Editor:
The discredited Steele Dossier, implicating Putin’s manipulation of Trump, was brought forward by the Clinton campaign in 2016. Christopher Steele, a former British intelligence officer, would not disclose his sources (to protect them?), questioning the authenticity of its content. Nine years later, it appears that it could be very credible. A 1962 film, The Manchurian Candidate, comes to mind, witnessing the current situation. Under the direction of Trump, Secretary of Defense Hegseth and Secretary of State Rubio just went on record as supporting Russia, a country waging an illegal war against Ukraine, and killing innocent civilians on a daily basis, similar to 1930s Germany. After striking a rare earth deal with Ukraine, the U.S. has cut off military aid promised, and is blocking the sale of defensive weapon systems! Meanwhile, federal troops are being mobilized to control the American people? Something also reminiscent of pre-war Germany and current Russian mentality. We are losing credibility in the entire world. Pathetic.
Sid Berg, McKinleyville
This article appears in Restaurant Week 2025.