Less than two weeks ago Vladimir Putin initiated an illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and its people. Since then, Russian military forces have displaced almost 2 million Ukrainians and committed numerous war crimes.
The Western alliance is as strong as its been, an astonishing feat largely the doing of President Biden after the five years during which Donald and an increasing number of Republicans over that time did everything to prop up Putin and strengthen Russia’s position. The sanctions being put in place are punishing, an enormous amount of military aid is being sent to Ukraine, assets of Russian oligarchs are being seized—even Switzerland has broken its long tradition of neutrality and has agreed to freeze Russian assets.
Could more be done? Yes. Will more be done? I believe that NATO, America, and the EU won’t have a choice. But what will, or should, the more be?
The reason I haven’t weighed in on that question here is simple: I don’t know. In situations like this I always assume there is a tremendous amount going on behind the scenes that the vast majority of us are not privy to. I do know that two major reasons we’re in a situation in which the world is essentially being held hostage by a weak tyrant who fears his power in slipping away from him is because 1) not enough was done to get rid of the world’s nuclear arsenals and 2) the response to Russian aggression before the Trump administration was too often weak and ineffective.
As for what to do now, I am reading a lot pieces by people who know a great deal more about this than I do. When Fiona Hill says we are already in the middle of World War III I believe her.
[About a month before Russia invaded Ukraine, I had a fascinating conversation with Hill that gives some important background to what’s happening now.]
When Alex Vindman says the the U.S. should ban imports of Russian oil and “flood the zone” with unmanned combat aerial vehicles, among other things I think his advice should be taken.
[I spoke to Alex and his wife, Rachel, at the beginning of January. You can listen here.]
One thing I do understand, though: We will not be establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine because the fallout would be unimaginable. The fact that Putin seems to be pushing NATO to engage directly with Russian forces is telling. Josh Marshall at Talking Points Memo explains:
“[A] ‘no-fly zone’ is simply a standing order to shoot down any military aircraft in a certain geographical space. As long as you keep your planes on the ground, no one gets hurt. So assuming Russia doesn’t agree to our unilateral declaration of a ‘no-fly zone’ that means putting lots of planes in the air over Ukraine and shooting down any Russian aircraft operating in the country. You also have to deploy AWACs type planes to monitor where everything is. You have to protect those too. Before you get to shooting down planes you have to destroy anything on the ground that can threaten your own aircraft. So the U.S. has to attack and destroy any anti-aircraft capacity that Russia currently has in Ukraine. So a campaign of bombing and attacks from the air before you get down to shooting planes. Indeed, since major fighting is happening near the border between the two countries the U.S. would likely need to attack such armaments and hardware in Russia as well. So now we’re not only engaging directly in combat operations against the Russian army. We’re invading and attacking on Russian territory.”
What Andres is doing is absolutely amazing. However, my nominee is the Ukrainian people. The courage and fortitude they are demonstrating is awe-inspiring.
My pick is Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who has masterfully and compassionately brought our allies together and kept them together by ensuring America’s commitment to NATO. He has tirelessly stood for America’s dedication to compassion, resilience, and defense of peace.
Thanks for your posts on this topic yesterday and today. I'm trying to trust in the experts, including those you listed. I think Biden, Blinken and the diplomacy team have been brilliant, and the level of international solidarity really is extraordinary. It is so difficult, especially since there is always a lag between the time any decision is made and when it comes into fruition - with more Ukrainian lives lost and displaced in the meantime. I fear we are really facing a Hobson's choice, but hope that's not the case.
For good human of the week, I believe the Ukrainian people, Zelensky, Jose Andres, etc. in my mind are "good humans in perpetuity" for the foreseeable future. So I'm going to shift and nominate the students who protested the Don't Say Gay bill this week in Florida. To see the younger generation stand up and speak out the way they do (on other issues, too) gives me hope and was a bright spot in this very somber week. Those in favor of equality, democracy, and humanity will not go quietly.
Anastasiia Yalanskaya She stayed behind in Kyiv to deliver food and supplies to those in need. She and two friends were on their way to bring dog food to an animal rescue. They were gunned down in cold blood in the car.
I second the nomination of Jose Andres. He is not only feeding refugees, but those here at home in disaster situations, but federal employees in DC in the last government shutdown several years ago.
