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Sen. Schumer proposes return of Russia’s hegemony in Central and East Europe  Senator Schumer
In order to encourage Russia to join the economic sanctions against Iran, Sen. Schumer proposes that the United States dismantle the anti-missile system in Central Europe as it “mocks Mr. Putin's dream of eventually restoring Russian hegemony over Eastern Europe.” He also proposes to recognize Russia’s “traditional role” in the Caspian region, and “make Russia whole if it joins in our Iranian boycott.” The full article can be viewed at: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121245110938939473.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries As members of the Ukrainian American community, we should express our indignation over such statements. For your convenience, please find a sample letter to Senator Schumer by clicking on Read More below. You can send your correspondence via fax: 202-228-3027 (Washington, D.C. office) or e-mail to http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/contact/webform.cfm . Should you have any questions, please contact the UNIS office by phone at (202) 547-0018 or via e-mail at
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The Honorable Charles Schumer United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Schumer: As a Ukrainian American (and your constituent), I was deeply distressed by your recent opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal entitled “Russia Can Be Part of the Answer on Iran.” Having known you as a supporter of our community, which suffered greatly under “Russian hegemony over Eastern Europe,” I was utterly disappointed by your suggestion that the nation of my ancestors, as well as others, be used as trade commodities in order to appease Russia and convince it to help eliminate a threat to the world.
For decades Ukrainians were mercilessly persecuted by Russia, whose “greatness” you suggest Mr. Putin to restore. In your many appearances before the Ukrainian community as we commemorated the Ukrainian Genocide (Holodomor) of 1932-1933, you respectfully referred to it as the "Ukrainian Holocaust" against the Ukrainian nation perpetrated by the government of the Soviet Union. Yet, in your opinion piece, you find it possible to suggest that modern-day Russia be allowed to dominate over independent nations of Central and East Europe in order for the U.S. to achieve its goals.
Senator Schumer, your recommendations and suggestions are incongruent with many of your previous statements. You have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the nations seeking freedom from the former Soviet Union, as well as been extremely supportive of the countries in the former Soviet bloc to eliminate Russian hegemony in Central and East Europe and establish their independent, vibrant, and democratic governments. Proposals such as yours, suggest that the United States, the strongest democratic state in the world, play into Russia’s longing for their past “greatness and glory” and allow it to control other nations. I respectfully call upon you to formally meet with representatives of the Ukrainian American community and clarify your statements in the Wall Street Journal op-ed. Your attention to this matter is critical. Sincerely, |
