Letters on support for Ukraine, colleges, Oklahoma veterans, fighting the opioid crisis

Make Putin retreat, support Ukraine

I am an Oklahoma Republican.

Putin is a KGB Soviet communist dictator. Veteran KGB agents are plentiful in the Russian government.

The Russian military is murdering Ukrainians to steal land. Ukrainian farmland is immensely important for world food production. Controlling it would give Russia ability to heavily manipulate world economy.

Russian victory would expand their population power by workforce enslavement, stealing Ukrainian babies and forced reproduction through rape.

Yes, possible war with Russia is scary. They have the power to cause great suffering, but we are stronger with our allies. I support giving Ukrainians everything they need to win. Ukrainians must fight or lose their nation. They are brave enough and smart enough to be trusted with our best weapons. I say give them what they want to force the Russians into panicked retreat. Military defeat is the only way to stop Putin.

If we do not stand up to this tyrant, Putin, he will just keep murdering, taking territory and tricking Americans against each other.

Please call our federal senators and representatives to support our ally Ukraine!

― Jeff Pickens, Stillwater

On support for colleges, Ukraine

We have forgotten that the United Sates is a capitalist nation. There is no reason for meetings, review boards, and public discussion. If you disapprove the way your college is being run, PULL OUT. Do not send your children to that school. Do not continue to support the alumni associations. Do not attend sports events. Withhold the money and the problem will die on the vine.

And, on "Biden, Putin …" I would hate to know that a poor Ukrainian grunt, who is defending his country from an invading super power will be captured, tortured, starved, sent to a Siberian gulag and worked to death because he ran out of ammunition.

— Howard Hoisington, Yukon

PTSD, a silent anguish among Oklahoma veterans

The silent anguish endured by our Oklahoma veterans is unjustifiable, as the pervasive problem of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) persists among those who have valiantly served our state and nation. As an Oklahoma veteran committed to the welfare of my fellow service members, I feel obligated to emphasize the pressing requirement for comprehensive support systems for our Oklahoma veterans.

PTSD in veterans is not solely a psychological obstacle; it deeply influences all aspects of their lives, including relationships, employment, and overall state of well-being. As per the 2020 report from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Oklahoma veterans exhibited higher suicide rates compared to the national average, regardless of age. Surprisingly, among individuals aged 18-34, Oklahoma experienced an alarming suicide rate of 51.6 per 100,000, which is the highest rate compared to all other age groups.

Oklahoma veterans grappling with untreated PTSD often encounter unemployment and heightened health care expenses, resulting in a significant economic burden.

I have directly observed the significant influence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on individuals and their families within our local communities. This issue is not theoretical; it is a stark truth that requires a united reaction.

I am emphatically advocating for a synchronized endeavor to tackle PTSD among veterans in Oklahoma. Our state requires augmented financial resources for mental health services, enhanced availability of specialized care, and a comprehensive public awareness initiative to eradicate the social stigma associated with seeking help.

Our Oklahoma community and policymakers must recognize the pressing nature of this matter. Let us unite and promote a future in which Oklahoma takes the lead in providing exemplary treatment for PTSD among our veterans.

— Jacob Walker, Noble

A united stand against Oklahoma City’s opioid crisis

With its location in the middle of America, Oklahoma City is hit by the opioid crisis, a silent disease that hurts our community. This issue isn't far away; it's happening right next door and affecting our families, friends and neighbors. Many people are going through a personal fight, and it's a tragedy for all of us.

In the past few years, there has been a worrisome rise in deaths in Oklahoma that were caused by opioids. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (and Dangerous Drugs Control) says that the number of deaths linked to opioids rose by 33% in 2020 compared to the year before. This shocking number is more than just a number; it stands for lives lost, families broken up, and a community fighting an unstoppable enemy.

This problem affects more than just health; it changes the way people live in Oklahoma City. It puts a lot of stress on our healthcare system, our police and our business. Worse, it breaks up families and takes away people's chances. As social workers, health care workers, and community members, we see the terrible daily effects.

What does this matter? Because there is a person behind every number — a person who has struggled, suffered, and often had dreams that were not realized.

We can't let this story go on without questioning it as a community deeply based on kindness and strength. The opioid disaster isn't just a health problem; it's also a call for significant changes in society.

Our reaction needs to be multifaceted. We need to improve the ability of our healthcare system to treat addiction and make sure that everyone, no matter their income, can get effective treatment. Changing how people think about addiction and getting rid of the stigma that surrounds it requires education and awareness efforts. Also, drug companies need to be held responsible for their part in this problem so that something like this doesn't happen again.

But there's a more pressing call to action that goes beyond these changes to the system. As a community, we need to help and understand people who are struggling with addiction and show them kindness instead of judgment. A neighborhood where every person's life is essential, and their fight against addiction is encouraged.

The problem is too big to ignore. Everyone needs to work together on this, from policymakers to healthcare workers to police officers and everyone else. We all must work together to stop this problem. Join forces to make a future accessible from the darkness of addiction and filled with the light of recovery and hope. These are the people who live in our city. It's time to care for them and help them get healthy and happy again.

― Ernest K. Adu, a student in the School of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Letters on support for Ukraine, Oklahoma veterans, the opioid crisis