Since I have voted for both Jose Andres & Zelenskyy in prior weeks I am going to choose the J6 committee this week. I don’t know if DJT is ever going to face any consequences for his abhorrent conduct but if he does, it seems as though the committee is giving the DOJ more than enough reason to investigate what is clearly criminal behavior. I am trying to keep the faith!
Sean Penn and his Core organization. He has been in contact with President Zelensky. Core is quietly providing much needed health and hygiene products to those in need. Sean Penn does more for people then we know and for that reason alone I vote for him. Chef Jose Andres absolutely 2nd. President Biden as well. He has clearly balanced more than we could know. Thank goodness he surrounded himself with brilliant people, really brilliant people, not like the last administration. We’d all be dead if Donald or Ivanka was still in charge
I’ve always felt some of the things you remarked. There are too many bits of intelligence that the public never sees and they make (uneducated) evaluations without it. Thanks for some real insight into how things work in the real world. As much as I despise Donald, I support you 100%. Your last name used to make me squirm. Now there is a good Trump that cares about people and I’m glad that you’re brave enough to speak your (very educated and informed) mind. Thanks!
Same here Mitch - about the name “Trump”. Now that I am aware of Mary and her father, I make sure to write donald trump instead of only trump. (No caps on his name is deliberate. It’s my small gesture of ‘no respect is due’.) When I refer to Mary and her father I definitely use capital letters. (No offense intended to the rest of your immediate family Mary, I confess I don’t know who they are or their names - except for Cap, Linden & Sebastian.
Feel the need to say *thank you, Mary!* for this weekly opportunity to consider a human of the week and share thoughts. I really enjoy having this opportunity and reading the comments!
I agree. With all the trauma in the world right now, it's important to look for the good... And there are good people doing exceptional things. Thank you for providing a format for this.
I’m having a hard time right now - struggling with COVID and war and lots of difficult feelings. Like our host, I find music soothing when sometimes nothing else can be. I nominate musician Sting, for releasing a new version of his haunting song ‘Russians’ this weekend … he speaks at the start of the performance by saying he rarely plays this song anymore as he had hoped it was no longer relevant. Now he knows it is, again. The song is as haunting and beautiful and profound as ever - he posted it on IG and included lots of resource information: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CavQo-xF4xp/?utm_medium=copy_link
I withdraw my previous comment about having France or Sweden enforce a no-fly zone, particularly if Alex Vindman's recommendation about aerial combat vehicles is taken up (which to some extent looks like is happening. I haven't been good at picking good humans, so I will piggy-back on those who nominate Jose Andres as an example of real action being taken to assist Ukraine and Ukrainians. As a student of political change movements for forty-some years, I am interested in the speed consequences from sanctions hit Russian citizens. I am not concerned that Putin makes additional efforts to restrict access to unapproved information. People in the USSR found ways to access forbidden news sources. With smartphones and the plethora of providers available, Russians should be able to find outside reports. The question is whether enough of the right people become outraged that the invasion interrupts their personal economic spheres to add to the existing protesters opposed to the invasion on moral and legal grounds. That includes plutocrats as much as office workers, farmers, and laborers. That brings us to the speed and nature of the sanctions being applied. Given the invasion is killing civilians should alone push the USA and others to impose disabling sanctions that have quick effect.
I'm squarely in the camp that agrees that the US isn't doing nearly enough, nor is the UK, which is slow-rolling sanctions...not a surprise to those who've watched Boris Johnson's numerous interactions with oligarchs for years. Why do Russia and Belarus still enjoy MFN status? Why hasn't the US engaged in countering cyber warfare within Russia? Why aren't we cutting off oil imports from Russia or adding import taxes? Why hasn't the US seized oligarch properties (I find it hard to take seriously a taskforce driven by Merrick Garland, given his abysmal track record in curbing threats against election workers, voting rights, domestic terrorism...$100M was provided to the latter effort with zero results only vague mutters about 1st Amendment rights). I understand the complexities, but taking no significant action to quickly end this war (as cutting off oil imports would do by depleting resources to fund the war) is an abdication of our values. There is no action without risk, but we're watching ethic cleansing in real time, and Putin has already stated his intention to continue his dystopic vision, irrespective of NATO status.
I was just thinking that if we had to have a Trump for president, it should have been a smart, knowledgeable one like Mary, who is also teachable and willing to learn. Dang, we got the wrong one in.
The Ukrainian people. I'm inspired by their grit, smarts, determination, solidarity, passion, wit, community spirit, creativity, and fierceness.
