War in the Neighborhood

 

The park near the Mariupol Drama Theater  

©Google Maps

Aftermath  

©Evening Standard

Copyright © 2022

By Ralph F. Couey

Written content only

I've been thinking, as many of you probably have, about what is happening in Ukraine.  When Russia invaded is small neighbor on February 24th, most analysts, myself included, assumed that Russian forces would sweep over Ukraine in a matter of days.  Instead, the Ukrainians have frustrated the invader's advance.  Russian casualties have soared, including 8 generals.  It's been an amazing and inspiring thing to watch, as ordinary citizens bravely stood alongside their army with weapons in hand to defend their homeland.  That report brought a sad smile to me.  We used to have a country like that.

While we watch and react to the news, it's hard for us to really understand the impact this has had on the Ukrainians.  Most countries in Europe and Asia have hundreds, in some cases, thousands of years of history where countries were invaded.  Towns, cities, the countryside was torn to pieces.  And everywhere, death both soldiers and the innocent.  It is an indelible part of their past, and it influences their leaders even today.

In contrast, the last time America was invaded was 1812, in the conflict with England that has been called "The Empire Strikes Back."  Yes, we had a destructive Civil War, but those who fought were all part of the same country before the war, and afterwards.  In our 246 years of existence, we've never had to fight off multiple invasions, never had to take up arms to defend our homes and communities.  Such an idea is simply alien to us.

The Universe as a Distraction

 

The first image from the Webb Space Telescope.  Credit:: NASA/STScI

Copyright © 2022

by Ralph F. Couey

Yes.  It's been awhile.  For a writer, creative blocks are bound to come, like rain.  But my extended absence isn't related to a loss of creativity.  

For a long time now, we've been on the receiving end of a battering ram of bad news.  From one vector the Pandemic, which has exhausted us physically, mentally, and emotionally.  It's true that mandates and restrictions are beginning to ease, but hanging above us, like the proverbial sword of Damocles is the threat that a new variant could appear, spread rapidly, and we'd be right back where we were.  Vector No. 2 is the discord between ever-widening political sides in our country has been ratcheted up alarmingly.  Both sides are lying constantly, comfortable that none of their followers will ever hold them accountable for the truth.  

From yet another direction, war is raging, as Russia tries to swallow whole the country of Ukraine.  We have all been inspired by the courage displayed as ordinary Ukrainians willingly pick up weapons to defend their homeland.  The unexpected level of resistance has cost the Russian military time, money, and soldiers.  Almost five weeks into this, Ukraine is standing strong, led by their irrepressible President Zelensky.  When this started, most analysts thought it would be over in a matter of days.  No one knows as yet how this is going to end, but their's no doubt for which side the rest of the world is rooting.

At home, prices are skyrocketing.  Food, fuel, clothing and other necessities are straining budgets everywhere.  People are starting to make those hard choices between wants and needs.  For the first time in living memory, Americans are seeing empty shelves in grocery stores.  Supply chain issues make the acquisition of almost anything difficult.  And expensive.