The Christmas Bells

We have just had a major storm move through our area, which has also impacted much of the United States. Travel has been a challenge with snow compacted roads and freezing temperatures. I am grateful that I have a warm home to come to. Yet as I sit here I think of those who are not so fortunate. I think of the people in Ukraine who are left in darkness and cold because of relentless shelling by Russian forces. I think of the people in Iran who are left in the darkness and cold by a totalitarian regime which would sooner kill those in opposition then change.

Many Christmases have gone by with our world at war. Many have been far away from their loved ones and their homes. The story of the Christmas Bells is one man’s plea for the meaning of Christmas.

My wish for those in Ukraine and those in Iran is the promise of that Christmas peace.

World at War

 Does it feel sometimes like the whole world is at war?

The Russian invasion of Ukraine goes on without let up, killing civilians and destroying infrastructure for no valid reason.

Here is a recent update:

Meanwhile, as the world watched the events unfold in Ukraine, Iranian protests, which started with the killing of a woman in detention for not wearing a headscarf, have not abated. Even with the violent crackdown by Iranian security forces they seem to be growing.

Then we move to China, which has used a zero tolerance policy to control Covid-19, at the expense of daily life and life itself, for its citizens. A recent fire, which killed and wounded multiple people as it was unreachable by rescue workers due to Covid-19 barriers, has only exacerbated people's anger.

On the surface these three situations seem unique. The first is a territorial land grab, the second is reaction to murder and the third is frustration and anger due to lock downs. But if you look beneath the surface you see populations that are fed up with circumstances created by autocratic regimes. Or just fed up with autocratic regimes, period. Where will all of this end? I don't know. But it is a warning to others who would follow in the footsteps of dictators. Revolution is not necessarily only for the history books.

The last word:

Liberation

It is Veterans Day today. I can't think of a better tribute to all of those who have fought for freedom then to post about the liberation of the city of Kherson in Ukraine, and many of its surrounding villages.

We have watched in sadness these past months the spread of Russian forces in Ukraine. They only brought death and destruction to those in their wake. As the Ukrainian military has freed more of its territory the people of  Ukraine truly have something to celebrate.

In their words:

For many who live in freedom it is not easy to understand what those under Russian occupation have had to live with. But their reaction at liberation is a clue.

No, the war is not over. But in this moment in time good has triumphed over evil and we can take a moment to celebrate with the brave people of Ukraine.

Slava Ukraini!

Russia's Reality

We all go about our lives living in our own reality. We see things and understand things through lenses fogged by information sources that may be less than accurate. What is truth, what is a lie? What is propaganda? With Russia's war on Ukraine we seem to be seeing the results of years of propaganda at work.

This fellow is a Russian, currently outside of his country, who has a YouTube channel covering varying topics on his country. This one is about how Russian's see us. Or at least his take on that. I found it interesting. The first 28 minutes is his “message” and the rest is Q & A.

Propaganda is a very dangerous thing. If not checked it can have disastrous results. We are seeing that in Ukraine.

Possibly a different reality than seen in Russia. This fellow is a Ukrainian YouTuber.

But what happens if someone starts believing his own propaganda? Perhaps a dose of reality for Mr. Putin?

Referendums

Russia decided to conduct referendums in the occupied territories of Ukraine, asking if they want to become part of Russia. Like so many people I suspect that the outcome has been preordained. But if one looks a little closer it is possible to see the real verdict.

In Ukraine:

But there is another kind of referendum going on, this one in Russia itself. This fellow gives a nice overview of what is actually happening and an honest and blunt reaction.

In Russia:

This one's for you Vlad:

Russia has not lost anything in the actions in Ukraine...

This past weekend I was trying to think of something for a new post. I had thought about climate change and the dangers it poses to our future. But I have done quite a few posts on that, so I gave it a pass. For now, anyway. Then today I heard those words, in my title, and I just found what I wanted to write about.