I've actually been personally quite inspired by them in a way I hadn't expected. I was mulling speaking up about a situation with my landlord, got good advice from an attorney, who revised my proposed letter, thus bringing a direct cut-through-the-BS vibe to it. All of which basically slapped me awake with a new determination to address things clearly, come what may. My goodness, look at what the Ukrainians are doing every day! Best to get on with it.
I teach one-on-one Accent Reduction lessons to international professionals. 3 of my students are Russian, with 2 of them having a Ukrainian partner and friends/family in Kyiv. I also have a Ukrainian student who has family there, with friends in Kyiv basically dodging bullets. I was inspired and moved by our interactions this week.
Maybe seeing too much of the anti-mask/vax tantrums & drama from Americans braced me for them being upset. While we did speak of the situation and it's clear that they are taking in the horrors, we calmly got on with our work. They had done their homework and were as sweet, respectful, focused, and motivated as ever. It was quietly rather touching to experience.
I like the nomination of Jean Psaki. She is a breath of fresh air, so on top of her brief and so helpful in keeping us informed. She is as smart as a whip and I'm so impressed with her. We are so lucky to have her for a while. With social media and so many failing print amd TV communication chanels it is so vital that we hear the straight scoop.
As far as I am concerned, Putin is a terrorist and should be treated the way we have treated other terrorists. We killed Osama and Sadaam. Let's do the same to Putin.
Thanks for your wisdom in writing that we civilians don’t know what else can be done, or what else is being done. The saying “Those who know don’t tell, and those who don’t know tell (wrongly)” had this type of situation in mind. I did see McFaul suggest Russian speakers leave restaurant reviews on RU sites that can pass on real news. Sadly I can’t help on that. I do have faith that more will be done to aid Ukraine.
My choice is Jose Andres. He is a force the world needs. His generosity, giving& selfless heart. Without him the world would have a huge empty space in it.
Although the people and the governments in Poland, Lithuania, and many others are to be blessed for offering compassionate help as the thousands escape the carnage being perpetrated upon Ukraine, I nominate the people of Moldova. This tiny, impoverished country has, by today, welcomed more than 70,000 refugees. The conference of churches there has coalesced and is assisting without ceasing at the border and throughout the country. More than 90% of Moldovan church members are Eastern Orthodox and the rest claim predominantly Protestant affiliations. Whatever they have, they are sharing. They remind me of the widow's mite - so meaningful when even small contributions are given from full hearts. (Like Our forever friend Chef Jose Andres and his team members!)
Chef Jose Andre's interview with Anderson Cooper was so moving. Not only for the services he's providing the people but for the human being, he gets my vote.
We are going to donate to Doctors Without Borders. If people want a glimpse into why it is not straight forward or easy to make political decisions like which sanctions to apply, etc., read Hard Choices by Hillary Clinton. It is extremely complicated to juggle all global repercussions from any act. This book is about her time as Secretary of State and gives an inside look at how hard it is to decide the best path forward.
For the Good Person of the Week I choose the Ukrainian people who have shown the world (and especially Americans) how to stand up to a vile, criminal, despot bully under the worst circumstances possible. I hope that this wakes the rest of the planet up to what is happening worldwide with fascists trying to rule every country.
Also, thank you again for interviewing Fiona Hill and the Vindman's. They are amazing and fascinating people.
There are a couple of reasons we are still importing oil from Russia…very little . I have heard, partly some of the oil has already been paid for. The second , is a little bit of pretzel logic. Once we stop buying oil from Russia at the present price, this will increase further pricing in oil and , then, Russian oil will increase and provide MORE money to Russia by the countries who still buy their oil.
Pretzel logic? This is what I have heard.
I am absolutely terrified about what is going on! How to stop it? No one knows. But a movement this large may eventually consume itself… in the path of death and destruction. I can’t believe this is 2022.
@strategywoman An Ukrainian woman writing a war diary and sending love to the rest of the world. She fled Kiev with her mother. Really appreciate what your wise and deeply moving work you are doing Mary. I also nominate YOU!
Q: How do the talented maintain their position, in their worlds, vis-á-vis the majority (in those worlds) who are not?
A: Through the market.
The trick is, for each individual to identify their talent(s), find their corresponding place, and then to use that surplus earned from their talent in their marketplace to enhance the world around them, simultaneously improving their own interests. It can and should be a win-win for all concerned. But it’s not.
