Dear CCI Friends,

Ambassador Jack Matlock represented the United States in the final years of the USSR as the two countries negotiated an ‘end’ to the Cold War.  Would that that ‘end’ had endured.

On the occasion of his 95th birthday, Ambassador Matlock has compiled a collection of his writings on the subject of US-Russian relations since we, the US, inexplicably managed to bungle the opportunity for lasting peace that was within our grasp.  He has allowed CCI to distribute his work to our community and we are honored to do so – with appreciation and gratitude for his contribution to peace between our countries.

“I am often asked whether I am a pessimist or an optimist.  A frank answer would be that I am neither: I cannot foretell the future.  Experience has taught me that life and politics can take unexpected turns. What I do believe is that attempts by the United States and its allies to dominate the world by military and economic coercion will fail.  We and our allies must find a way to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes rather than encouraging and supporting violence.  Until we do this the future of humanity is in jeopardy.” Chicago, Illinois, September 28, 2024
Thank you, Ambassador Matlock!

Paula Day, Pamela Tetarenko, Krishen Mehta, Directors
Center for Citizen Initiatives

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“Looking Back to Look Ahead”

Thoughts of a Nonagenarian
Halfway through His Tenth Decade

October 1, 2024

By Jack F. Matlock, Jr.

Ambassador Jack Matlock turned 95 on October 1, 2024 and shares his reflections from his first-hand experiences.

He has kindly posted his book as a PDF file that can be downloaded from his website via the following link,

[Continue to Ambassador Matlock’s website to Download Book]

Dear CCI Friends & Colleagues,

We all care deeply for human life.  We are all acutely aware of the devastation and death surrounding us everyday from human-created catastrophes as well as natural disasters.

As much as we would all like to “be the change we want to see in the world”, the march to war is accelerating and it is out of our control. What is in our control are our day-to-day actions towards each other. 

We realize that we have not sent out an email and/or article since the JFK speech.  While it is tempting to cite JFK’s words of peace again and again, until our current leaders listen – the news has not changed and the narratives remain the same so rather than repeat ourselves, 

We would like to take a moment of silence for every life lost.

Respectfully,

Pamela, Paula and Krishen

Dear CCI Friends,

We live in extraordinary times.  Or perhaps, we have not ever moved on from attitudes we hoped had been long buried?

John F. Kennedy contended with the fear of nuclear war with Russia and fought what that fear might lead to forcefully.  He also confronted the grave responsibility held by a free press in keeping Americans informed of what their government was doing to face that danger.  Do we not live in similar times?

The documentary below explains eloquently President Kennedy’s efforts to improve US Russia relations that led to the peaceful resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and to the nuclear test ban treaty. It also explains the resistance that President Kennedy faced from those in his own administration who were opposed to such efforts.

JFK: A President Betrayed

And please consider the following words of President Kennedy as we confront current movements to stifle and even criminalize a free press today.

“No President should fear public scrutiny of his program. For from that scrutiny comes understanding; and from that understanding comes support or opposition. 

Without debate, without criticism, no Administration and no country can succeed—and no republic can survive. That is why the Athenian law-maker Solon decreed it a crime for any citizen to shrink from controversy. And that is why our press was protected by the First Amendment—the only business in America specifically protected by the Constitution—not primarily to amuse and entertain, not to emphasize the trivial and the sentimental, not to simply “give the public what it wants”—but to inform, to arouse, to reflect, to state our dangers and our opportunities, to indicate our crises and our choices, to lead, mold, educate and sometimes even anger public opinion.

This means greater coverage and analysis of international news—for it is no longer far away and foreign but close at hand and local. It means greater attention to improved understanding of the news as well as improved transmission. And it means, finally, that government at all levels, must meet its obligation to provide you with the fullest possible information outside the narrowest limits of national security–and we intend to do it.”

JOHN F. KENNEDY, “ADDRESS: THE PRESIDENT AND THE PRESS” (27 APRIL 1961)

As always, your thoughts and responses are welcome and appreciated.

Sincerely,
Paula, Pamela and Krishen
Center for Citizen Initiatives

Dear CCI Friends,

We would like to share with our readership a recent interview with renowned scholar Dmitri Simes about the FBI raid on his home in the United States a short while ago.

Dr. Simes is a distinguished writer and thinker and was head of the Center for National Interest in Washington DC for over 30 years. This think tank was founded by former US President Richard Nixon following his detente with the Soviet Union and the signing of the ABM treaty.  It was part of the effort by President Nixon to promote better understanding and better relations between the US and Russia. 

Please review the interview and make your own judgment. In our hope for better US Russia relations, it is important that all voices be heard, dissent not be seen as a threat, and freedom of expression be honored. In this interview, you will have the opportunity to listen personally to what Dr. Simes has to say, and the challenges facing those who seek a better environment of peace and security between the US and Russia. 

As you may also be aware, Scott Ritter, another well-known spokesman for better relations between the US and Russia, and a critic of NATO expansion, was also similarly harassed and subject to confiscation of various documents and electronic records a few weeks back.   Included also is Scott’s response after the FBI raid, which he video recorded on his phone. 

Respectfully,

Krishen, Paula and Pamela
Center for Citizen Initiatives

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“From Soviet Dissident to Target of US Deep State” | Dimitri K. Simes Interview

August 30, 2024

Counter Currents: Larry Johnson Interviews Dimitri K. Simes

Dimitri K. Simes is probably the only person in the world who has faced political repression in both the USSR and the US because of his strong positions. In this episode of the Counter Currents, Simes joins host and former CIA analyst Larry Johnson to discuss his political upbringing in the Soviet Union, why he is being witch-hunted by the FBI, and what is fundamentally wrong with the Biden regime.

[Continue to Dimitri K. Simes Interview]

August 7, 2024

Scott Ritter’s “Shocking Day”

Scott Ritter reports to his “Meet the Inspector” viewers his response to the FBI raid on his home via a video recording on his phone.

[Continue to Scott Ritter’s “Shocking Day” Video]

Dear CCI Friends,

While we are deluged with news, commentary, opinions and political bombast from all sides on the subject of the war between Russia, Ukraine, NATO and the US, it is almost impossible to detect the voices of the people living in the center of the  maelstrom – the people of the Donbass.  Considering that it was their rejection of the 2014 coup in Kiev that precipitated the conflict, we feel it is important that we hear them.

Alexander Korobko, filmmaker and citizen of Donbass, has created a video – a docu-drama – based on the career of Alexander Zakharchenko, the leader of the ‘Donetsk Peoples’ Republic’ from the time of its creation immediately after the coup until his assassination in 2018.  

In describing his film Mr. Korobko has said, “The film presents an untold story of a conflict that is becoming increasingly globalised, one that is otherwise overshadowed by two opposing agendas – Russia’s and Ukraine’s/NATO’s. It might be considered politically incorrect by some on either side, but its spirit is categorically anti-war.”

We hope you will find the time to view this perspective and let us know your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Paula, Pam and Krishen
Center for Citizen Initiatives