I recommend Fiona Hill’s excellent interview with Politico on the Russian situation, but only if the reader is not already hysterical. Hill is an excellent analyst who tells the truth no matter who is President.
Thank you for reminding us how important the stakes are right now: democracy itself.
" It will be difficult to endure the hypocrisy and deluded smugness of people who can’t find Ukraine on a map and who have no interest in rectifying that gap in their knowledge. But disinformation and ignorance are not bullets. Lies are not cluster bombs. Hypocrisy is not a thermobaric weapon. If Ukrainians can continue their courageous struggle in the face of real bullets and bombs, surely we can find the fortitude to overcome disinformation, lies, and hypocrisy."
Five extraordinary sentences, outlining an extraordinary task ahead of us.
Thanks for encouraging the focus on the upcoming election. The best way for us in Florida to help Pres. Biden and save our country is to defeat Rubio, DeSantis, and Donalds at the polls.
I disagree with you, a bully must be punched back in the nose. The Ukrainians have asked for a no fly zone to be created in order to literally give them a fighting chance. It is time to call Putin’s bluff about a nuclear war and work with our NATO partners to create the no fly zone before the atrocities you mention re cold and freezing people to death actuaries
Thank you! I am in complete agreement with you. Time is today to stop imports of Russian oil, and impose a no fly zone if that does not stop the carnage. I do not believe Putin will use nukes, it would mean the certain destruction of Russia.
Of course, I could be horribly wrong, however, if we do not stop him now the consequences for Ukraine will be just horrible. And, Putin will feel free to move on to the next target nation. Where will we stand up to him? The Baltic nations, Romania, Moldova? Perhaps we should wait until he sails into the Gulf of Alaska or the Bearing Sea? Or, until he captures, and maybe destroys another nuclear plant with the worst consequences. He is a war criminal.
It is very easy to stand with the Ukrainian people when it costs us nothing. A small increase in the price of gasoline seems a small price to pay if it stops Putin.
Hi, Neil. Unless you are 1000% certain Putin will not use nuclear weapons, your miscalculation of Putin's intentions would not "result in the certain destruction of Russia." It would "result in certain destruction of earth." Even if the only country destroyed in a nuclear war is Russia, the earth would be plunged into a nuclear winter. There would be mass starvation on a global scale even if America was untouched by direct nuclear hits. Europe would be an unlivable radiation zone for 40,000 years. Is that worth the risk?
Of course you are correct if Putin responds. The issue, or discussion topic I am exploring is when, if ever, do we assume that risk. If he goes into a NATO country and again threatens nuclear consequences, do we still wait for certainty? What do we do if he sends troops to look into Sarah Palin's eyes from the deck of a warship? {:-)
My concern is this war criminal, with each victory, will be more emboldened to threaten nuclear winter. Perhaps Lindsey Graham is, shudder, correct for once and Putin needs to be assassinated as the most workable solution.
I am afraid that the completely sane solution you propose, or concerns you express, do not change the calculus for Putin and his nuclear threats. If that is true, shut off oil imports but quickly end the murder of thousands in Ukraine by saying no more to Putin.
It isn't so much fear or anxiety that's affecting me with the Ukraine situation; it's just plain despair because there's little or nothing to be done. Throwing money at it makes me feel momentarily better, but not for long. I think it's an echo of what we faced for four years with Donald Trump--only worse. Putin seems deranged, as did Donald Trump. It's hard to stand by and watch while they bully everyone with no real consequences.
Robert, I note you began your Concluding Thoughts with the statement “We are the foot soldiers of democracy…”. Because in democratic and free societies worldwide, voting rights are preservative of every other right, I write this morning to share some observations.
As for citizen activism, I would note that I’ve gathered more resources from you than from any other source as to how to combat voter suppression by helping to get people registered and by turbo-charging our turnout initiatives. Still, with midterms rapidly approaching, I am alarmed by the fact that presently no impactful federal legislation exists that would supersede state laws slated increasingly to restrict voting and to nullify votes. Moreover, I also would note, since the 2021 Brnovich ruling, that DOJ no longer can sue for violating Section 2 of the irreparably gutted 1965 Voting Rights Act unless DOJ can show “intent” to discriminate. Last, but hardly least, I especially am concerned by the increasing number of election subversion measures written into bill after bill advancing through GOP- controlled state legislatures. Our most seasoned leaders appear to agree that no amount of organizing is going to get us around these severely constraining measures.