Because it only takes a *few* to try and ruin it for everyone- I’m referring to the predatory exploitative super rich. Like the Russian oligarchs, like Donald Trump.
The war in Ukraine is part of the forces at work on the cause/effect of the marketplace.
What exactly is the market?
It’s a place where not only employees, but also employers meet. And the dubious winner is the one who sells their products at the lowest price.
The market is where the employee works for the lowest pay, the employer sells at the lowest price. It’s a treadmill that is extinguishing our humanity.
There was an immortal scene in the 1987 film ‘Wall Street’, where the movie’s antagonist, Gordon Gekko, lectures the protagonist Bud Fox-
“It's all about bucks, kid. The rest is conversation.
It's not a question of enough, pal. It's a Zero Sum game - somebody wins, somebody loses. Money itself isn't lost or made, it's simply transferred - from one perception to another. Like magic.
This painting here? I bought it ten years ago for sixty thousand dollars, I could sell it today for six hundred. The illusion has become real, and the more real it becomes, the more desperately they want it. Capitalism at its finest.
The richest one percent of this country owns half our country's wealth, five trillion dollars. One third of that comes from hard work, two thirds comes from inheritance, interest on interest accumulating to widows and idiot sons; And what I do, stock and real estate speculation. It's bullshit. You got ninety percent of the American public out there with little or no net worth. I create nothing. I own.
We make the rules, pal. The news, war, peace, famine, upheaval, the price of a paper clip. We pick that rabbit out of the hat when everybody sits out there wondering how the hell we did it.
Now you're not naive enough to think we're living in a democracy, are you, Buddy? It's the free market, and you're part of it. Yeah, you got that killer instinct. Stick around pal, I still got a lot to teach you.”
Can the market be a place where self-interest and mutual prosperity flourish?
Or will it remain a place where the abusers seek out ever new ways to dominate and subjugate others, from their enjoyment at seeing others suffer?
This equation is being solved as we speak in Ukraine.
In the end, to paraphrase The Who, the new boss better not be like the old boss. Because if it’s the old boss again emerges from this war, then all the suffering, all the dead will have been in vain.
I've had in my mind another reason that Putin is behaving his usual way by an invasion of Ukriane. The man is aging! He's always been a strong man bully! Age WILL no doubt change that. We all have to face mortality as we age. I suspect this man facing old age is reacting by doing what he's always done, bully others. In this case he's head of a major nuclear power and has the means to bully the world, a major power stand and grab.
While I see the merit of your points I also know that some level of NATO will have to fight to end this. The question is how many innocent civilians have to die before this happens. The only wildcard is how long does the Kremlin and FSB allow Putin to destroy their country before they remove him?
Jose Andres is my vote for good human of the week. His tireless efforts to ensure refugees have food is incredible. His presence there also speaks volumes about who he is.
Its the common people that will be hurt, the idea that Donny would have done anything is Ludicrous not the rapper, he would be talking out of both sides of his trap.
Starting WWIii isn’t a visceral & easy decision. Half measures don’t work against bat a Machevellian dictator. Cutting off his oil for freezing Europe is not an option. Replacing it with down robes & comforters isn’t practical. Maybe when Soringvarrives this fire need for gas/oil can subside temporarily. Starve the Russian troops. Shoot down planes dropping supplies. Drop poisoned rations by parachute. No that would be a Putin tactic. National with boots on the ground as a last resort will be too late to save the Ukrainians who stayed to fight would be a first act to WWIII. Not considering Putin’s use of nuclear weapons. Or threaten to deploy them. I have run out of ideas to mitigate Putin’s insanity. Paranoia, ego? Call it by any name it is a serious condition that power in the hands of demonic leaders. Now your turn to claw at solutions to this flirting with Armageddon. Marcy Goldstone, armchair historian. March 5, La Jolla, California.
Google translate helped me peer into the pro-Russian mindset. Crimea has gas and oil deposits in the Black Sea that Russia expects access to and feels entitled to, but the Ukrainians have limited water access to Russian settlements in Crimea. After watching the USA dive bomb into Iraq and Afghanistan to gain access to those countries’ assets, Russia feels entitled to do the same.
The hatred for (and probably jealously of) the USA in doing what it wants, destroying peoples’ lives and cities without world condemnation, does not inspire admiration to say the least. One of the first things the USA must do it to clean its own military complex and foreign policy.
