My heart is filled with sadness for the people of Ukraine. The Russian invading military is killing needlessly for its own gain just like the Nazi’s unprovoked invasions in Europe to Poland, Yugoslavia, Belgium and France, and other countries.
Day after day, I watch and read the news with tears and prayers. War is horrid and many innocents are being slaughtered. As women and children depart, the men are required to stay behind and fight for their country. Being separated, being subscripted, being evacuated — it’s all devastating for these folks.
Residents are streaming out of the country as fast as they can with only what they can carry headed to uncertainty. Meanwhile, towns are being bombed out, food supply chains blocked, and electricity is out in some places. Those who choose to stay and fight back face tenuous living conditions and daily peril.
I admire the incredible strength and voice of Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, standing up for his country against overwhelming odds. Like Winston Churchill, he is a leader of determination and commitment to resist in every way possible.
I wonder how many people understand the horror and possible ramifications of this invasion. I was only a baby when WW II erupted. But I learned from family stories and much reading that the German invasion of Europe happened swiftly leading to many deaths and sacrifices.
Most European countries thought they could fight back or that Hitler was not serious or they could form peace pacts. None of those early hopes proved true. I wonder if history is repeating itself.
The result, above and beyond the financial impacts we Americans are already experiencing, could be sending our young men to a foreign war and I sure hope not my sons or any U.S. military. When the American economy is already tottering, money spent on a foreign country’s war could be overwhelming.
Still, helping keep other countries independent and free is part of what American stands up for. Ukraine has only enjoyed its recent independence for about 30 years. It did not provoke this war and its people are suffering unfairly. We Americans must thoughtfully consider how we can support others’ freedom.
Lest we think this situation does not affect remote Meeker, please re-consider. Gas prices have already soared yet again. And while a military draft does not exist today, it could be enacted any time sending our sons and daughters into war. Being a small rural community does not exempt us from the harshness of war.
On the one hand, I wish our country could go bomb the hell out of that 40-mile-long stretch of tanks invading Ukraine. On the other hand, I was an anti-war, anti-attack person during Vietnam, so I realize this is a response of anger and not strategic.
Negotiating peace and civility is never easy, but America always stands alongside the “good guys.” Just as we deeply value our freedom and independence, it is clear that the citizens of Ukraine will do everything possible to secure theirs and we need to stand by them.
Every day, I cry during the news and pray this situation will improve. I downloaded the Ukraine National Anthem and I play it on my piano every day as a tiny token of support. By the time this article is printed, I fear things will be much worse while I hope for a more positive and lasting improvement.
By KAYE SULLIVAN – Special to the Herald Times
