I am not brave today. Whistling in the dark only gets you so far. The Russian attacks have slowed on the ground but continue slowly. Aerial attacks continue unabated. Fighting for Kharkov, Khetson, Mikolaiev, Mariupol is firece. None have fallen yet. Kyiv is being pounded and people are building barricades. Trains of refugees are filled…
I am not brave today. Whistling in the dark only gets you so far. The Russian attacks have slowed on the ground but continue slowly. Aerial attacks continue unabated. Fighting for Kharkov, Khetson, Mikolaiev, Mariupol is firece. None have fallen yet. Kyiv is being pounded and people are building barricades. Trains of refugees are filled. Our granddaughter in Poland is ill from her time waiting at the border. She is crying. We are crying.
The dog needs feeding. The cats are sleeping. Life goes on for us but the people in the cities under attack, life is interrupted and will never be normal again.
Stay safe! I am concerned that now that this has not gone the way Putin planned, with the unexpected resistance and being isolated by so many countries, he must be feeling desperate and will be taking out his wrath on his own people as well as redoubling his efforts to crush Ukraine. I (and I'm sure millions of others) am thinking of the Ukrainians, and hoping for the best outcome.
Feeling a bit helpless but donating to help refugees, to the World Central Kitchen and the International Rescue Committee.
Thank you for posting this link. Fascinating article, and towards the end this important nugget:
"If Western companies, their pension plans or mutual funds, are invested in Russia they should pull out. Any people who are sitting on the boards of major Russian companies should resign immediately. Not every Russian company is tied to the Kremlin, but many major Russian companies absolutely are, and everyone knows it. " Glad to see BP and Exxon pull out.
Yes, I posted this link yesterday and wondered (hoped) HCR maybe saw it somewhere. I also saw some remarks yesterday by Alexander Vindman that were pretty much in line with Hill's thoughts. How I love to see the two of them on some sort of interview panel like the WBUR one with Hill and HCR. These two people know the "enemy" as well or better than anyone and we should be listening to them. Hill's assertion that we in the West should bite the bullet and totally stop doing business with Russia is a sound one, though I cannot imagine it being very popular. Europe's economies are more involved with Russia than ours and their economies would suffer much more. It would stop Russia dead in its tracks, but come at a cost. I have to mention that even here in the banana republic known as Georgia, our legislature voted to sever all investment ties with Russia that involved pensions and the like. Yay us!
Thank you, Barb. Also Fiona Hill and Heather were brilliant together and since then I’ve read much more about/by Fiona. TFG fired her because her true genius truly frightened him.
Given her background and as a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute, she is most likely a resource. IMO, Biden should have her, Rachel Maddow, and Heather on speed dial!!
Thank you for sharing this article, Barbara. It is long but so informative. Fiona Hill is an amazing smart woman! I believe she will be remembered in history!
David Talbot, a writer, suggested that we give a Putin a chance to retain a little dignity. His suggestion was to take nukes out of Poland in exchange for him leaving Ukraine. It might not be a bad idea.
BE CAREFUL!!!! I opened this link, and there's something terribly wrong. It locked up my computer. Not sure what happened, but there is something going on. Others haven't had problems, but there's an infection somewhere. I HAVE NOTIFIED SUBSTACK. ALSO RECEIVED TWO MESSAGES SUPPOSEDLY FROM HEATHER, REQUESTING THAT I SIGN IN TO SUBSTACK TO VERIFY MY INFORMATION. DIDN'T OPEN EITHER OF THEM.
RIGHT-click on the link, and select "Inspect" (or some variant) from the drop-down menu. You can do this safely on ANY link, even if it is a toxic link. I get:
First, "<a href='link'>" is where the link actually goes. The text between "<a ...>" and "</a>" is where the link SAYS it will go, and could say anything at all. It's how you get a link that SAYS "Pay Here" that links to a payment page.
First, "https://" indicates this is accessed by a secure protocol that ensures the domain (the next part) is what it says it is. It's secure enough for banking transactions.
