Russian Insiders, I speak for myself but there may be others who feel the same way. I believe that we, as Russian-Americans, should let our localpoliticians know how we feel about the White House’s escalation of its rhetoric and measures against the Russian Federation. We are now American. However, it does not mean that we have to stay silent when we feel that our administration is proceeding on a course that will actually harm the country that we live in and love.

Putin’s actions may be completely wrong in Crimea. However, it is my belief that USA can work out behind the scenes a diplomatic solution to the crisis that is thousands miles away from our shores. There is no need to impose useless sanctions on Russia that will just antagonize Russia further and bring counter measures against USA. We understand that the Obama administration needs to divert the public’s attention from its domestic problems and channel the public’s hysteria and Russophobia unto a foreign affair. However; we, as immigrants from Soviet Union and Russia, know too well the effects of the Cold War and we do not want to go down the same unproductive path.

Putin and Russians are a proud people. Sanctions against them will not work. Russians will just dig in deeper and enact asymmetrical measures against US and its companies that work in Russia. Effects on global and USA economy that is just beginning to recover will be great. Animosity and noncooperation may trigger a military war that nobody wants. Finally, Russia’s help in matters that truly affect US security concerning Syria and Iran will be denied. Thank you for attention to my rant and please spread the word to your politicians.

Michael Levitis