Nonetheless, if you know of organizations that are tackling any of the foregoing weighty electoral constraints, I, and I imagine others, greatly would appreciate learning about them.
A report about Texas's midterm yesterday on NPR said that turnout usually has been at 5% for midterms there and seriously low for all elections. What comes first: voter suppression or voter apathy? No wonder people like Paxton and Abbott got elected.
Laurie, Though voter apathy is a serious problem, in my view, denying one access to the ballot is worse. I, further, would note that, in 2020, voter turnout in Texas was exceedingly high and that immediately thereafter its GOP-controlled state legislature started passing bills to constrain access to voting.
Robert, we work continuously to maintain our sanity and determination to help one another. while bearing witness to the evil of one man. It seems beyond acceptance that we cannot stop him. Putin must be stopped. We feel the suffering and the inhumanity. We built a nuclear arsenal, and that is his protection.
Definition of humanity
1: compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behavior or disposition : the quality or state of being humane
Who are we?
Updated today at 2:10 a.m. EST
Washington Post
'Ukraine entered a second week of war against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invading forces with parts of the country’s largest nuclear plant on fire and its southern cities encircled by the Kremlin’s troops, as the humanitarian catastrophe wrought by Russia’s assault becomes increasingly apparent.'
'Later in the morning, Ukraine’s nuclear inspectorate said Russian forces had captured the plant, which is a key supplier of the country’s electricity. A regional military leader said nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia site was “ensured as of now,” while local authorities said the fire was extinguished as of 6:20 a.m. local time. Washington and Kyiv said there had been no increase in radiation levels.'
Apart from everything the world is doing to stop him, what do you recommend? Direct military confrontation--which means nuclear war? As I noted above, even if the US was untouched in a nuclear war, the globe would be plunged into a nuclear winter and all of Europe would be an uninhabitable radiation zone for tens of thousands of years. So when you make a recommendation about how to stop Putin, please weight those consequences. I will check back later today to see what you advise.
Robert, Though your query was not addressed to me, I, nonetheless, wish to reply. As per what I would recommend, one need only look at what the Ukrainians are willing to sacrifice to recognize that no sacrifice, short of provoking a shooting war with a nuclear power, is too great to stop Putin’s aggression. Please note, because I don’t know what punishments, possibly cyber, could be inflicted upon us for actions we might undertake, starting with stopping the energy trade, I take very seriously the hardships we could endure to insure Ukraine remains democratic and free. I also would note I’m no hero, but simply one who fears a substantially greater cost further down the road than the price we might need to pay now to quash Putin’s unhinged ambition to recreate the Soviet empire.
Hello Robert. My response concerning thoughts about how to protect Ukraine and its people was emailed to your outlook address tonight. I retained a copy in case it did not reach you. Please let me know either way. Warm wishes to you and your family.
Fern, I write because I understand from the thread that, instead of posting, you will be emailing Robert your response to his query. Because I have, for some time, pondered this issue and deeply respect your thought process, I greatly would appreciate if you also would post your reply for all to review. Thanks.
Again, I hope you were not bothered that I replied last Friday when I, first, encountered Robert’s request that you clarify.
Barbara, it didn't occur to me that you intruded. We have an open forum, so there is no fence around our expressions, except for being respectful to one another. I am still thinking about my reply about options to be taken for protecting Ukraine and its people. I will consider your request but cannot say that it will be the last word in my decision. I appreciate your diligence concerning the serious matters and personal opinions expressed on forum. Your comments are among the ones that I look forward to reading.
Fern, I write because I hope you are not bothered that I replied to a query addressed to you. Once you respond to Robert’s request for clarification, if time permits, I would welcome your thoughts regarding how I responded.
Thank you. But my question is “What good is diplomacy if it means we must sit back and watch innocent people be slaughtered?”
And is anyone asking for volunteers or conscripts to go to Ukraine and fight along with their people? We have so many people who claim to want to fight for freedom. This is their chance.