Second, the website link. "www.politico.com" is a legitimate news site.
This link is as safe as it gets on the internet.
I'm reluctant to say it's impossible to spoof the value that shows up in a comment in Substack that looks good in the comment, but actually points to a bad address. I've had to work to get this post to be halfway readable, because Substack creates the text for the link, not me. I'd have to exploit a bug in Substack comments to get a phishing link into a comment, which would require that I know a lot of details about the Substack server code.
However, IF it were done, then inspecting the comment as I described above would reveal the spoof, because the href would not match the displayed text. Something like that would be brought to the Substack admins post-haste.
Also, I've checked out the link (nothing like a real test), and it's fine.
Joseph, thanks so much. I was okay initially, but then encountered a ribbon that said "Continue," and when I clicked on it, the trouble began, saying my computer had been taken over, etc. I shut down, which got rid of the bug, but when I rebooted, there were two emails from HCR/Substack asking me to sign in and confirm my identity. I didn't open either, so not sure whether they were safe, although the address, etc. looked legit. I'll save your instructions in case I encounter anything suspicious in the future. Now, I understand that the "Continue" ribbon was the problem, but it's disturbing that it was included in the otherwise-legitimate text. Another contributor said she'd had a similar experience. I did find the original article on Politico, so that was good.
Can anyone explain why we cannot go in or send soldiers to the International Legion Lezensky created to help the Ukrainians? Did we learn nothing from our hesitancy in responding to WWII? Is there nothing but weaponry and money? I feel so angry and helpless that we are watching this happen to the people of a good democracy and leader as they are being pummeled by a fricking bully madman. I may be naive. But there must be more than shoving money-- they need massive support from all nations to stop this invasion and destroy the weaponry Putin is bringing in. Could we not make a request to the Russian soldiers that if they all defect we will protect them? Sorry, I cannot cry anymore, I am angry. And I am angry watching our own homegrown terrorists sitting there listening to President Biden last night without consequences for their sedition and the fraud they commit trying to steal our right to vote. These are our own little putin-lovers sitting in our government. I am furious right now. This little, fire-breathing, 66 year-old Nana would love to join the International Legion of Soldiers and do damage to several truckloads of thermobaric weapons, then go to Moscow and make some spicy tea for the madman...for dessert. My pent-up feelings after almost 6 years of madness is getting to me today. I better go throw some snowballs. Then pet Mr. Higgins. Rant over.
Because if we send in troops then Putin can claim that NATO is attacking him and he is justified to use nuclear weapons. That will not help anyone, least of all Ukraine. In fact, if we are involved in our own wars, we will not have the resources or energy to help Ukraine. Good policies are often the hardest to carry out. Wars are not like video games where if you lose you can just play again. Putin is likely to nuke European countries that are members of NATO since he does not need nukes to take over Ukraine. That will force us to have to go into full scale war. I have relatives stationed over there. I am as angry as you are, and so grateful that we have a President that can use a cool head even though he has been belittled and provoked for by Republicans for months. They are posturing for a new spin on things. I think we all need to be writing letters everywhere pointing out that they are threatening our national security because they are.
As for the Russian soldiers defecting. Zelenskiy and the Ukrainian people seem to be doing that on their own. Every brilliant thing they can do with what they have is being done. Also, I don't think that Putin is thinking about what it will be doing to his success to have millions of Ukrainian women and children in EU countries where they have plenty of time to let their hatred for him fester and even if he succeeds in taking over Ukraine temporarily, will they let go getting revenge for their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons and children who he is so comfortable slaughtering? Probably not! He will have created a situation where they will want to avenge these needless deaths. You can support the Ukraine directly with military or humanitarian aid. This link goes to their bank.
Here's a link that shows townspeople taunting Russian soldiers holding hand grenades. The soldiers got back in their vehicles and left, without launching their grenades.
Thanks for your kind answer. What about the International Legion of Soldiers Zelensky created to avoid countries sending in their troops directly, but it is supported from the world?
