Aaron Bushnell self-immolation protest against Israel, Letters

The Issue: A US airman’s self-immolation protesting Israel’s killing of Palestinians in Gaza

As an Air Force veteran, I was shocked and appalled by the foolish act of theater committed by engineer-turned-anti-Israel protester Aaron Bushnell (“Air Force fiery death,” Feb. 27).

Livestreaming on Twitch, he set himself on fire in front of the Israeli Embassy after proclaiming, “I will no longer be complicit in genocide.”

But the Air Force plays no direct role in the Israeli Defense Force’s war on Hamas. Bushnell, who was identified as an “active duty Air Force officer,” could have made a more meaningful protest by resigning his commission and requesting voluntary separation from the military. Instead, he destroyed himself.

Richard Reif

Queens

The delusional Bushnell reportedly had told a friend he was privy to information that US military personnel were tracking and killing members of Hamas in their own underground tunnels, to assist the Israel Defense Forces.

How many more incidents will it take to convince our military leaders to do a much more thorough job of vetting questionable young recruits who have access to sensitive information?

Charles Winokoor

Fall River, Mass.

The saddest thing about Bushnell’s tragic waste of his own life is that not only will his self-immolation have zero impact on the war in Gaza. His death won’t even be appreciated by those on whose behalf he was presuming martyrdom.

I saw someone post a message of support for him on Twitter/X: “Rest in Power, Aaron Bushnell!” The poster was sternly chastised by her woke followers: “Don’t say that, he doesn’t deserve it, ‘Rest in Power’ isn’t for whites.”

How futile is it that the people you die for only spit on your corpse?

Robert Frazer

Lancashire, UK

How pathetic it is that the mourners of Bushnell would use his memorial service as an excuse to burn the Israeli flag. Did anyone — including the victim — mourn the lives lost on Oct. 7?

These mourners are just another group in the long list of people who hate Israel.

Mel Young

Boca Raton, Fla.

The Issue: Sen. Mitch McConnell announcing he will not seek party leadership after the November election.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s announcement that he will not seek Republican leadership in the next Congress is truly a “passing of the torch” moment for the US Senate (“Father time to pass the mantle,” Feb. 29).

McConnell will be remembered as one of the most effective leaders in the history of the Senate. Through sheer force of will, he shaped the federal judiciary in a conservative fashion.

No one in the Republican Party has echoed the theme of peace through strength — the Reagan model of national security — better than McConnell.

He passionately believes in a strong America leading from the front and has been uncompromising in his view that we must deal with threats rather than wish them away.

There is much to be done, and I’m sure that Mitch will run through the finish line as Republican leader.

History will remember that McConnell made a substantial and positive impact on the state he loves and the nation he adores.

Paul Bacon

Hallandale Beach, Fla.

Why are the top three suspected possibilities to replace McConnell all over 60? There are so many other Republicans who are younger and just as qualified.

McConnell even said it’s time to pass it to “the next generation.” I’m over 70 and I think it’s time to pass the baton to our successors.

John Ketelsen

Ocean, NJ

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