What is happening in Ukraine is atrocious. Could post-USSR satellite countries be included in helping alleviate in reaching a peaceful end to this horror?
I've spent some time reading the history of Ukrainia focusing on recent years and am more confused than ever regarding who, what, where, when, how and why. I know this is not helpful, but if you know of a source that might be clear and reliable I would appreciate having a resource. Okay: Zelenskyy.
Jose Andres is my pick! He is without a doubt the kindest person and his heart is always open to helping people!
What Andres is doing is absolutely amazing. However, my nominee is the Ukrainian people. The courage and fortitude they are demonstrating is awe-inspiring.
My pick is Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who has masterfully and compassionately brought our allies together and kept them together by ensuring America’s commitment to NATO. He has tirelessly stood for America’s dedication to compassion, resilience, and defense of peace.
Thanks for your posts on this topic yesterday and today. I'm trying to trust in the experts, including those you listed. I think Biden, Blinken and the diplomacy team have been brilliant, and the level of international solidarity really is extraordinary. It is so difficult, especially since there is always a lag between the time any decision is made and when it comes into fruition - with more Ukrainian lives lost and displaced in the meantime. I fear we are really facing a Hobson's choice, but hope that's not the case.
For good human of the week, I believe the Ukrainian people, Zelensky, Jose Andres, etc. in my mind are "good humans in perpetuity" for the foreseeable future. So I'm going to shift and nominate the students who protested the Don't Say Gay bill this week in Florida. To see the younger generation stand up and speak out the way they do (on other issues, too) gives me hope and was a bright spot in this very somber week. Those in favor of equality, democracy, and humanity will not go quietly.
Anastasiia Yalanskaya She stayed behind in Kyiv to deliver food and supplies to those in need. She and two friends were on their way to bring dog food to an animal rescue. They were gunned down in cold blood in the car.
José Andrés. I’m in awe of his ability to mobilize to anywhere in the world at the drop of a hat.
Zelenskyy is again the hero of the moment, showing extreme bravery in the face of overwhelming military forces attacking Ukraine.
I second the nomination of Jose Andres. He is not only feeding refugees, but those here at home in disaster situations, but federal employees in DC in the last government shutdown several years ago.
Since I have voted for both Jose Andres & Zelenskyy in prior weeks I am going to choose the J6 committee this week. I don’t know if DJT is ever going to face any consequences for his abhorrent conduct but if he does, it seems as though the committee is giving the DOJ more than enough reason to investigate what is clearly criminal behavior. I am trying to keep the faith!
Sean Penn and his Core organization. He has been in contact with President Zelensky. Core is quietly providing much needed health and hygiene products to those in need. Sean Penn does more for people then we know and for that reason alone I vote for him. Chef Jose Andres absolutely 2nd. President Biden as well. He has clearly balanced more than we could know. Thank goodness he surrounded himself with brilliant people, really brilliant people, not like the last administration. We’d all be dead if Donald or Ivanka was still in charge
I’ve always felt some of the things you remarked. There are too many bits of intelligence that the public never sees and they make (uneducated) evaluations without it. Thanks for some real insight into how things work in the real world. As much as I despise Donald, I support you 100%. Your last name used to make me squirm. Now there is a good Trump that cares about people and I’m glad that you’re brave enough to speak your (very educated and informed) mind. Thanks!
Same here Mitch - about the name “Trump”. Now that I am aware of Mary and her father, I make sure to write donald trump instead of only trump. (No caps on his name is deliberate. It’s my small gesture of ‘no respect is due’.) When I refer to Mary and her father I definitely use capital letters. (No offense intended to the rest of your immediate family Mary, I confess I don’t know who they are or their names - except for Cap, Linden & Sebastian.
Feel the need to say *thank you, Mary!* for this weekly opportunity to consider a human of the week and share thoughts. I really enjoy having this opportunity and reading the comments!
I agree. With all the trauma in the world right now, it's important to look for the good... And there are good people doing exceptional things. Thank you for providing a format for this.