The International Brigade is a volunteer-based entity. Individuals with military experience from many countries, including Americans, have been and are going to join the Ukrainian resistance.
Thank you, Judith. I want to support that effort. And I think it is very important that the Ukrainian people speak with the Russian soldiers and ask them to defect and join them. This person to person connection, face to face with people who have not done anything to deserve this violent invasion...
I love it--66 & 81 yrs, old--the beginning of a brigade!
Interesting practice battle just now: 4:00am. Awakened to a slight oily smell. Oil furnace, I think in a groggy state. Opened door to let fresh air in. Go make tea and decide it will be another early morning and need to check in to the news of our world. Hear squealing outside on terrace. Two skunks in battle. I watch for a moment and the banged on the window to scare the. The large, aggressive skunk has young one pinned down and was really going at it. (interesting as they were apparently fighting about SUNFLOWER SEEDS from my bird feeder). The large one was way too agressive biting. I ran back to the bedroom to shut my outside door to the 26 degree air. Back to the fight. I opened the window near them and screamed for them to stop and the big one was biting the poor little one terribly. Its' screams....ah! I ran to my sand bucket in the mudroom, opened the front door quickly, through a plastic container of sand out at them and shut door quickly. Did not budge the big guy. He seemed like he wanted to kill. I yelled and banged more on the window. Nothing stopped him. The little one was screaming and losing energy. Nana was ticked now. I looked in the mudroom for something more powerful, found my long, red, garden water wand! Opened the front door ran out an tapped the big one and ran away. He didn't even notice me and continued biting the little guy. My anger rose at how unfair this is and I drew up energy and went out there and finally hit that mean guy pretty hard on his back and ran back inside. As I entered the door I turned to see if his tail was up and it was a bit fragrant out there. He was running away! The little one sat there breathing hard, looking terribly disheveled. We just looked at one another and I told him it would be alright now. He then toddled off into the dark.
So, I went back inside, blew on my red garden hose wand as I put it back into my holster (okay, the ceramic pot) and realized, heck I am one mean fighting machine! Am now back with my tea writing this, noticing the faint smell of the strange perfume of the battle! I think I am ready, Rusty!
What is also eery about this waking dream is that yesterday, Another friend and I asked our group of well-known artists if we could all paint sunflowers to auction off to raise funds for Ukraine. We worked on that yesterday and it is turning into a global adventure with artists we are connected to around the world! One of our artists, Tatiana, is Ukrainian and her cousin is providing us with information on the ground. They need food. Best place she said to donate is:
World Central Kitchen https://wck.org Easy to donate and they have videos of their support of food and food trucks and kitchens in Ukraine and for those refugees fleeing to Poland. They do this all over the world but you can direct your funds to helping the people of Ukraine.
Flowers, beauty and food to win an unjust fight. Fighting here in Vermont with garden wands and paintbrushes.
You are in Vermont and I moved to WA state from Maine where I was raised. We New England folks are used to cold weather but nothing like the Ukrainians are experiencing. I will spread the word re: World Central Kitchen on my Facebook and Twitter pages. As to those skunks - we had a family of them living under our camp at one time when I was a child. They automatically had the 'right of way'. Hope the little one heals. Hoping there might be some place you can place a stash of sunflower seeds just for it. Hope your furnace and you have an easier day. Watching the news of Ukraine today I fear the world is going to need to be even more involved with the fighters to save Ukraine unless some kind of SEAL Team Six can make a very personal call on Putin. This all feels much too much like 1939 and the world needs to have learned lessons from Chamberlain.
Hi Rusty! You are across the continent-- I grew up in CA! I have very friendly stories of skunks here, but this one, after thinking how mean he was might be feeling off. He looked really healthy and plump but acted almost rabid on that little one. The oily smell that woke me up was the faint skunk perfume. My furnace is fine, thanks!
I am with you on the International Seal Teams. They could solve a lot of tyrannical problems.