I think that is laudable on the surface. But if Americans begin arriving in Ukraine to fight Russians, Putin will spin it as an American government interfering. I have read of some American veterans planning to fight there. This is dangerous - heart in the right place - but wicked reckless. Putin doesn't think individuals have rights to decide independently when or where to fight. His brain is about two things: command and control ... and spinning things like this as an excuse to escalate.
Even our NATO members INDIVIDUAL efforts to send weapons to the Ukrainian resistance will be viewed by Putin as a NATO act of war. I don't think the flow of weapons should stop. But you get my drift.
I hesitate to type this. But I must. The only way out of this mess is for Putin to be eliminated. And the only source of that elimination must be Russian. Foreign efforts at such could mean the end of humanity.
Let’s not forget that the US is the only I repeat, only nation in the history of mankind, to use nuclear weapons. Would Putin take this option as a right based on our usage? As a true madman, maybe. But that would assure his nation of total destruction and I don’t think his military would allow that. Just like our military was taking steps to prevent our own madman from using a nuclear option. But agree, having independent Americans going to fight in Ukraine would have no appreciable outcome so better not to encourage it.
Thank you for your explanation. All choices have such dangerous repercussions. The world must stop Putin so this does not continue. Such evil is hard to comprehend.
Heather Cox Richardson just posted her interview with President Biden in the China Room on the first day of the invasion of Ukraine. This is the biggest boost I've had in a long time about the future of democracy. Sure makes me understand that President Biden is the President we need in this moment in history. One existential piece of his agenda that we are not hearing enough about is how he is countering income disparity and is focusing on rebuilding the middle class. Fabulous! Thirty minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6Ks3BnFymQ
Posting this here so that more will see it. I feel it is important.
I am passing this along as a helpful article from the NY Times about how to talk to kids about what is happening in Ukraine. I think this is extremely helpful to those with children. The long link should allow all to read the article even if you do not have a NY Times subscription.
I feel this is extremely important for those of us interested in protecting the mental and emotional well-being of our children and those of family and friends. Please pass it along if you find it helpful.
As we watch the horror of what is happening in Ukraine, I shake my head when I hear the media say that refusing to buy Russian oil will hurt the American public through higher gas prices. We watch Ukranian men and women arming themselves with rifles to protect their homeland, having to abandon their homes with only what they are wearing at the time, no diapers or medicine or passports, but I am listening to complaints that we may pay 10% more at the gas pump. Really? Am I surprised that members of the GOP, who swore to uphold our Constitution, will turn against democracy because they are afraid of Trump, while Ukrainians are giving their lives to oppose a man insane with power and riches, just like Trump? When I thought nothing could get worse than the state of America when it comes to attempts to control the hearts of Americans through force and terror, along comes Putin to show us what Trump's friends and idols are capable of. Americans, open your eyes and see what Trump stands for. Him and his cronies.
Who would have thought that Putin putting his nuclear forces on “high alert” could include the idea of shelling the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. That action alone jumps to the top of the war crimes and crimes against humanity list. Beyond mad.
My pop quiz for this evening is while I'm sure all readers here can find Ukraine on the map, how many of you can find Eritrea, one of the five countries to oppose the UN resolution condemning Russia's attack on Ukraine? I had never heard of it but did take the time to find it on the map.
Mar 4, 2022·edited Mar 4, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
I greeted first wave of Eritrean freedom fighters when they had set up an outside table in Piazza della Republica in Florence, Italy in 1978 seeking support for a future nation. I resided there between June, 1977 through February, 1979. When you live abroad, you ultimately expand your knowledge of other cultures in person. I recall meeting artists from Nigeria, Iranians who had fled their military regime. I met other vagabonds like myself who were searching for something.
I can't find it on a map at the moment (although I could place it on the African continent) , but I am willing to educate myself. Thanks for pointing out Eritrea's stance in the U.N.
It is in northeast horn of Africa on the Rea Sea coast between Ethiopia and Sudan. It became an independent nation in 1993. Looks like it has had quite a complex history.
Cathy, While taken aback by a pop quiz comment to 'A terrorist state', why not turn it into a teaching moment by learning more about Africa's support of Putin/Russia?
