Following are my thoughts regarding Dr. E. Martin Schotz’s recent column [“Rethinking U.S. interests on anniversary of war in Ukraine,” Recorder, Feb. 20]. We are told we must accept the choices provided by our tragically misguided political elites. We are moving to a 2024 election between two of the most dangerous candidates ever posed against one another. The choice being provided is: genocide and multiple theater nuclear war vs looming fascism.

Do we have a choice? Yes we do! But we must take the risk for a candidate who unabashedly stands for peace. Let's not be trapped into "voting the lesser evil." If we believe we must chose between "genocide and nuclear war vs. fascism" we have already lost. It is time to build a movement committed to all humanity and bring people together to reclaim our government. Yes, third party or independent candidates are long shots. But a "winner" who promotes genocide as well as global war or a "winner" that promotes fascism are both losers for America and the world.

Our own anti-slavery, women's, civil rights, labor, environmental, and anti-war movements all took great risks and made great sacrifices while achieving significant gains. These are the examples that must inspire our voting going forward.We are at a crossroads: genocide and potential nuclear war vs. fascism. This is no time to blink. We must vote our values to change America's destructive direction and provide all of us a future worth living.. We must break our bondage to an old and dying political oligarchy.

John Frederick Blumenstiel

Sharon