A SURPRISING INTERNATIONAL LESSON IN COURAGE, CHARACTER, CLASS…AND LEADERSHIP…

“CALLING YOURSELF A LEADER DOESN’T MAKE YOU ONE.” One can “lead” through fear, lies and the propaganda intimidation of the bully pulpit ( Abbott, DeSantis, Cruz, Patrick, Putin, Trump, et.al) , or can, like Zelenskyy, inspire through compassion, personal sacrifice, bold action and commitment to the Country and people he serves. Our mutual learning curve is being dramatically experienced through the social media and traditional networks that won’t be denied. Considerable disinformation and misinformation bombard us, but are quickly countered by fact-based reporting if we’re careful to expand our sources and pay attention. Many “on the ground” interviews are informing us as to the significant truths of this dangerous international incident.

The Unfortunate, But Beneficial Contrast of Courage and Cowardice

The tremendous comeuppance of Putin and Russia is yet another historical reminder of the struggles of good and evil, right and wrong, arrogance and greed, compassion and cruelty. And, we’re starkly reminded that if we want better, we’ve got to work for it…not just wait for the “theys” to do it. The Ukrainian people are modeling their commitment to their Country…at any cost. And they’re acting on their beliefs. In real time, while we watch it all on cable news. We The People should be humbled by what we see. Then, we should process this experience through conscience, heart and mind, reflect and act accordingly.

This yet to be resolved conflict can still get worse, and the world can’t rest until cooler heads negotiate some sort of peace. Until then, lives are lost, property destroyed and futures jeopardized by the arrogant, entitled few who’ve looted the people’s resources for their own benefit. And are now being outed when their corruption and greed can no longer be tolerated by the people.

SOME CONSCIENCE PROMPTS

—Time to build bridges, not walls…

—Time to develop critical thinking skills, not ban “critical race theory”…in quotes because most who criticize CRT have no idea what they’re talking about…

—Time to call out the bluff and bluster bullies whom WE’VE allowed to take up too much air and space. Support the media and journalists who are trying to use fact-based truth to INFORM.

—Time to be more assertive in calling out family, friends, work colleagues and others who are poisoning our communities with bigotry, racism, fear of “others,” incivility and discrimination of any sort.

—Time to encourage our children and our friend in the mirror to read more books…not fear them. SUPPORT OUR TEACHERS…

—Time to call out those anti-mask and anti-vaxxers and their politicos who proclaim “my body, my choice,” while denying women their right to choose.

—ETC., ETC…YOU EXPAND THIS LIST WITH YOUR OWN…

IN CLOSING

The entire world is experiencing/seeing what happens when tyrannical “leaders” like Putin and Trump are not subject to checks and balances. Many suffer. Some die. The Russian people didn’t deserve/want this. The overwhelming majority of our fellow US citizens would have never supported what we ultimately suffered with five years of Trump and his incompetent cabal. Let’s hope we’re learning important lessons in this transformational time in our nation’s history…in our personal history.

GOD BLESS PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY AND THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE. AND THE RUSSIAN PEOPLE WHO ARE SUFFERING BECAUSE OF THE CALLOUS, EGO-DRIVEN MADNESS OF THEIR SOON-TO-BE DEPOSED LEADER. LET US LEARN. LET US NOT THINK FOR A MINUTE THAT IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE. IT ALMOST HAS. WE THE PEOPLE HAVE CHOICES. LET’S CHOOSE WISELY…VOTE…VOTE…VOTE…