'Africa’s largest arms dealer, Russia has ties to the continent that stretch back to the Cold War and helped Mr. Putin win rare support over the invasion of Ukraine.'
March 3, 2022
'NAIROBI, Kenya — Since the days of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s leaders have rejected American criticism of their friendships with autocrats like Fidel Castro of Cuba and Muammar al-Qaddafi of Libya, whose countries backed them during the most desperate moments of the anti-apartheid struggle.'
'Now South Africans are defending their loyalty to another autocrat — Vladimir V. Putin — and sitting out the global outcry over his invasion of Ukraine.'
'At the United Nations on Wednesday, South Africa was among 24 African countries that declined to join the resounding vote denouncing Russian aggression: 16 African countries abstained, seven didn’t vote at all and one — Eritrea — voted against it, keeping company only with Russia, Belarus, Syria and North Korea.' (NYTimes) See link below.
Cathy, I think Robert and I have different perspectives. Robert seems to advise us to self-determine to be steady and supportive of democracy/Biden, whatever happens. We need to be resolute. He presents the ideal citizen with little conditionality. I don't know why you have paired us. My position is evil needs to be stopped. My personal, deep revulsion for those who inflict pain, suffering and murder of humans/animals/natural life/earth is not simply a matter of empathy for the victims. I see the same possibilities as you do, and there is bound to be some variation concerning feelings/actions about each category. Surely, there are differences between us about these categories, and I cannot have any sense of the shades of black/white/gray of our feelings. The pursuit of individual understanding would likely not result in sharp framing and comparing our differences would probably call for several long conversations. Robert is not as clear cut as I have interpreted him. His role in this enterprise does not represent the whole of Robert Hubbell. In sum, knowing how each of us stands on the actions and outcomes of human beings would be a difficult exercise to undertake. It would be emotionally challenging and likely to raise more questions than answers.
I wrote that BEFORE you made your reply to my other comment. Please don't read into it some personal affront. There is NO connection to you. It was my personal thoughts addressed to Robert.
Fern, I don't see how my comment connected Robert and your perspectives. What I try to do is not make assumptions about anyone or judge them. Instead I try to understand and ask myself what in their life experience brought them to their perspective. I welcome multiple perspectives.
Cathy, I misread this sentence of yours, 'I think tonight I'm more of an optimist than you are Robert'. I have been constantly reading on the computer and think my eyes are beyond tired. A long break must be taken. Sorry that I threw us both off base.
Thank you for the assessment of Biden's speech. My husband thought he wasn't charismatic enough and I totally disagreed. Biden is a doer and a rational human being. His strength is his integrity and compassion for regular people. He did not mince words. The stakes were incredibly high and there he was giving us the news we needed without even flinching when he was heckled by some of the most ignorant of our lawmakers. It was their embarrassment, not his.
Biden does his homework. He knows how to work with people. He remembers his history. He should not be underestimated and he deserves both our respect and our support. He has done more for the American people than the right-wingers have ever done or ever would do.
I want to give a shout out here to Mitt Romney for calling out members of his party. We need more Republicans to do that. This is serious business and having inexperienced and self-centered people gumming up the works is not helpful in the least.
I recommend Fiona Hill’s excellent interview with Politico on the Russian situation, but only if the reader is not already hysterical. Hill is an excellent analyst who tells the truth no matter who is President.
Thank you for reminding us how important the stakes are right now: democracy itself.
" It will be difficult to endure the hypocrisy and deluded smugness of people who can’t find Ukraine on a map and who have no interest in rectifying that gap in their knowledge. But disinformation and ignorance are not bullets. Lies are not cluster bombs. Hypocrisy is not a thermobaric weapon. If Ukrainians can continue their courageous struggle in the face of real bullets and bombs, surely we can find the fortitude to overcome disinformation, lies, and hypocrisy."
Five extraordinary sentences, outlining an extraordinary task ahead of us.
Thanks for encouraging the focus on the upcoming election. The best way for us in Florida to help Pres. Biden and save our country is to defeat Rubio, DeSantis, and Donalds at the polls.
