As a Vietnam War veteran and a member of Veterans For Peace as well as World Beyond War, I become enraged at governments who are unable to settle their differences without going to war.

Here we are on the cusp of war, with Russia threatening the invasion into Ukraine. Russia is moving in soldiers and weapons to the Ukrainian border and the U.S. is moving troops and weapons into the region.

I recently read an article by Sarah Lazare titled “Top Weapons Companies Boast Ukraine-Russia Tensions Are a Boon for Business.” She writes “General Dynamics, meanwhile, is boasting about the past returns the company has seen as a result of such disputes.”

These weapons manufacturers are just itching for a war so they can fatten their wallets. Money is their primary motivator.

General Smedley Butler, the most highly decorated Marine in World War I has said “war is a racket.” We need only look at the words above to attest to his words.

According to republicworld.com, “American officials are speculating that a military escalation in Ukraine might result in the deaths of 50,000 civilians.” We need to ask: For what purpose?

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We have just completed a war in Afghanistan, and manufacturers of war machinery are simply looking to boost their bottom line, completely negating the human toll.

Is there no end to corporate greed? I think not.

When it comes to power and money over people. Money rules.

Larry Gilbert Sr., Lewiston

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