As you know I support Ukraine in the war that Russia has imposed on them. But with those words of Vladimir Putin's I, for a moment, felt pity for a people that are so not valued by their own government. Yes those words were part of remarks that Putin was giving in reference to the economic consequences of Russia's war on Ukraine. But they still starkly show how little Putin really cares about the sacrifices of ordinary Russians. They show what is really important to him.

Here is a clip of that:

The brutality and indifference of the Russians to suffering in Ukraine is echoed in the lack of value placed on their own soldiers. Their loss is of no concern to Vladimir Putin.

“We have not lost anything in the actions in Ukraine...” Vladimir Putin

Really?

9/11 Update:

I know I usually do a 9/11 post on the anniversary, but I felt the current state of affairs in Ukraine still deserved our attention.  For while the US may not declare Russia a terrorist state, I do feel that their actions are terrorism.  On a scale that dwarfs even 9/11.

Slava Ukraini!

A Liar's Game

Sleight of hand, a shell game, a lie. They are all one and the same and we are seeing them acted out in Ukraine and in our own country. Let's start with Ukraine.

On July 29 there was an explosion and fire at Olenivka detention center in Ukraine, killing 50 detained Ukrainian soldiers. These soldiers were some of those who had surrendered at the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. According to Russia the explosion was caused by Ukraine using HIMARS. Ukraine says, no, it wasn't a strike by them, it was Russia.

Here is a nice in depth article from CNN on who may really have killed the Ukrainian POW's. The evidence seems to point to an internal explosion, not the result of any outside missile strike.

What really happened at Olenivka?

If the Russians ordered these men killed to cover up abuses or to intentionally eliminate hated prisoners they have committed a war crime, one among many. And they are lying. 

Now we come to my country, the United States. We are still mired in the lies and massive con that our former Dear Leader Donald Trump foisted on us with his attempt to steal the presidential election. Yes, you heard that here, it was not the Democrats but the Republican supporters of Donald Trump who tried some sleight of hand to overthrow a legitimate election. And when that didn't work they tried violence in the guise of the January 6^th insurrection. But if you have been paying attention you already know this.

Now we have an FBI raid of Donald Trump's Florida residence in search of documents the former president removed from the White House illegally. None of those documents should have been removed and some may have national security implications. One has to question why Trump took them in the first place. Yet we have many Republicans who are frothing at the mouth in support of Trump.

Why the raid on Mar-A-Lago?

I in no way think that the Republican party has stooped to the level of barbarity of the Russian government. I like to believe there are still some in that party who do have integrity.  However, the lying to cover up illegal actions is exactly the same. The lying to promote themselves is exactly the same. The lying that impacts our futures is the same.

Listen up and start acting like adults, because this matters. Why did Trump have those kinds of documents at Mar-A-Lago?

Prepping

I am sure you have heard this term before, prepping. It is a catchall term used for being prepared for whatever may come that disrupts our normal lives. As we deal with the war in Ukraine and the extreme weather events that seem to be more frequent and, well, extreme, I thought it might be of the moment to look at this idea. I work with someone who has been stockpiling food in preparation for some kind of disaster. And I will tell you that some of that stuff is really unpalatable. But the basic idea of being prepared is important.

I ran across a couple of videos on YouTube about prepping. One was by a farmer in the United States who was warning about a food crisis in the making. With the danger of drought in the southwest and flooding in other areas of the country we are seeing farmers pressed to get crops to market. Many ranchers in Texas are selling off cattle because they cannot feed them. In my state of Minnesota we are also seeing drought conditions. That, coupled with high temperatures, make for challenging conditions to keep crops healthy.

This video comes from the U.S. This is climate change. It is here and she is right, we need to prepare as best we can. You may want to read some of the comments, as she has people from other countries commenting on their own situations. There are some conspiracy theorists among them, just ignore them. But listen to the others. They show the global depth of what is happening.

This second video actually comes from Sweden. I ran across it by accident, possibly because of the types of search I was doing. But it is prepping of a different nature. In this case they are preparing for a possible invasion by Russia. Their time frame for what is needed to be stockpiled is much less than in the first video, but nonetheless they are preparing for the worst. It appears they have been doing so for years.