Robert,
I disagree with you, a bully must be punched back in the nose. The Ukrainians have asked for a no fly zone to be created in order to literally give them a fighting chance. It is time to call Putin’s bluff about a nuclear war and work with our NATO partners to create the no fly zone before the atrocities you mention re cold and freezing people to death actuaries
Thank you! I am in complete agreement with you. Time is today to stop imports of Russian oil, and impose a no fly zone if that does not stop the carnage. I do not believe Putin will use nukes, it would mean the certain destruction of Russia.
Of course, I could be horribly wrong, however, if we do not stop him now the consequences for Ukraine will be just horrible. And, Putin will feel free to move on to the next target nation. Where will we stand up to him? The Baltic nations, Romania, Moldova? Perhaps we should wait until he sails into the Gulf of Alaska or the Bearing Sea? Or, until he captures, and maybe destroys another nuclear plant with the worst consequences. He is a war criminal.
It is very easy to stand with the Ukrainian people when it costs us nothing. A small increase in the price of gasoline seems a small price to pay if it stops Putin.
Hi, Neil. Unless you are 1000% certain Putin will not use nuclear weapons, your miscalculation of Putin's intentions would not "result in the certain destruction of Russia." It would "result in certain destruction of earth." Even if the only country destroyed in a nuclear war is Russia, the earth would be plunged into a nuclear winter. There would be mass starvation on a global scale even if America was untouched by direct nuclear hits. Europe would be an unlivable radiation zone for 40,000 years. Is that worth the risk?
Of course you are correct if Putin responds. The issue, or discussion topic I am exploring is when, if ever, do we assume that risk. If he goes into a NATO country and again threatens nuclear consequences, do we still wait for certainty? What do we do if he sends troops to look into Sarah Palin's eyes from the deck of a warship? {:-)
My concern is this war criminal, with each victory, will be more emboldened to threaten nuclear winter. Perhaps Lindsey Graham is, shudder, correct for once and Putin needs to be assassinated as the most workable solution.
I am afraid that the completely sane solution you propose, or concerns you express, do not change the calculus for Putin and his nuclear threats. If that is true, shut off oil imports but quickly end the murder of thousands in Ukraine by saying no more to Putin.
It isn't so much fear or anxiety that's affecting me with the Ukraine situation; it's just plain despair because there's little or nothing to be done. Throwing money at it makes me feel momentarily better, but not for long. I think it's an echo of what we faced for four years with Donald Trump--only worse. Putin seems deranged, as did Donald Trump. It's hard to stand by and watch while they bully everyone with no real consequences.
Robert, I note you began your Concluding Thoughts with the statement “We are the foot soldiers of democracy…”. Because in democratic and free societies worldwide, voting rights are preservative of every other right, I write this morning to share some observations.
As for citizen activism, I would note that I’ve gathered more resources from you than from any other source as to how to combat voter suppression by helping to get people registered and by turbo-charging our turnout initiatives. Still, with midterms rapidly approaching, I am alarmed by the fact that presently no impactful federal legislation exists that would supersede state laws slated increasingly to restrict voting and to nullify votes. Moreover, I also would note, since the 2021 Brnovich ruling, that DOJ no longer can sue for violating Section 2 of the irreparably gutted 1965 Voting Rights Act unless DOJ can show “intent” to discriminate. Last, but hardly least, I especially am concerned by the increasing number of election subversion measures written into bill after bill advancing through GOP- controlled state legislatures. Our most seasoned leaders appear to agree that no amount of organizing is going to get us around these severely constraining measures.
Nonetheless, if you know of organizations that are tackling any of the foregoing weighty electoral constraints, I, and I imagine others, greatly would appreciate learning about them.
Brennan Center for Justice
Fern, Outstanding suggestion. Thank you.
You are welcome, Barbara.
A report about Texas's midterm yesterday on NPR said that turnout usually has been at 5% for midterms there and seriously low for all elections. What comes first: voter suppression or voter apathy? No wonder people like Paxton and Abbott got elected.
5%? Ugh. I knew that Texas had very low turnout, but that is horrible!
Laurie, Though voter apathy is a serious problem, in my view, denying one access to the ballot is worse. I, further, would note that, in 2020, voter turnout in Texas was exceedingly high and that immediately thereafter its GOP-controlled state legislature started passing bills to constrain access to voting.
