Recently, a big, bold headline on the front page of the New York Times read: “Putin’s mass strike on Ukraine draws furious condemnation.” An accompanying story stated that at least 11 people were killed.

Since 2015, thousands of Yemenis have been killed in Saudi air attacks, armed with cluster bombs from the U.S. and partially financed by the U.S. Millions face malnutrition, widespread deadly diseases, and starvation. But they have never rated such a front-page headline in the Times. 

In contrast to their concern for Ukrainians, both parties in Washington, and most Americans, don’t know or care about Yemeni suffering: they are treated by the US media and government as unworthy victims. Most are people of color. There has been virtual silence from peace activists, women’s groups, liberal Democrats, Trump Republicans, and anti-racists in the Rogue Valley and the nation about their plight and that catastrophic war. 

Their selective empathy and hypocrisy are appalling.

John Marciano

Talent