Yes, when trump was "installed" in 2016, I really felt we were in danger as he used the same tactics of lies, fear, division, propaganda, and tons of repetition. This is so hard. They are so brave and at least we are allowed to see what a young leader can do-- because we need new ways and new ideas of managing conflict. Zelensky is a leader for these times.
It is good to hear your voice, Allen. I also hear your angst. Please know we care about you and your family and wish you continued safety. Russian soldiers are abandoning their posts and governments within Russia are telling Putin to stop. Perhaps it will all be over soon. We have hope. My very best to you.
'And should be buried as soon as possible'. I haven't been able to find this that you posted to me. After some miserable faces of mine, which I'm sure followed reading these words of yours, I remembered your singing on the fantastic concert you posted for us. Now, your singing -- is that another fault you forgot to list or is it part of you the 'buried' treasure you were referring to? Ok, Allen, I do request an answer. Please come back to me again. Your answer may be happily via song. I'll be waiting, Allen. Sing on!
Two girls are sitting on the bank of a river. A guy in a canoe goes by and says, "I didn't know there were pirates here in the past. You two are sitting on a fortune."
As I acclimated to this safe discussion “room”, I was like, “Who IS this TCinLA???” Now, I’m like, “Where is TCinLA’s hot take on this, today???” (Not to worry, I’m already following his Substack ;)
I started a reply along the same lines about two hours ago, and then a long phone call interrupted me and it's vanished. Basically, Allen, I said that your pain is part of your courage. Nothing brave about not feeling pain or distress or fear. Resisting is what's important, and continuing to be real to your granddaughter. Your posts are important to you as well as to all of us. Fed that dog yet?
Thank you for these links, Ellie. I believe art is an essential part of the human experience. When we express ourselves through the creation of art it helps us to contextualize experiences and connect us to others through an expression of shared identity. Creating and experiencing art can improve the well-being of individuals and make our communities stronger. Exactly what we need these days!
Ellie, You graced the forum's parade for Allen, his family and pets and all of the Ukrainian people with the colors of Ukraine, the colors of art and the feelings we have for them all in our hearts. Thank you.
Allen, it is always a relief to find a post from you here. I can't imagine what you and your family and your country are experiencing. My husband and I send you our fervent wishes for your courage and safety. We have donated to relief organizations and written to President Biden asking him to do whatever he can to stop Putin's rampage as quickly as possible. I weep for the senseless loss of life and the awful wreckage shown on the news. We are with you in spirit. Please stay safe!
ThankYou. I am very glad to hear from you. And to know what you are seeing and thinking. It is good of you to keep in touch. Each of your emails is both both heartening and horrifying. In their details, contrasts and implications. From your spot on the globe, which your words bring to life for us here. As there the full military force of a most heavily armed and heartless dictator is being brought to bear on a nation whose ideas and the very idea of its existence, he opposes
I recall on 9/11, walking from Capitol Hill, where the smoke from the Pentagon was visible, looking away to where the beautiful sky was clear and thinking 'This is what it must be like to be on a hillside in Bosnia. It is a beautiful day and not far from here, all Hell is breaking loose.'
Our thoughts and hopes are with you. Hopes for your safety. Hopes that our Javelins and Stingers arrive in time. You all in Ukraine personify bravery. Each of you in your own way. And I wish for your days to have more of the ordinarily unremarkable round of hours.
Allen, this is the epitome of bravery: you keep on living. You care about and for your family (including the four-legged members). My eyes filled with tears reading your post. And my frustration (because I cannot go up to Putin the Mad Emperor and just slap him silly) has no outlet except tears. Someone needs to do this for me. Someone. For you as well as for me. Slap him silly.
Linda, you have expressed well my own frustration about Putin, and my own amazement at the courage of the Ukrainian people, and Allen. Of course, they all are afraid, but they are using the energy created by that fear to stand tall.