This week I nominate Jen Psaki for being at the front lines on the war on misinformation and never missing her strikes
STING -
I’m having a hard time right now - struggling with COVID and war and lots of difficult feelings. Like our host, I find music soothing when sometimes nothing else can be. I nominate musician Sting, for releasing a new version of his haunting song ‘Russians’ this weekend … he speaks at the start of the performance by saying he rarely plays this song anymore as he had hoped it was no longer relevant. Now he knows it is, again. The song is as haunting and beautiful and profound as ever - he posted it on IG and included lots of resource information: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CavQo-xF4xp/?utm_medium=copy_link
I withdraw my previous comment about having France or Sweden enforce a no-fly zone, particularly if Alex Vindman's recommendation about aerial combat vehicles is taken up (which to some extent looks like is happening. I haven't been good at picking good humans, so I will piggy-back on those who nominate Jose Andres as an example of real action being taken to assist Ukraine and Ukrainians. As a student of political change movements for forty-some years, I am interested in the speed consequences from sanctions hit Russian citizens. I am not concerned that Putin makes additional efforts to restrict access to unapproved information. People in the USSR found ways to access forbidden news sources. With smartphones and the plethora of providers available, Russians should be able to find outside reports. The question is whether enough of the right people become outraged that the invasion interrupts their personal economic spheres to add to the existing protesters opposed to the invasion on moral and legal grounds. That includes plutocrats as much as office workers, farmers, and laborers. That brings us to the speed and nature of the sanctions being applied. Given the invasion is killing civilians should alone push the USA and others to impose disabling sanctions that have quick effect.
I'm squarely in the camp that agrees that the US isn't doing nearly enough, nor is the UK, which is slow-rolling sanctions...not a surprise to those who've watched Boris Johnson's numerous interactions with oligarchs for years. Why do Russia and Belarus still enjoy MFN status? Why hasn't the US engaged in countering cyber warfare within Russia? Why aren't we cutting off oil imports from Russia or adding import taxes? Why hasn't the US seized oligarch properties (I find it hard to take seriously a taskforce driven by Merrick Garland, given his abysmal track record in curbing threats against election workers, voting rights, domestic terrorism...$100M was provided to the latter effort with zero results only vague mutters about 1st Amendment rights). I understand the complexities, but taking no significant action to quickly end this war (as cutting off oil imports would do by depleting resources to fund the war) is an abdication of our values. There is no action without risk, but we're watching ethic cleansing in real time, and Putin has already stated his intention to continue his dystopic vision, irrespective of NATO status.
I agree with hw 100%.
I was just thinking that if we had to have a Trump for president, it should have been a smart, knowledgeable one like Mary, who is also teachable and willing to learn. Dang, we got the wrong one in.
The Ukrainian people. I'm inspired by their grit, smarts, determination, solidarity, passion, wit, community spirit, creativity, and fierceness.
I've actually been personally quite inspired by them in a way I hadn't expected. I was mulling speaking up about a situation with my landlord, got good advice from an attorney, who revised my proposed letter, thus bringing a direct cut-through-the-BS vibe to it. All of which basically slapped me awake with a new determination to address things clearly, come what may. My goodness, look at what the Ukrainians are doing every day! Best to get on with it.
I teach one-on-one Accent Reduction lessons to international professionals. 3 of my students are Russian, with 2 of them having a Ukrainian partner and friends/family in Kyiv. I also have a Ukrainian student who has family there, with friends in Kyiv basically dodging bullets. I was inspired and moved by our interactions this week.
Maybe seeing too much of the anti-mask/vax tantrums & drama from Americans braced me for them being upset. While we did speak of the situation and it's clear that they are taking in the horrors, we calmly got on with our work. They had done their homework and were as sweet, respectful, focused, and motivated as ever. It was quietly rather touching to experience.
I like the nomination of Jean Psaki. She is a breath of fresh air, so on top of her brief and so helpful in keeping us informed. She is as smart as a whip and I'm so impressed with her. We are so lucky to have her for a while. With social media and so many failing print amd TV communication chanels it is so vital that we hear the straight scoop.
I also agree that World War III has already begun. So quit pussyfooting around, and kick Putin's ass.
I agree. Putin will make us combat him / Russia on the battlefield, Diane.
As far as I am concerned, Putin is a terrorist and should be treated the way we have treated other terrorists. We killed Osama and Sadaam. Let's do the same to Putin.
My Good Human nomination - Jose Andres.
José Andrés is my nomination for Good Human of the Week since he and the World Central Kitchen are feeding the Ukrainian refugees.
Thanks for your wisdom in writing that we civilians don’t know what else can be done, or what else is being done. The saying “Those who know don’t tell, and those who don’t know tell (wrongly)” had this type of situation in mind. I did see McFaul suggest Russian speakers leave restaurant reviews on RU sites that can pass on real news. Sadly I can’t help on that. I do have faith that more will be done to aid Ukraine.
