To Speaker Mike Johnson,
In the annals of history individuals are often remembered not for the positions they held, but for the actions they took and the legacies they left behind. In this pivotal moment, as you deliberate on the $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies, consider the story of Herostratus, who sought fame by destroying the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. His name became synonymous with those who seek recognition through acts of destruction rather than creation. This serves as a stark reminder that our actions today will be our legacy tomorrow.
The decisions you are facing come with profound implications, not just for the immediate future, but for how history will remember your stewardship. You have the opportunity to be remembered as a leader who stood firm for democracy, freedom, and the protection of the vulnerable. Or, conversely, as one who, when given the chance to act decisively in the face of global adversity, chose a different path.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed." It is true and, the aid package you are considering represents more than just military support; it is a testament to the United States' commitment to global security and the defense of democratic values against autocracy and aggression.
Your hesitation to bring this vital issue to a vote raises concerns, not just domestically, but on the international stage, where both allies and adversaries are watching. It sends a signal, particularly to China, about the resolve of American politicians to safeguard not only their interests but those of the free world.
The financial wisdom of preemptively supporting Ukraine cannot be understated, too.
As we consider the security of Taiwan, vital for its semiconductor production and, by extension, the global economy, the cost of inaction could far exceed the current support extended to Ukraine. This is not merely an investment in Ukraine's defense but a strategic move to prevent a larger, more costly global conflict.
Supporting Ukraine stabilizes not just a region but the global order, safeguarding markets and supply chains crucial to the US economy. By financing Ukraine's defense, we're taking a step towards securing our economic future and demonstrating a commitment to global peace and prosperity.
The sacrifices of our servicemen and women, who pray for peace while bearing the scars of war, as General Douglas MacArthur noted, must not be in vain. We honor them by supporting our allies, advocating for peace through decisive action, and upholding the values that define us as a nation.
As you consider your decision, remember that you have been placed in this moment of history for a reason. You have the power to shape the future, to stand for what is right, and to leave a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. Will you be remembered as a Herostratus or as a steward of peace and democracy?
The choice is yours.