To the Editor:

The book “Prequel” by Rachel Maddow describes in great detail the infiltration of pro-Nazi sympathizers into U.S. discussions prior to our entry into WWII. This influence was extensive and reached very high levels. Powerful members of Congress worked to prevent the US entry into the war thereby providing real assistance to the Nazis. Had it not been for Pearl Harbor their efforts might have succeeded and the outcome of the war could have been very different.

Why is this important? Today we see remarkably similar activities regarding U.S. aid for Ukraine. There is increasing evidence that Russia is promoting a broad attack on U.S. support for Ukraine.

Some examples:

The prime witness scheduled to testify before the House committee proposing impeachment charges against President Biden was recently arrested for lying to the FBI. “He admitted that officials associated with Russian intelligence were involved in passing a story about  the president’s son.”

Russian influence in our Congress is serious: Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Tex.), none other than the GOP chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, flat-out said that Russian propaganda has “infected a large chunk of my party’s base.”

Another Republican committee chairman agreed. Rep. Michael R. Turner (R-Ohio) of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence  said  “We see directly coming from Russia attempts to promote communications that are anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia.”

These observations come from respected conservative leaders – not political hacks. They deserve serious attention.

A recently discovered secret Russian foreign policy document provides a clear indication that Moscow sees the result of its invasion of Ukraine as inextricably bound with its ability to impose its will globally.”

Those in our Congress today who are blocking aid to Ukraine are playing directly into the hands of the enemy - namely Vladimir Putin. They must be stopped.

Dr. Tom Dean
Wessington Springs