I can only begin to imagine your pain and fear. I don’t have family in Eastern Europe to fear for. But, PLEASE, don’t think you are a coward because they are in Poland and you are not! Circumstances create difficult situations that are beyond our control to stop from happening. Now, the challenge for you is to help your granddaughter now that she is in Poland. Use your creative mind and don’t forget to pray. Good luck to a brave family!
Allen, not all of us are blessed with innate bravery, but courage… ah, this is what you show us how to embrace… your courage in the face of this terror is something we could all hope to possess. You’re not alone. Things ARE looking bad for Putin. His own citizens are turning against him. We should all be wary and know our days of being courageous are ahead of us. He’s far too prideful to not lash out at all of us …
A lot of us are really afraid Allen. But not scared. I am praying for your granddaughter. The images of what people have endured to leave the country and what people endure to stay is testimony to the sanctity of protecting the family and pets during crisis.
Our lives have changed and we must make that work and count for freedom.
Please do everything to be safe. I thank you so much for staying in touch. Ellie Kona sent some beautiful images along in her post. We are United!
Anybody on here know of a way to help Allen’s granddaughter? We have some pretty far reaching friends on here. An organization to get her help? If we could help in any way at all?
Watching from a far, hoping your nightmare ends quickly! A Russian soldier texted his mother that it wasn’t a rescue mission, he wasn’t trained, and has since been learned he was killed in battle. They are rising up against Putin.
There are some very nice, caring people in Latvia. I just learned that a region in Latvia is donating a firetruck to Ukraine, filled with food, blankets and other supplies. I think Latvians feel this viscerally - - they went through this when Russia (USSR) took over Latvia decades ago. No one has forgotten. My family also fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs. This is very traumatic for my mother, especially. She was a child fleeing Soviets.
You reflect the experiences, Diana, that many of our families have experienced at the hands of evil. Our feelings, which were close to surface are now flooding our minds.
We admire the unity and determination of the Ukrainians on behalf of Ukrainian democracy. You tell us the truth. The truth persists through the pain of this war. Throughout President Biden's State of the Union address last night, I thought of you. I thought of the need for our country to be united and united behind Ukraine. You and your family, including Lucky and the cats, are in our hearts, Allen.
I am not brave today. Whistling in the dark only gets you so far. The Russian attacks have slowed on the ground but continue slowly. Aerial attacks continue unabated. Fighting for Kharkov, Khetson, Mikolaiev, Mariupol is firece. None have fallen yet. Kyiv is being pounded and people are building barricades. Trains of refugees are filled. Our granddaughter in Poland is ill from her time waiting at the border. She is crying. We are crying.
The dog needs feeding. The cats are sleeping. Life goes on for us but the people in the cities under attack, life is interrupted and will never be normal again.
Stay safe! I am concerned that now that this has not gone the way Putin planned, with the unexpected resistance and being isolated by so many countries, he must be feeling desperate and will be taking out his wrath on his own people as well as redoubling his efforts to crush Ukraine. I (and I'm sure millions of others) am thinking of the Ukrainians, and hoping for the best outcome.
Feeling a bit helpless but donating to help refugees, to the World Central Kitchen and the International Rescue Committee.
Take care!💜
Yes, I think a cornered/failed Putin is a very dangerous and unpredictable animal!
Have you read Fiona Hill's article about Putin's plans? Here it is(very scary): https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/02/28/world-war-iii-already-there-00012340
Thank you for posting this link. Fascinating article, and towards the end this important nugget:
"If Western companies, their pension plans or mutual funds, are invested in Russia they should pull out. Any people who are sitting on the boards of major Russian companies should resign immediately. Not every Russian company is tied to the Kremlin, but many major Russian companies absolutely are, and everyone knows it. " Glad to see BP and Exxon pull out.
