible within our freedom to express an opinion, however, simply is not backed by the facts. Political opponents should understand that NATO, an obvious imperfect organization, nonetheless is doing well to help Ukraine in its war with Russia and the Russian invasion. Likely the war will continue until Russia is forced to reduce hostilities in some form, yet to be identified. Politics in the U.S. should not be part of seeking to stymie continued Russian aggression.
News items and other points of interest which did not find their way into The Voice this week:
• The fourth annual Post the Colors fundraiser is under way for the Boy Scout Blackhawk Troop 11 at Wesley Methodist Church in Aurora. Reservations are being accepted for the program in which pairs of Scouts place flags in subscribers’ yards or at the Aurora police station by 7 a.m. and retrieve flags by 7 p.m. with a salute each time. For $25. Scouts will post flags on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. To subscribe or renew for a flag posting, go to troop11/406289 square/site or mail a check payable to Boys Scout Troop 11 to Wesley UMC, 14 N. May Street, Aurora, IL 60506.
• Volunteers at the new property of the Oswegoland Senior and Community Center (OSCC), 3525 U.S Highway 14, have been busy making improvements.
Clear and Concise Week 14 Year 3: We encourage and think it is beneficial for The Voice readers to make comments when opinion writers offer opinions, however, it should be evident that pointing fingers at other persons, writers, and entities, do reveal three fingers pointing back at the speakers/writers. Constructive criticism always works best. That leaves ample room for a discussion on topics and issues without tearing down other writers and thinkers.