Today's letters: Readers comment on Putin, moral authority and political belief

A history set to repeat?

After watching Russia's actions in Ukraine, I strongly urge fellow readers to review your history books. You will see a likeness to what one madman (Hitler) did to his country, and it is parallel to what Putin is doing, not only to Ukraine but to his own country.

In 1939, the astonished Polish people watched the invasion of German soldiers, tanks and S.S. men cross the border into their country.

Russia then attacked Finland and Norway. By May, he was dropping paratroopers into Holland; Belgium was next on his list, and then he sent tanks and crushed his way into France.

A brief escape from Dunkirk for lucky Tommies and French soldiers, when Britain civilians helped to rescue both British and French soldiers, the British soldiers were returning to a hellish country to endure relentless bombing of German planes.

Italy was free, and now the mad man wanted Britain to fall and fulfill a betrayal to Russia.

The point I am trying to make is that we should be ready for anything from Russia. Putin has already issued warnings to all allies that if they intervene in helping the Ukrainians they will open themselves up to catastrophic consequences, even nuclear war.

We all know how Hitler destroyed Germany and we won World War II — but not without our allies.

Let's hope that NATO does their best to save the people of Ukraine.

Teresa Cook, Ocala

Moral authority

Who has moral authority, government or parents? It’s an easy answer. Children’s guardians are directed by a higher authority to do the right thing in regard to the upbringing of their offspring. That means a moral authority has to have a moral law giver. That only comes from a creator, not a contrived group of representatives. Wake up and open your spirit to reality.

Jerry Rodeheaver, Dunnellon

Is it just me?

I’m sure I need some help understanding the intricacies of political belief and action. As an example, 18 or so young high school students were indiscriminately killed by gunfire while in school. Our political representation responded by ensuring they will never again be threatened by textbooks that may indoctrinate them on matters of critical race theory or abhorrent sexual behavior.

Another instance is our politicians have made abortion illegal after 15 weeks and yet we have not specified how to apprehend and punish the father, uncle, family friend, clergy, rapist or unknowing minor who impregnated her.

Not too long ago, while touting the First Amendment to the Constitution regarding free speech, our brave, illustrious politicians had the courage to strip The Walt Disney Company of a status that had apparently worked for almost 60 years and — without fear of reprisal at the ballot box — saddled Floridians who live in Orange County and elsewhere with an estimated $160 million-a-year tax increase and $1 billion in debt. Who really won here?

I recently bought eggs; we buy the large carton of eggs, and I was amazed to find that the price had increased 300%. I also note that the price of a gallon of gas has increased more than $1 a gallon. To address this problem, our legislature, under the direction of our governor, has battled this inflation by blaming other politicians and by passing critical culture legislation.

It is probably only me, but have ”we, the people” simply let the patients take charge of the asylum?

Jeff Priest, Ocala

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This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: May 8 letters: Readers comment on Putin, moral authority and politics