Yes, I posted this link yesterday and wondered (hoped) HCR maybe saw it somewhere. I also saw some remarks yesterday by Alexander Vindman that were pretty much in line with Hill's thoughts. How I love to see the two of them on some sort of interview panel like the WBUR one with Hill and HCR. These two people know the "enemy" as well or better than anyone and we should be listening to them. Hill's assertion that we in the West should bite the bullet and totally stop doing business with Russia is a sound one, though I cannot imagine it being very popular. Europe's economies are more involved with Russia than ours and their economies would suffer much more. It would stop Russia dead in its tracks, but come at a cost. I have to mention that even here in the banana republic known as Georgia, our legislature voted to sever all investment ties with Russia that involved pensions and the like. Yay us!
Thank you, Barb. Also Fiona Hill and Heather were brilliant together and since then I’ve read much more about/by Fiona. TFG fired her because her true genius truly frightened him.
Smart, educated women likely always frightened him!! Typical misogynist!
For sure!
Yes, and I saw and actually spoke with her on Feb. 2nd when she was with Heather for a WBUR event in Boston.
I don't understand why Biden didn't include her on staff from day one. She knows Putin from A-Z.
Given her background and as a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute, she is most likely a resource. IMO, Biden should have her, Rachel Maddow, and Heather on speed dial!!
He probably knew she was exhausted from her time with Trump!
Sharon, no doubt, but she is on top of her game like Heather is.
Barbara, I read it yesterday, and agree...it is VERY scary.
An unhinged Putin…
Thank you for sharing this article, Barbara. It is long but so informative. Fiona Hill is an amazing smart woman! I believe she will be remembered in history!
David Talbot, a writer, suggested that we give a Putin a chance to retain a little dignity. His suggestion was to take nukes out of Poland in exchange for him leaving Ukraine. It might not be a bad idea.
Thank you for this link. I just read it, and wow and yes; Fiona Hill gives you so much information and context.
BE CAREFUL!!!! I opened this link, and there's something terribly wrong. It locked up my computer. Not sure what happened, but there is something going on. Others haven't had problems, but there's an infection somewhere. I HAVE NOTIFIED SUBSTACK. ALSO RECEIVED TWO MESSAGES SUPPOSEDLY FROM HEATHER, REQUESTING THAT I SIGN IN TO SUBSTACK TO VERIFY MY INFORMATION. DIDN'T OPEN EITHER OF THEM.
Link is fine. Teaching moment:
RIGHT-click on the link, and select "Inspect" (or some variant) from the drop-down menu. You can do this safely on ANY link, even if it is a toxic link. I get:
"<a href='https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/02/28/world-war-iii-already-there-00012340' class='linkified' target='_blank' rel='nofollow ugc noopener'>https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/02/28/world-war-iii-already-there-00012340</a>'https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/02/28/world-war-iii-already-there-00012340'</a>"
How to read this:
First, "<a href='link'>" is where the link actually goes. The text between "<a ...>" and "</a>" is where the link SAYS it will go, and could say anything at all. It's how you get a link that SAYS "Pay Here" that links to a payment page.
The important part of the link is this:
"https://www.politico.com/"
First, "https://" indicates this is accessed by a secure protocol that ensures the domain (the next part) is what it says it is. It's secure enough for banking transactions.
Second, the website link. "www.politico.com" is a legitimate news site.
This link is as safe as it gets on the internet.
I'm reluctant to say it's impossible to spoof the value that shows up in a comment in Substack that looks good in the comment, but actually points to a bad address. I've had to work to get this post to be halfway readable, because Substack creates the text for the link, not me. I'd have to exploit a bug in Substack comments to get a phishing link into a comment, which would require that I know a lot of details about the Substack server code.
However, IF it were done, then inspecting the comment as I described above would reveal the spoof, because the href would not match the displayed text. Something like that would be brought to the Substack admins post-haste.
Also, I've checked out the link (nothing like a real test), and it's fine.
