Letter: Worries abroad should unite us

The end of 2013 does not promise national security for the United States or the world.

China is flexing its growing economic and military prowess while continuing to poison the air its citizens breathe . China has unilaterally expanded its air defense zone over areas of the East China Sea that are also claimed by Japan and South Korea. The United States has flown through the newly claimed air space as have other nations. One misstep by a jingoistic officer with a hand on a button could ignite a conflict that would engulf much of the Pacific Rim.

The Ukraine is in turmoil, with Russia fueling the fires . It appears that Russian President Vladimir Putin has purchased Ukrainian loyalty for $15 billion.

North Korea has declared that it may attack South Korea without notice, in response to anti-North Korean rallies in Seoul. Having Kim Jong Un’s hand on the nuclear button, with an army of nearly 1.2 million, is horrifying. Even if the North does nothing, it seems apparent that Kim is willing to export nuclear weapons to those who dream of destroying America.

Facing the realities that place the United States in harm’s way, we can only hope that the political wars in Washington end. If Americans continue to view their fellow citizens as adversaries, our enemies already have gained an advantage.

Edward Horn
Baldwin