To the Editor:

I am ashamed that America is silencing the pro-democracy radio: Voice of America (VOA). As the spouse of a veteran who served with NATO in Germany, we listened regularly to it. We know it provided accurate information, not only for us, but also for those living in nearby non-democratic countries.           

Russian TV upon learning the fate of VOA,  immediately celebrated America’s “awesome move to shut down VOA” and China called it “truly gratifying”.

I am alarmed that in the United Nations our American Representative voted with Russia, North Korea, Belarus, and others against Ukraine in its fight for all global democracies.

Why was Russia’s state-owned news agency, TASS, permitted in the White House Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy— while the free world’s Associated Press, as well as Reuters News Service, were barred from attending?

Why was the White House lawn used as a car dealership for Tesla—with a  price list in the hand of America’s elected leader?

How does the proposed cut of 80,000 positions in the Veterans’ Administration support our Veterans? Long-standing staffing problems in some VA Clinics already exist. Health care, clinical trials, mental health concerns, housing, etc. will be affected. Wait times for appointments already can be for days or months into the future.

Barbara Lee

Canton