In a self-congratulatory email to constituents, Rep. Guy Reschenthaler repeatedly, and incorrectly, claimed that President Biden’s “weakness on the global stage” is the direct cause for Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion of the Ukraine.

But Reschenthaler conveniently ignores four years of ex-President Trump’s fawning admiration of Putin. Reschenthaler apparently said nothing when the ex-president called Putin a “genius” and “savvy” when Putin recognized the independence of Russian separatist-controlled areas of the Ukraine. Reschenthaler was silent when the ex-president called Putin “pretty smart” after the Ukrainian invasion had begun.

Military law enshrines direct-line chain of authority from the commander in chief to the lowest working levels of the military. As a naval officer and veteran of the Iraq war, Reschenthaler should understand this better than most. But Reschenthaler chooses to undermine his commander in chief during a time of global crisis in Ukraine.

The Navy has long embraced the values of “Honor, Courage and Commitment.” Reschenthaler has dishonored the oaths he took as an officer and congressman by criticizing actions taken by Biden and our global allies. Reschenthaler put partisanship over national interests and in doing so encourages Putin’s continued aggressions.

It is time for Reschenthaler to do the right thing and support Biden in halting Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Michael Pardus

Penn Township, Westmoreland County

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