Robert, we work continuously to maintain our sanity and determination to help one another. while bearing witness to the evil of one man. It seems beyond acceptance that we cannot stop him. Putin must be stopped. We feel the suffering and the inhumanity. We built a nuclear arsenal, and that is his protection.
Definition of humanity
1: compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behavior or disposition : the quality or state of being humane
Who are we?
Updated today at 2:10 a.m. EST
Washington Post
'Ukraine entered a second week of war against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invading forces with parts of the country’s largest nuclear plant on fire and its southern cities encircled by the Kremlin’s troops, as the humanitarian catastrophe wrought by Russia’s assault becomes increasingly apparent.'
'Later in the morning, Ukraine’s nuclear inspectorate said Russian forces had captured the plant, which is a key supplier of the country’s electricity. A regional military leader said nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia site was “ensured as of now,” while local authorities said the fire was extinguished as of 6:20 a.m. local time. Washington and Kyiv said there had been no increase in radiation levels.'
Apart from everything the world is doing to stop him, what do you recommend? Direct military confrontation--which means nuclear war? As I noted above, even if the US was untouched in a nuclear war, the globe would be plunged into a nuclear winter and all of Europe would be an uninhabitable radiation zone for tens of thousands of years. So when you make a recommendation about how to stop Putin, please weight those consequences. I will check back later today to see what you advise.
Robert, Though your query was not addressed to me, I, nonetheless, wish to reply. As per what I would recommend, one need only look at what the Ukrainians are willing to sacrifice to recognize that no sacrifice, short of provoking a shooting war with a nuclear power, is too great to stop Putin’s aggression. Please note, because I don’t know what punishments, possibly cyber, could be inflicted upon us for actions we might undertake, starting with stopping the energy trade, I take very seriously the hardships we could endure to insure Ukraine remains democratic and free. I also would note I’m no hero, but simply one who fears a substantially greater cost further down the road than the price we might need to pay now to quash Putin’s unhinged ambition to recreate the Soviet empire.
Robert, I am not rushing to nuclear or imagining a duel with sabers. Please wait until Monday for my response. Thank you.
Okay. can you just send it to me at rhubbell@outlook.com? Okay to post here too, obviously, but it will save me a step. Thanks!
Hello Robert. My response concerning thoughts about how to protect Ukraine and its people was emailed to your outlook address tonight. I retained a copy in case it did not reach you. Please let me know either way. Warm wishes to you and your family.
Yes, of course.
Fern, I write because I understand from the thread that, instead of posting, you will be emailing Robert your response to his query. Because I have, for some time, pondered this issue and deeply respect your thought process, I greatly would appreciate if you also would post your reply for all to review. Thanks.
Again, I hope you were not bothered that I replied last Friday when I, first, encountered Robert’s request that you clarify.
Barbara, it didn't occur to me that you intruded. We have an open forum, so there is no fence around our expressions, except for being respectful to one another. I am still thinking about my reply about options to be taken for protecting Ukraine and its people. I will consider your request but cannot say that it will be the last word in my decision. I appreciate your diligence concerning the serious matters and personal opinions expressed on forum. Your comments are among the ones that I look forward to reading.
Fern, I write because I hope you are not bothered that I replied to a query addressed to you. Once you respond to Robert’s request for clarification, if time permits, I would welcome your thoughts regarding how I responded.
Thank you. But my question is “What good is diplomacy if it means we must sit back and watch innocent people be slaughtered?”
And is anyone asking for volunteers or conscripts to go to Ukraine and fight along with their people? We have so many people who claim to want to fight for freedom. This is their chance.
I think that is laudable on the surface. But if Americans begin arriving in Ukraine to fight Russians, Putin will spin it as an American government interfering. I have read of some American veterans planning to fight there. This is dangerous - heart in the right place - but wicked reckless. Putin doesn't think individuals have rights to decide independently when or where to fight. His brain is about two things: command and control ... and spinning things like this as an excuse to escalate.
Even our NATO members INDIVIDUAL efforts to send weapons to the Ukrainian resistance will be viewed by Putin as a NATO act of war. I don't think the flow of weapons should stop. But you get my drift.