From where I am I don't fear an invasion by Russia. But I am concerned, as you know from previous posts, about climate change. But climate change and the invasion of Ukraine are inexorably linked. Putin has not only murdered thousands of innocent people, destroyed the economy of a country, and blocked needed food for the world, he has diverted critical resources at a time when those resources should be focused on global climate change. His legacy will not be one of greatness but one of complete and utter waste and stupidity.

Our Sacred Honor

It is July 4^th today. I used to look at this holiday with pride, understanding that many who came before me had fought and died for a liberty in my country that so many other people can only hope to achieve. Sadly, I have come to wonder if many in my country are now letting that slip away.

We now have people who follow a venal, self-serving man in the person of Donald Trump. We have a slow waning of the protections of individual rights, starting with the rights of women, in the overturning of Roe v Wade. This by a Supreme Court that is packed with politically motivated justices who have shown they were willing to lie about their stances on “settled law' in order to be approved as a Justice for the Supreme Court.

All of this has been at the machinations of politicians like Mitch McConnell who are willing to put their own political agenda before the will and well-being of the American people. They have even been called out by one of their own, Liz Cheney.

Here are a few clips of her commentary:

At the Reagan Library, on the danger that Donald Trump poses to our democracy:

At the Jan. 6^th Commission hearings, on witness tampering:

At the Jan, 6^th Commission hearings, on dishonor:

Even as we celebrate this July 4^th the Supreme Court is contemplating taking up a case that will decide who has the power of election oversight, the state courts or the state legislature. The majority of state legislatures are controlled by Republicans.

Election Rules Oversight

We are watching our civil rights and liberties being slowly eroded by a party controlled by a demagogue.

Contrast this to words from our Declaration of Independence:

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. “

I fear that the type of people who wrote that Declaration are no longer living here in the United States.  I wonder, do we value our liberty as much as the Ukrainians value theirs?  Are we willing to stand up and be heard this November and in 2024?  

A Prison of Nations

In my wanderings through comments sections attached to Ukraine war news I have come across two things that I think need to be addressed and so I am putting both in a post. The first is a belief and the second is a question. They are very much related.

I think like most Americans I have not really understood the make up of the Russian Federation. I found this rather informative video on some of the Republics that are part of it. If you read through the comments you may notice that I stole my title from one. Take a few minutes to view it, it is not long.

So that brings me to the belief that I keep running across. That is that there is no difference between the war in Iraq initiated by the US and the war in Ukraine initiated by Vladimir Putin. There is no doubt that war in and of itself brings death, injuries, destruction and ruined lives for so many. But there is one type of war that is so profoundly destructive that it destroys a people. That is the war of conquest to acquire territory, which in the process erases the identity of those who live there. When the United States invaded Iraq its purpose was not to make that country part of the United States. It never intended to erase Iraq's identity or its sovereignty. We never forced anyone in Iraq to acquire a US passport or to become a citizen of the US. That, however, is what Russia is doing to Ukraine. As far as Vladimir Putin is concerned Ukraine as a country doesn't exist, it is part of Russia.

I believe the majority of Ukrainians beg to differ. That leads me to the question I have seen posed in comments sections. What would victory mean for Ukraine? The implication is that if they were to force Russia to withdraw there would be such a large loss of life and infrastructure that the fight would not have been worth it. Especially if Russia were to use a tactical nuclear weapon. The answer to this question is actually quite simple. Victory for Ukrainians means keeping their identity. Lives cannot be brought back, but the future can be made possible for future generations.

The vision of Putin is one of empire. He will use any means to make his vision come true. We have seen his use of energy to blackmail Europe. We see the same in his theft of Ukraine's grain and his blockade of Ukraine's ports, at the expense of the poorer countries in the world, to try to force the West to lift sanctions.

The person who called the Russian Federation a prison of nations was spot on. Does the world really want to become vassal states of Putin's Russia?

Slava Ukraini!

We Remember

For those who fought for our freedom.  They will always be in our hearts.