Joseph, thanks so much. I was okay initially, but then encountered a ribbon that said "Continue," and when I clicked on it, the trouble began, saying my computer had been taken over, etc. I shut down, which got rid of the bug, but when I rebooted, there were two emails from HCR/Substack asking me to sign in and confirm my identity. I didn't open either, so not sure whether they were safe, although the address, etc. looked legit. I'll save your instructions in case I encounter anything suspicious in the future. Now, I understand that the "Continue" ribbon was the problem, but it's disturbing that it was included in the otherwise-legitimate text. Another contributor said she'd had a similar experience. I did find the original article on Politico, so that was good.
Yes, it gave me a page supposedly from Google that want my info for a contest.
Strange, but knowing I wasn't the only one is disquieting. Vlad must know that he has no sympathizers here.
The Politico link? Worked fine for me.
Yes. I see that others used it with no problem.
Thank you. Excellent article. Scary.
Fascinating and terrifying article. I may have some nightmares tonight.
Things have changed for the better even since this article was published two days ago.
She would know, and I believe her expertise. Going to read it later, and yikes in advance.
Just finished reading it - not comforting...
Can anyone explain why we cannot go in or send soldiers to the International Legion Lezensky created to help the Ukrainians? Did we learn nothing from our hesitancy in responding to WWII? Is there nothing but weaponry and money? I feel so angry and helpless that we are watching this happen to the people of a good democracy and leader as they are being pummeled by a fricking bully madman. I may be naive. But there must be more than shoving money-- they need massive support from all nations to stop this invasion and destroy the weaponry Putin is bringing in. Could we not make a request to the Russian soldiers that if they all defect we will protect them? Sorry, I cannot cry anymore, I am angry. And I am angry watching our own homegrown terrorists sitting there listening to President Biden last night without consequences for their sedition and the fraud they commit trying to steal our right to vote. These are our own little putin-lovers sitting in our government. I am furious right now. This little, fire-breathing, 66 year-old Nana would love to join the International Legion of Soldiers and do damage to several truckloads of thermobaric weapons, then go to Moscow and make some spicy tea for the madman...for dessert. My pent-up feelings after almost 6 years of madness is getting to me today. I better go throw some snowballs. Then pet Mr. Higgins. Rant over.
Because if we send in troops then Putin can claim that NATO is attacking him and he is justified to use nuclear weapons. That will not help anyone, least of all Ukraine. In fact, if we are involved in our own wars, we will not have the resources or energy to help Ukraine. Good policies are often the hardest to carry out. Wars are not like video games where if you lose you can just play again. Putin is likely to nuke European countries that are members of NATO since he does not need nukes to take over Ukraine. That will force us to have to go into full scale war. I have relatives stationed over there. I am as angry as you are, and so grateful that we have a President that can use a cool head even though he has been belittled and provoked for by Republicans for months. They are posturing for a new spin on things. I think we all need to be writing letters everywhere pointing out that they are threatening our national security because they are.
As for the Russian soldiers defecting. Zelenskiy and the Ukrainian people seem to be doing that on their own. Every brilliant thing they can do with what they have is being done. Also, I don't think that Putin is thinking about what it will be doing to his success to have millions of Ukrainian women and children in EU countries where they have plenty of time to let their hatred for him fester and even if he succeeds in taking over Ukraine temporarily, will they let go getting revenge for their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons and children who he is so comfortable slaughtering? Probably not! He will have created a situation where they will want to avenge these needless deaths. You can support the Ukraine directly with military or humanitarian aid. This link goes to their bank.
https://helpukrainetogether.com/
Here's a link that shows townspeople taunting Russian soldiers holding hand grenades. The soldiers got back in their vehicles and left, without launching their grenades.
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/03/02/world/ukraine-russia-war/mayor-in-ukraine-asks-his-citys-residents-whether-they-wish-to-fight-or-surrender
Ukranian people/soldiers are amazing. This is a link to a tweet from a Ukranian (followed by CNN corespondent and others) showing them helping a Russian soldier.If you click on the tweet, it gives you a way to translate the tweet.https://twitter.com/ArmedForcesUkr/status/1499033625785946118?s=20&t=2Sr7aKZTDK79ekCD8meXzQ
Thanks for your kind answer. What about the International Legion of Soldiers Zelensky created to avoid countries sending in their troops directly, but it is supported from the world?
