Dear Editor:
In the aftermath of the events of January 6, I greatly applaud and appreciate the editorial “A citadel for liberty,” and Orest Deychakiwsky’s op-ed “Hope for the new year,” which was written well before January 6.
America and, likewise, the Ukrainian American community were as divided as ever in this past, very close presidential election. We have experienced more divisiveness, vitriol, “hate,” mutual accusations of spreading fake news, lunacy, being a “fascist, racist, or socialist-communist,” etc.
In some instances, long lasting friendships were broken. At least that was my experience, from discussions, social media commentary among my friends and acquaintances in the wider Ukrainian American community and in a closer circle of my fellow Ukrainian American veterans.
The majority of Americans, regardless of whom they supported in the last election, desire the same things: prosperity, economic opportunity and security, law and order, and America’s continued leadership in the world as a beacon of democracy and human rights.
We also agree on the need for America’s continued support for Ukraine.
A president alone can hardly “heal” our nation. We need not dwell on the past, other than to learn lessons. We must look at the present day and move forward with the future.
Healing of our nation depends on each and every one of us.
The solution is simple; implementation is a challenge.
We need to love our country and our neighbors more than we (myself included) love and nurture our prejudices and resentments. If we do so, we have a chance at restoring, preserving and strengthening our democracy and republic.
Yuri A. Deychakiwsky
North Potomac, Md.