Victory Day – A Cautionary Tale

It seems that Vladimir Putin is intent on a rather large display on May 9^th, Victory Day. This is the day that Nazi Germany surrendered after their defeat in World War II. This is the day the Soviet forces took control of Berlin. There is no disputing the fact that the people of Russia fought bravely and sacrificed a great deal in World War II, against a foe that was intent on world domination.

But, and this is where a word of caution comes in, Vladimir Putin would seem to have everyone believe that the victory over Nazi Germany was the Soviet Union's alone. It was not. It was the combined efforts of many countries, including the United States. And it included Lend Lease. Yes, you may have heard about this as it has recently been in the news regarding Ukraine. But it was first thought of during the early stages of the war in Europe against Germany. A war that we were not yet involved in. In order to help those countries who were at war with Germany the United States agreed to lend/lease military equipment and other things to those countries, which included the Soviet Union. It was pivotal to the course of that war.

Lend Lease and the Soviet Union 

So on this Victory Day it might serve the Russian people well to understand that now that help is being provided to Ukraine to try to repel a murderous aggressor, the Russian Federation, that has invaded their land. Vladimir Putin has lied for the reason of Russia's invasion and he has been working tooth and nail to keep that secret. And he is lying if he says that the Soviet Union alone won WWII.

A video summary of WWII Lend Lease:

The Senate, and later the House, passes Lend Lease for Ukraine in 2022.

This time Russia is not on the side of right, but Germany is.

Slava Ukraini

Truth in A Grave

It is Easter Sunday today. So many people are congregating in their places of worship, celebrating rebirth. It is supposed to be a season of hope. Yet it is pain and tragedy that stalks the Earth.

In Ukraine we are seeing the destruction of a country and its people. Cities have been bombed to rubble and innocent people killed. One man has used his propaganda machine to lie to the people of Russia and many believe the lies he has fed them.

Borodyanka, Ukraine:

What appears to be instructions given to Russian soldiers by their superiors.  It looks like they have tightened viewing on this video due to content. You will have to click on the link and provide your age if you want to listen to it.  Or just go directly to YouTube.

Mariupol, Ukraine:

Mariupol again and the Russian military:

“Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there.” Clarence W. Hall

Sláva Ukrayíni ― Слава Україні: Героям слава!

 There comes a time when we arrive at a crossroads in history. The path we choose will affect all of us for generations to come. It is our responsibility to those who come after to recognize such a time.

We have been seeing the horrible scenes playing out in Ukraine at the hands of the Russian invaders. As they have pulled out of some areas in Ukraine they leave behind the evidence of what can only be described as war crimes. The city of Bucha is scattered with bodies, some with their hands tied behind their backs. They are uncovering mass graves. While we have seen the destruction to infrastructure, this is the first time we have really seen the butchery that the Russians dealt in. This is not just about the destruction of a country, but the destruction of a people.

It is time for us to remember the words of one of our former Presidents.

“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people by the people for the people shall not perish from this earth.” Abraham Lincoln

I stand with the people of Ukraine and all of those who fight for their freedom.

The Collapse of Russia

 A couple weeks ago I started a post regarding predictions for the future of Russia. In that post I said that their future was intertwined with that of Ukraine and speculated on two possible scenarios depending on what happened in Ukraine. I have since come to the conclusion that it will not matter what happens in Ukraine for the future of Russia. So I am rewriting that post.

I think we have been witnessing the slow collapse of Russia for some time, we just didn't realize it. Since the collapse of the USSR in the 90's Russia has struggled to improve the lives of the Russian people. And to some degree they succeeded, with the help of other countries. But what they have not done, is grow a democratic form of government that is real and lasting. What they have in place is rule by one man, Vladimir Putin. So there are no checks to his power. The war he started in Ukraine is all on him and those who have enabled him.