My choice is Jose Andres. He is a force the world needs. His generosity, giving& selfless heart. Without him the world would have a huge empty space in it.
Although the people and the governments in Poland, Lithuania, and many others are to be blessed for offering compassionate help as the thousands escape the carnage being perpetrated upon Ukraine, I nominate the people of Moldova. This tiny, impoverished country has, by today, welcomed more than 70,000 refugees. The conference of churches there has coalesced and is assisting without ceasing at the border and throughout the country. More than 90% of Moldovan church members are Eastern Orthodox and the rest claim predominantly Protestant affiliations. Whatever they have, they are sharing. They remind me of the widow's mite - so meaningful when even small contributions are given from full hearts. (Like Our forever friend Chef Jose Andres and his team members!)
Chef Jose Andre's interview with Anderson Cooper was so moving. Not only for the services he's providing the people but for the human being, he gets my vote.
Jose Andres, and the brave US veterans making their own way to Ukraine to fight.
2021 Ukrainian army ad: https://twitter.com/OlgaNYC1211/status/1467178570720161798?cxt=HHwWjMC5nd_Iu9woAAAA
We are going to donate to Doctors Without Borders. If people want a glimpse into why it is not straight forward or easy to make political decisions like which sanctions to apply, etc., read Hard Choices by Hillary Clinton. It is extremely complicated to juggle all global repercussions from any act. This book is about her time as Secretary of State and gives an inside look at how hard it is to decide the best path forward.
For the Good Person of the Week I choose the Ukrainian people who have shown the world (and especially Americans) how to stand up to a vile, criminal, despot bully under the worst circumstances possible. I hope that this wakes the rest of the planet up to what is happening worldwide with fascists trying to rule every country.
Also, thank you again for interviewing Fiona Hill and the Vindman's. They are amazing and fascinating people.
Jose Andres, amazing courage and goodness!
The good in humanity... This post struck me and brought tears to my eyes! Not only the humanity of the people of Poland but the parents of Poland:
“Parents in Poland left their baby strollers in the railroad station for Ukrainian moms who fled carrying their children.”
I was unable to capture the picture of the strollers all lined up, but it was worth a thousand words.
There are a couple of reasons we are still importing oil from Russia…very little . I have heard, partly some of the oil has already been paid for. The second , is a little bit of pretzel logic. Once we stop buying oil from Russia at the present price, this will increase further pricing in oil and , then, Russian oil will increase and provide MORE money to Russia by the countries who still buy their oil.
Pretzel logic? This is what I have heard.
I am absolutely terrified about what is going on! How to stop it? No one knows. But a movement this large may eventually consume itself… in the path of death and destruction. I can’t believe this is 2022.
Sorry for jumbled language below.
Yaroslava Antipina
@strategywoman An Ukrainian woman writing a war diary and sending love to the rest of the world. She fled Kiev with her mother. Really appreciate what your wise and deeply moving work you are doing Mary. I also nominate YOU!
Fentrice Driskell for this alone:
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMLUoj2Ro/
Q: How do the talented maintain their position, in their worlds, vis-á-vis the majority (in those worlds) who are not?
A: Through the market.
The trick is, for each individual to identify their talent(s), find their corresponding place, and then to use that surplus earned from their talent in their marketplace to enhance the world around them, simultaneously improving their own interests. It can and should be a win-win for all concerned. But it’s not.
Because it only takes a *few* to try and ruin it for everyone- I’m referring to the predatory exploitative super rich. Like the Russian oligarchs, like Donald Trump.
The war in Ukraine is part of the forces at work on the cause/effect of the marketplace.
What exactly is the market?
It’s a place where not only employees, but also employers meet. And the dubious winner is the one who sells their products at the lowest price.
The market is where the employee works for the lowest pay, the employer sells at the lowest price. It’s a treadmill that is extinguishing our humanity.
There was an immortal scene in the 1987 film ‘Wall Street’, where the movie’s antagonist, Gordon Gekko, lectures the protagonist Bud Fox-
“It's all about bucks, kid. The rest is conversation.
It's not a question of enough, pal. It's a Zero Sum game - somebody wins, somebody loses. Money itself isn't lost or made, it's simply transferred - from one perception to another. Like magic.
This painting here? I bought it ten years ago for sixty thousand dollars, I could sell it today for six hundred. The illusion has become real, and the more real it becomes, the more desperately they want it. Capitalism at its finest.
