HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0662.004 2020-2022 P/Camb I
CORK L0 1
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March 8, 2022
Hawai'i County Council
25 Aupuni St
Hilo HI 96720
Re: Resolution 337-22
Aloha Madam Chair and members of the Hawai'i County Council,
I am testifying in strong opposition to Resolution 337-22. �-
Experts have warned against the expansion of NATO since the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991
because they knew, if not, the reason for this resolution could eventually occur. Instead of
encouraging Russia to join the European Union, global corporations and"Western"leaders
enabled well-placed politicians in Russia to plunder state-owned companies and industries
creating massive wealth for a few oligarchs while leaving most other Russian citizens with
crumbs and no political power in their own nation. One has only to look at the number of luxury
properties owned by Russian oligarchs in London and New York as well as the$1 trillion in
"shadow finances"in offshore tax havens around the world to know this is true.
Imagine if Canada and Mexico asked China to build bases and station troops and weapons
there? That is how Russia views NATO membership for Ukraine. Let's be clear, the Russian
Federation invaded Ukraine on February 22, 2014, not 2022, and annexed the Ukraine region of
Crimea one month later. For the past 8 years, Russian troops and pro-Russian separatists have
been fighting in the Donbas and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. During this time, over 14,000
people have been killed and 1.5 million Ukrainians have been forced from their homes. Why is
it only now that the world is paying attention to this war? Why no county council resolution
until now?
Some of the actions being proposed in this resolution represent a threat to the health, safety, and
welfare of not just Americans,but life on this planet.
Place an embargo on Russian oil and gas? The Russian oil and gas embargo has only begun, yet
American citizens already have a massive increase gasoline prices that hurt poor Americans the
most.
Ban all Russian and Belarusian ships from Western ports? A worse supply chain problem and
more inflation that hurts poor Americans who can't afford it.
Protect Ukrainian nuclear power plants? Resolving that two nuclear powers have a shoot-out at
a nuclear power plan when one is already threatening the use of nuclear weapons is not a good
idea, to say the least.
Close Ukrainian airspace? Putin has said he would consider that an act of war. Nuclear winter is
not my idea of a viable solution for global warming.
Comm.
Ifo Toe
Ref. late A ® q 2022
Recognition of Russia as a terrorist state? A nation that invaded a sovereign country with a
unique history, vibrant culture, and natural resources based upon lies, resulting in over 500,000
civilian deaths, over 2 million refugees, and ancient cities left in ruins should not be casting
stones.
I opposed invading Iraq for months before it happened. I, as did many others, saw it was nothing
more than war-mongers'plan to make money. It wasn't the popular opinion, but it was the
correct one. The United States lost thousands of troops and spent trillions of dollars on the Iraq
and Afghanistan Wars with nothing to show for it but more terrorists and hatred. Yes, we have
withdrawn more than the troops,but we have also withdrawn billions of dollars in monthly
military spending from the military-industrial complex. World peace is bad for their business, so
be careful this is not another case of war-mongers trying to get back their jobs and to selling
weapons.
God, grant me the Serenity
To accept the things I cannot change...
Courage to change the things I can,
And Wisdom to know the difference.
"The West"has been foolish, corrupt, and negligent in its dealings with Ukraine and Russia for
thirty years, which is how we find ourselves here with thousands,millions,perhaps billions of
lives at risk.
I urge the county council to table this resolution and refocus on changing the things we can by
helping our local community out from an already dark and difficult time.
Mahalo ke Akua,
Chuck Flaherty