I hesitate to type this. But I must. The only way out of this mess is for Putin to be eliminated. And the only source of that elimination must be Russian. Foreign efforts at such could mean the end of humanity.
Let’s not forget that the US is the only I repeat, only nation in the history of mankind, to use nuclear weapons. Would Putin take this option as a right based on our usage? As a true madman, maybe. But that would assure his nation of total destruction and I don’t think his military would allow that. Just like our military was taking steps to prevent our own madman from using a nuclear option. But agree, having independent Americans going to fight in Ukraine would have no appreciable outcome so better not to encourage it.
Thank you for your explanation. All choices have such dangerous repercussions. The world must stop Putin so this does not continue. Such evil is hard to comprehend.
Heather Cox Richardson just posted her interview with President Biden in the China Room on the first day of the invasion of Ukraine. This is the biggest boost I've had in a long time about the future of democracy. Sure makes me understand that President Biden is the President we need in this moment in history. One existential piece of his agenda that we are not hearing enough about is how he is countering income disparity and is focusing on rebuilding the middle class. Fabulous! Thirty minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6Ks3BnFymQ
Thank you!!
Posting this here so that more will see it. I feel it is important.
I am passing this along as a helpful article from the NY Times about how to talk to kids about what is happening in Ukraine. I think this is extremely helpful to those with children. The long link should allow all to read the article even if you do not have a NY Times subscription.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/25/well/family/kids-teens-ukraine-russia.html?unlocked_article_code=AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEIPuomT1JKd6J17Vw1cRCfTTMQmqxCdw_PIxftm3iWka3DPDmwfiPsYB4zH9U7IZK5yINgy0y_eWNJMNqRqWf9ox-5ZMgl3VhKzo5LCmIgAJ299j7OPaV4M_sCHW6Eko3itZ3OlKex7yfrls03YbmfsXbjV1Sd1OApvpcR6JVr-i2hYw_zAFLN23IJ7iKgxF9stE2d7ESqLuvLpDh94P8zXLU2Pr1lrBJwKHG3bjtWe6LkfcQ9NCF-gTH134Gs06tk0K8pAde-kbEZmIJyi9O1XXm94L46pBIkzQpzWldhpt73PrB-Nyqmm1oQv5mqVsAULZXdpQiqvKss&smid=url-share
Very important. Thank you for sharing.
I feel this is extremely important for those of us interested in protecting the mental and emotional well-being of our children and those of family and friends. Please pass it along if you find it helpful.
As we watch the horror of what is happening in Ukraine, I shake my head when I hear the media say that refusing to buy Russian oil will hurt the American public through higher gas prices. We watch Ukranian men and women arming themselves with rifles to protect their homeland, having to abandon their homes with only what they are wearing at the time, no diapers or medicine or passports, but I am listening to complaints that we may pay 10% more at the gas pump. Really? Am I surprised that members of the GOP, who swore to uphold our Constitution, will turn against democracy because they are afraid of Trump, while Ukrainians are giving their lives to oppose a man insane with power and riches, just like Trump? When I thought nothing could get worse than the state of America when it comes to attempts to control the hearts of Americans through force and terror, along comes Putin to show us what Trump's friends and idols are capable of. Americans, open your eyes and see what Trump stands for. Him and his cronies.
Who would have thought that Putin putting his nuclear forces on “high alert” could include the idea of shelling the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. That action alone jumps to the top of the war crimes and crimes against humanity list. Beyond mad.
Apropos 'staying calm and carrying on,' Tom Nichols offers this excellent advice in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/03/stay-calm-and-dont-advocate-war-against-putin/624169/
Thanks, I will check out Nichols' article. He has written several good pieces recently.
Thank you for today’s edition, most especially the Concluding Thoughts. That is the whole point.
My pop quiz for this evening is while I'm sure all readers here can find Ukraine on the map, how many of you can find Eritrea, one of the five countries to oppose the UN resolution condemning Russia's attack on Ukraine? I had never heard of it but did take the time to find it on the map.