The richest one percent of this country owns half our country's wealth, five trillion dollars. One third of that comes from hard work, two thirds comes from inheritance, interest on interest accumulating to widows and idiot sons; And what I do, stock and real estate speculation. It's bullshit. You got ninety percent of the American public out there with little or no net worth. I create nothing. I own.
We make the rules, pal. The news, war, peace, famine, upheaval, the price of a paper clip. We pick that rabbit out of the hat when everybody sits out there wondering how the hell we did it.
Now you're not naive enough to think we're living in a democracy, are you, Buddy? It's the free market, and you're part of it. Yeah, you got that killer instinct. Stick around pal, I still got a lot to teach you.”
Can the market be a place where self-interest and mutual prosperity flourish?
Or will it remain a place where the abusers seek out ever new ways to dominate and subjugate others, from their enjoyment at seeing others suffer?
This equation is being solved as we speak in Ukraine.
In the end, to paraphrase The Who, the new boss better not be like the old boss. Because if it’s the old boss again emerges from this war, then all the suffering, all the dead will have been in vain.
José Andrés 💜☮️
I've had in my mind another reason that Putin is behaving his usual way by an invasion of Ukriane. The man is aging! He's always been a strong man bully! Age WILL no doubt change that. We all have to face mortality as we age. I suspect this man facing old age is reacting by doing what he's always done, bully others. In this case he's head of a major nuclear power and has the means to bully the world, a major power stand and grab.
While I see the merit of your points I also know that some level of NATO will have to fight to end this. The question is how many innocent civilians have to die before this happens. The only wildcard is how long does the Kremlin and FSB allow Putin to destroy their country before they remove him?
Jose Andres is my vote for good human of the week. His tireless efforts to ensure refugees have food is incredible. His presence there also speaks volumes about who he is.
Its the common people that will be hurt, the idea that Donny would have done anything is Ludicrous not the rapper, he would be talking out of both sides of his trap.
Starting WWIii isn’t a visceral & easy decision. Half measures don’t work against bat a Machevellian dictator. Cutting off his oil for freezing Europe is not an option. Replacing it with down robes & comforters isn’t practical. Maybe when Soringvarrives this fire need for gas/oil can subside temporarily. Starve the Russian troops. Shoot down planes dropping supplies. Drop poisoned rations by parachute. No that would be a Putin tactic. National with boots on the ground as a last resort will be too late to save the Ukrainians who stayed to fight would be a first act to WWIII. Not considering Putin’s use of nuclear weapons. Or threaten to deploy them. I have run out of ideas to mitigate Putin’s insanity. Paranoia, ego? Call it by any name it is a serious condition that power in the hands of demonic leaders. Now your turn to claw at solutions to this flirting with Armageddon. Marcy Goldstone, armchair historian. March 5, La Jolla, California.
Another vote for José Andrés!
Another fundraising effort for medical supplies. Supported by Col. Vindman
https://twitter.com/AVindman/status/1500196061083836419?s=20&t=hMck0rMBZZ8RHzK-M2j6Hw
Imitation as a form of flattery?
Google translate helped me peer into the pro-Russian mindset. Crimea has gas and oil deposits in the Black Sea that Russia expects access to and feels entitled to, but the Ukrainians have limited water access to Russian settlements in Crimea. After watching the USA dive bomb into Iraq and Afghanistan to gain access to those countries’ assets, Russia feels entitled to do the same.
The hatred for (and probably jealously of) the USA in doing what it wants, destroying peoples’ lives and cities without world condemnation, does not inspire admiration to say the least. One of the first things the USA must do it to clean its own military complex and foreign policy.
What is happening in Ukraine is atrocious. Could post-USSR satellite countries be included in helping alleviate in reaching a peaceful end to this horror?
https://twitter.com/Ash_Stewart_/status/1500221871760949250?cxt=HHwWhICq6YD27dEpAAAA
I've spent some time reading the history of Ukrainia focusing on recent years and am more confused than ever regarding who, what, where, when, how and why. I know this is not helpful, but if you know of a source that might be clear and reliable I would appreciate having a resource. Okay: Zelenskyy.
Mary, Have you seen this: https://twitter.com/markhachman/status/1499617782299643907?s=21 I thought you might find it interesting given that you've been compiling information like this for the past months. Take a look!
Susan, Twitter says that tweet doesn't exist or has been deleted.
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