The reaction to Putin's war by many in the world has been revulsion and sorrow. We are seeing the destruction of a country, Ukraine, that has worked hard to join the world community on an equal and productive basis. In Russia we are seeing a deep schism between her people on what they believe is happening in Ukraine. One faction sees what Putin wants them to see, listening only to the propaganda his government has been peddling. The other faction is more well informed and understands the heartbreaking tragedy that is occurring in their neighbor and longtime friend, Ukraine, at the hands of their government.

The West put in place extensive sanctions against Russia, which will impact the Russian economy. A large number of companies have shut down operations within Russia. One of those is McDonald's, one of the first companies to set up shop in Russia back in the 90's. The Moscow location was mobbed on the first day, with Russians lining up to try this icon of American culture. While it is not the healthiest of food Russians came to appreciate their dedication to food safety and the pleasant atmosphere within their walls. While you may find some McDonald's locations open, they are the franchisees who are doing so illegally. In this one example we see the future, the curtain of darkness falling over the light of the outside world, along with the criminal behavior that will increase in the Russian economy.

Putin has put in place a draconian law that clamps down on free speech, giving a sentence of 15 years in prison to those who even refer to the situation in Ukraine as a war or invasion. The independent press was shut down in Russia leaving only Putin's propaganda network. It is midnight in Russia and people have started to flee the darkness. We are seeing them here at our border. The number of Russians trying to enter the United States started to increase after the detention of Alexei Navalny. While they may not have predicted the invasion of Ukraine, they knew the future of Russia.

Within the battle for Ukraine Russia is targeting civilians, forcing Ukrainians against their will to evacuate to Russia, bombing humanitarian corridors that they had agreed to. They have used weapons systems designed to sow terror and inflict the maximum casualties, such as cluster and thermobaric bombs. They have escalated by using hypersonic missiles. Because you see they know they cannot win by using conventional means. Their equipment has broken down, their soldiers did not even know where they were in the beginning, and when they did realize, they did not want to fight against those they have always considered family.

Millions of Ukrainians have fled their country and are now in Europe, while others stayed to fight for their homeland and their freedom. I, and many like me, are in awe of their courage and heartbroken for their plight.

Does Putin really embody the soul of Russia? I think not. And so, the cracks are widening in Russia. Do Russians really want to turn their backs on the light and live in darkness? Is that the future they want? I hope not. Because that would be echoing the tragedy of Ukraine.

I stand with Ukraine and all those who fight for their freedom.

Putin's Fantasy Sowing Seeds of Hatred

The war in Ukraine is only slightly over a week old now. But the destruction of homes and lives caused by the Russian forces is devastating. So many people around the world are watching in shock and horror. So many are standing with the people of Ukraine. So many are asking what can they do to help?

So many are repulsed by Putin's war.

I wanted to share this interview with an Israeli historian. He explains the history of Ukraine, the fantasy that Putin is living in, or was, and the possible consequences of this war. His words are wise and should be heeded. Take some time and listen.

I stand with the people of Ukraine.

Invasion

Last night the Russian military began an invasion of Ukraine on the orders of Vladimir Putin. This is an unnecessary war of one man's choosing. Putin has ginned up excuses in order to live in the fantasy world of Russian greatness of years gone by. There is no greatness in this action. There is only selfishness.

I stand by the people of Ukraine in their time of darkness.

I leave you with this story. No one could have said it better. These men died heroes.

Audio emerges appearing to be of Ukrainian fighters defending island from Russian warship

From CNN's From Tim Lister in Kyiv and Josh Pennington

An audio clip has emerged of what appears to be an exchange between Ukrainian soldiers on an island in the Black Sea and an officer of the Russian Navy.

All the soldiers — who were defending Snake Island — are reported to have been killed, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"All border guards died heroically but did not give up. They will be awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously," Zelensky said.  

At some point on Thursday, a Russian warship approached the island. 

According to the purported audio exchange, the Russian officer says: "This is a military warship. This is a Russian military warship. I suggest you lay down your weapons and surrender to avoid bloodshed and needless casualties. Otherwise, you will be bombed."

The alleged response from a Ukrainian soldier: "Russian warship, go f*** yourself."

