Decency by John Mooy
There are times when I’m compelled to look for acts which indicate the good in humanity. I’m in one of those times at this moment.
I’m saddened as I’m sure you are by what’s happening in the Ukraine, a world away from Marcellus but in our thoughts as we watch man’s inhumanity to man. Someone described what’s happening there is like watching the History Channel in real time.
I’m not old enough to recall the devastation of World War II, but I know so many stories of how friends in Marcellus and relatives of mine were and still are effected by what took place during those years and times when the well-being of the world was threatened.
I am amazed at some of the stories coming out of the Ukraine in which people have come together in a single effort to save their country. Clearly a David versus Goliath scenario but what seems to be happening is not what anyone would have predicted. The leader of Ukraine, Volodmyr Zelensky, a former actor and comedian is gaining momentum by the moment for his display of courage and leadership. It seems that as unlikely as the stories involving the Ukranians become known many in the world are now pulling for the Ukranians, a majority of whom are everyday “blue collar” people who have stated they will not leave their country and are willing to die in protecting it.
President Zelensky was offered safe passage out of the country and has refused to go instead staying with his people. Recently he stated that if the Russian army over runs them, they will see the faces of his people, not their backs. They will stay and fight.
Another young man was given an AK 47 which he had no idea how to use but said he would “Google” the gun, and perhaps watch how to use it on YouTube. He was staying also. So many times you hear the people stating with such pride and patriotism that “this is our country.”
At the time of this writing, 368,000 people have left their homes in the Ukraine. Most are on foot walking, many with children, all the belongings they could fit into a suitcase with them, and no idea if they would be able to return to their homes or have to find homes elsewhere. Totally and unexpectedly uprooted. I can’t imagine what they are going through. In Marcellus, I grew up with the great privilege of never having to hear bombs exploding in the nighttime or hearing those eerie air raid sirens warning of impending danger.
Many of the locals in Kyiv, the capital city of the Ukraine, are doing what they can as individuals. They have taken down the road signs in the city, so the incoming Russian troops become confused as to where they are going. They have made Molotov cocktails, a small explosive device, as a means of doing damage to incoming army tanks. And yet another very creative way of stopping tanks has been utilized by groups of people who have made a human barricade in front of the tanks coming into Kyiv and singing the Ukrainian National Anthem.
Miss Ukraine has now joined the ranks of those willing to fight.
I don’t know in my lifetime if I have ever seen one group of individuals pull together to support one cause: the protection of their freedom.
While I know the Ukrainians are no match for the Russians when it comes to available military power, I am hoping their resistance may buy enough time to receive enough additional support from the world to bring an end to this atrocity.
Faith, hope and optimism may have a positive impact on the outcome on this situation.
Have a great week, Marcellus.
You’re the best.
Thank you for allowing me to venture into a topic I usually never enter.
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