Letter to the Editor – Daniel W. Gatlyn, USN, Ret. Minister/Journalist

Dear Editor,

I have watched the President of Ukraine as he addressed the U.S. Congress—and his pleas for aid. Perhaps it is strange, but my first thoughts are the words of English Warrior Harry Jones (POW from the River Kwai) and his statement “that man cannot conceive anything greater than Freedom.” I don’t think anyone has missed the devastation and cause of this nation, when they lost hundreds to a dastardly invasion of their country–primarily without provocation. Their Freedom is “up for grabs”! As is the case over time, when any country needs help, their prime call is to America, the most benevolent and capable body on the planet. While our record does appear commendable–we have been in deficit for the Holocaust, and for the two million Cambodians who perished in 1975-76. (Refer “The Killing Fields”). If no one answers the call for aid, Millions die–and in this instance with Ukraine, if America does not take up the cause, it is probable that the Nation that will not survive.

I will readily admit that my words are less than the best; but I have circled the ranch on innumerable occasions; and have observed the aggressions of many, the Balance of Power surrounding Nations; the plus and minus of many campaigns—for almost a century. The antics of nations have not been really impressive. Untold millions have paid the extreme price of life—with wisdom, knowledge, unity, and a common cause being trashed, and a reasonable understanding of basic values safely tucked in archives—or relinquished through heresy, vanity, and selfish adventures. It is seldom that the majority adheres to sound practice, with prime examples in the beltway. Many have missed both “the forest and the trees.”

There exists a score of reasons why a peaceful coexistence has floundered. Pride, position, clout, and vanity have all taken a toll. But let me mention just two that have been relegated to the opioid circuit– The proper perspective of TIME AND MONEY”. We have rehearsed the dimension of “Time” throughout scores of escapades. “A stitch in time saves nine… Better to be safe than sorry…an ounce of prevention…. and more! The principle is that success follows those who act in rational sequence. Some things deferred will forever be lost. Nuclear war may well be prevented by a timely prevention. The mention of a nuclear possibility should never have made the marquee. It is entirely possible that a proper phrase or action remains hidden. Well! Best we start a legitimate, expansive search–before the world succumbs to utter despair. The other is failure to recognize what a “dollar can, and cannot do! Obviously, it takes cash to survive–but money cannot render joy–freedom–love–satisfaction! MONEY DOES NOT FIX EVERYTHING! No need to catalogue a lengthy list. We already are aware. Another impressive grant from the National coffers guarantees nothing. The magic lies in having the resolve to place deeds and daring in a timely fashion, and defuse the worth and worship of an “almighty dollar”. Will we ever learn??

Sincerely,

Daniel W. Gatlyn,

USN, Ret.

Minister/Journalist

HHJ News