A Tale of Two Countries

This comparison isn't about differences but about similarities.

The first country in this comparison is North Korea, otherwise known as the Hermit Kingdom. It is a country ruled by an insecure, fearful man who controls everything within his country. He has a penchant for lobbing missiles to prove his and his country's relevancy and strength. He wants to be noticed, to be feared, to be thought great.

The second country is Russia. Recently, if you have been watching the news, you will be aware that Russia has amassed a large amount of troops around the borders of Ukraine, its small neighbor. No one would make the mistake of thinking that Ukraine was any sort of threat to Russia. And yet, there they are, sitting like vultures, seemingly waiting to attack. Why? Some people speculate that Russia's president is trying to prevent Ukraine becoming part of NATO. Or that he is trying to prove that Russia is a great power. I am not quite sure how bullying your neighbor proves greatness, but there it is.

There is no comparison between the capabilities of the two country's military power. Russia could run rings around North Korea. Russia is a participant in the international community to an extent that North Korea would never choose to be.  Yet their behavior is eerily similar. Both want to be noticed, both want to show they are relevant and both want to be thought great.

I can only speculate that the similarity lies in the character of the leadership.  But what neither man sees is that acting out of insecurity and fear do not equate with greatness.  

Covid – A Cautionary Tale

 Yes, another Covid post. I know, if you are like me you are rather tired of Covid. Someone even was so bold as to state that she was done with Covid on national TV. She has gotten some flak about that. Perhaps with good reason.

We are still seeing protests, in multiple countries, against vaccine mandates or mask mandates. I don't presume to know what the path of the virus will be. And that is the gist of this post. I would like to relate to you one story that happened to a Minnesota resident. It is a sad story, to be sure, like so many other Covid stories.

This man contracted Covid in October 2021. He lived in a small town and was admitted to his local hospital where they put him on a ventilator. Eventually he was moved to Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, which I presume was a larger facility than the first hospital, otherwise they wouldn't have moved him. He was unvaccinated. I do not know why he chose not to get the vaccine.

He remained on a ventilator until January 2022 at which point Mercy wanted to take him off, making the determination that he was not going to survive. His wife sued to stop the hospital and eventually found a hospital in Texas that admitted him. The doctors there said they had never seen such a malnourished patient. A week after he was moved he died.

There is some speculation that the family will sue Mercy Hospital. As hard as the result of this man's path was I think that this is not the fault of the hospital. This path was the result of his choice. I can't imagine that anyone on a ventilator for 2 ½ months is going to maintain a healthy weight. I know people who have had milder cases of Covid who also lost a lot of weight and they were not in the hospital.

This man had had Covid before. This was his second go around. Perhaps that is why he chose not to get the vaccine. I know people who have had Covid who feel that they have acquired enough immunity to be able to beat it again. That didn't work out for him. The second case ended in his death. It is something to consider if any of you out there are in the same boat.

We hope that the virus is weakening, because omicron appears to be less severe. But we really can't be sure of that. So perhaps it is still too early to let down our guard. Get vaccinated, wear masks and avoid large crowds of unmasked, unvaxxed people.

Stay safe. 

2022 - A New Year

Yes, really, a new year. I know you might be fooled because it looks so much like last year. The pandemic is still raging, with hospitals overwhelmed with people still refusing to get vaccinated. Our political divide is just as great, with most Republicans still believing that the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump, when in point of fact it was Donald Trump who was trying to do the stealing.

We still can't seem to find what really made our country great. In fact we still seem to be on the edge of losing what made our country great. I can only hope that this year will see the United States finding her democratic roots. Because we have many challenges facing us in the future and we can do that better together.

If you have Netflix there is a new movie out, “Don't Look Up”. I will be honest and say that I didn't really like the move that well. But perhaps that was because it was rather painful to watch. It hits too close to home.  But if we don't watch, and don't take to heart its message, we may very well suffer the fate of the characters in the movie, as Leonardo points out. Here is Leonardo DeCaprio speaking on the film's message.

Let's hope we make better choices in the New Year.