I greeted first wave of Eritrean freedom fighters when they had set up an outside table in Piazza della Republica in Florence, Italy in 1978 seeking support for a future nation. I resided there between June, 1977 through February, 1979. When you live abroad, you ultimately expand your knowledge of other cultures in person. I recall meeting artists from Nigeria, Iranians who had fled their military regime. I met other vagabonds like myself who were searching for something.
I can't find it on a map at the moment (although I could place it on the African continent) , but I am willing to educate myself. Thanks for pointing out Eritrea's stance in the U.N.
It is in northeast horn of Africa on the Rea Sea coast between Ethiopia and Sudan. It became an independent nation in 1993. Looks like it has had quite a complex history.
Cathy, While taken aback by a pop quiz comment to 'A terrorist state', why not turn it into a teaching moment by learning more about Africa's support of Putin/Russia?
'Africa’s largest arms dealer, Russia has ties to the continent that stretch back to the Cold War and helped Mr. Putin win rare support over the invasion of Ukraine.'
March 3, 2022
'NAIROBI, Kenya — Since the days of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s leaders have rejected American criticism of their friendships with autocrats like Fidel Castro of Cuba and Muammar al-Qaddafi of Libya, whose countries backed them during the most desperate moments of the anti-apartheid struggle.'
'Now South Africans are defending their loyalty to another autocrat — Vladimir V. Putin — and sitting out the global outcry over his invasion of Ukraine.'
'At the United Nations on Wednesday, South Africa was among 24 African countries that declined to join the resounding vote denouncing Russian aggression: 16 African countries abstained, seven didn’t vote at all and one — Eritrea — voted against it, keeping company only with Russia, Belarus, Syria and North Korea.' (NYTimes) See link below.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/03/world/africa/russia-ukraine-eritrea-africa.html
Cathy, I think Robert and I have different perspectives. Robert seems to advise us to self-determine to be steady and supportive of democracy/Biden, whatever happens. We need to be resolute. He presents the ideal citizen with little conditionality. I don't know why you have paired us. My position is evil needs to be stopped. My personal, deep revulsion for those who inflict pain, suffering and murder of humans/animals/natural life/earth is not simply a matter of empathy for the victims. I see the same possibilities as you do, and there is bound to be some variation concerning feelings/actions about each category. Surely, there are differences between us about these categories, and I cannot have any sense of the shades of black/white/gray of our feelings. The pursuit of individual understanding would likely not result in sharp framing and comparing our differences would probably call for several long conversations. Robert is not as clear cut as I have interpreted him. His role in this enterprise does not represent the whole of Robert Hubbell. In sum, knowing how each of us stands on the actions and outcomes of human beings would be a difficult exercise to undertake. It would be emotionally challenging and likely to raise more questions than answers.
I wrote that BEFORE you made your reply to my other comment. Please don't read into it some personal affront. There is NO connection to you. It was my personal thoughts addressed to Robert.
No, no personal effort was felt. I may have been confused as you comment was addressed to me.
Fern, I don't see how my comment connected Robert and your perspectives. What I try to do is not make assumptions about anyone or judge them. Instead I try to understand and ask myself what in their life experience brought them to their perspective. I welcome multiple perspectives.
Cathy, I misread this sentence of yours, 'I think tonight I'm more of an optimist than you are Robert'. I have been constantly reading on the computer and think my eyes are beyond tired. A long break must be taken. Sorry that I threw us both off base.
Yes, now I can see how it could be misread out of its original context. Hope we all have a peaceful day.
Thank you for the assessment of Biden's speech. My husband thought he wasn't charismatic enough and I totally disagreed. Biden is a doer and a rational human being. His strength is his integrity and compassion for regular people. He did not mince words. The stakes were incredibly high and there he was giving us the news we needed without even flinching when he was heckled by some of the most ignorant of our lawmakers. It was their embarrassment, not his.
Biden does his homework. He knows how to work with people. He remembers his history. He should not be underestimated and he deserves both our respect and our support. He has done more for the American people than the right-wingers have ever done or ever would do.
I want to give a shout out here to Mitt Romney for calling out members of his party. We need more Republicans to do that. This is serious business and having inexperienced and self-centered people gumming up the works is not helpful in the least.
Happy Friday.