To the editor: 

The political conflict we have been consumed by in the United States is becoming understood by many as a planned tactic to “soften” the American people. The dictionary includes the following definition of soften: To undermine or reduce the strength, morale or resistance of.

From a glossary of military terms: “The following is a lengthy but not whole inclusive list of strategic effect terms: advance, assure, coerce, compete, compel, contain, deceive, defeat, degrade, delay, delegitimize, deny, destroy, deter, discredit, disable, discourage, disrupt, divert, engage, enhance, integrate, isolate, kill, maintain, manage, neutralize, prevent, protect, stabilize, suppress, synchronize.” This quote and many more terms and definitions can be found here: https://www.jcs.mil/Portals/36/Documents/Doctrine/pubs/dictionary.pdf.

I appeal to all of us to exhibit the bravery of the Ukrainian people in recognizing the possibility that we have all “been played.” All of us, on either side of our many divisive stances. May we support the Ukrainian people by exhibiting our strength and humility in realizing the division itself is the problem, not the content.

The aggressor here has made it clear that humanity and the honor of a human life has no value. The tactics of modern warfare are surprising, it is my hope we see and take responsibility for our role. Blame and scapegoating, lies and conspiracy theories, defense and outrage are weapons in the “softening,” some of our leaders are tools. May we be inspired by Ukrainian bravery to recognize and reject the weapons and tools enabling the aggression we are painfully witnessing. It is my hope that we all see a common enemy here, and one that requires our collective strength to fight.

Laura Young

Barrington