Please listen to President Zelensky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q9y0pnysWA
The International Brigade is a volunteer-based entity. Individuals with military experience from many countries, including Americans, have been and are going to join the Ukrainian resistance.
Thank you, Judith. I want to support that effort. And I think it is very important that the Ukrainian people speak with the Russian soldiers and ask them to defect and join them. This person to person connection, face to face with people who have not done anything to deserve this violent invasion...
I have been reading about people joining the fight from around Europe at least. Mostly Ukrainians returning home from wherever they are living.
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/mar/01/this-platform-for-kyiv-the-polish-train-station-with-arrivals-and-departures-of-war
Slava, Ukraini! Glory to Ukraine.
Heart.
<3 <3 <3 This 81 year old Nana is standing right next to you.
I love it--66 & 81 yrs, old--the beginning of a brigade!
Interesting practice battle just now: 4:00am. Awakened to a slight oily smell. Oil furnace, I think in a groggy state. Opened door to let fresh air in. Go make tea and decide it will be another early morning and need to check in to the news of our world. Hear squealing outside on terrace. Two skunks in battle. I watch for a moment and the banged on the window to scare the. The large, aggressive skunk has young one pinned down and was really going at it. (interesting as they were apparently fighting about SUNFLOWER SEEDS from my bird feeder). The large one was way too agressive biting. I ran back to the bedroom to shut my outside door to the 26 degree air. Back to the fight. I opened the window near them and screamed for them to stop and the big one was biting the poor little one terribly. Its' screams....ah! I ran to my sand bucket in the mudroom, opened the front door quickly, through a plastic container of sand out at them and shut door quickly. Did not budge the big guy. He seemed like he wanted to kill. I yelled and banged more on the window. Nothing stopped him. The little one was screaming and losing energy. Nana was ticked now. I looked in the mudroom for something more powerful, found my long, red, garden water wand! Opened the front door ran out an tapped the big one and ran away. He didn't even notice me and continued biting the little guy. My anger rose at how unfair this is and I drew up energy and went out there and finally hit that mean guy pretty hard on his back and ran back inside. As I entered the door I turned to see if his tail was up and it was a bit fragrant out there. He was running away! The little one sat there breathing hard, looking terribly disheveled. We just looked at one another and I told him it would be alright now. He then toddled off into the dark.
So, I went back inside, blew on my red garden hose wand as I put it back into my holster (okay, the ceramic pot) and realized, heck I am one mean fighting machine! Am now back with my tea writing this, noticing the faint smell of the strange perfume of the battle! I think I am ready, Rusty!
What is also eery about this waking dream is that yesterday, Another friend and I asked our group of well-known artists if we could all paint sunflowers to auction off to raise funds for Ukraine. We worked on that yesterday and it is turning into a global adventure with artists we are connected to around the world! One of our artists, Tatiana, is Ukrainian and her cousin is providing us with information on the ground. They need food. Best place she said to donate is:
World Central Kitchen https://wck.org Easy to donate and they have videos of their support of food and food trucks and kitchens in Ukraine and for those refugees fleeing to Poland. They do this all over the world but you can direct your funds to helping the people of Ukraine.
Flowers, beauty and food to win an unjust fight. Fighting here in Vermont with garden wands and paintbrushes.
You are in Vermont and I moved to WA state from Maine where I was raised. We New England folks are used to cold weather but nothing like the Ukrainians are experiencing. I will spread the word re: World Central Kitchen on my Facebook and Twitter pages. As to those skunks - we had a family of them living under our camp at one time when I was a child. They automatically had the 'right of way'. Hope the little one heals. Hoping there might be some place you can place a stash of sunflower seeds just for it. Hope your furnace and you have an easier day. Watching the news of Ukraine today I fear the world is going to need to be even more involved with the fighters to save Ukraine unless some kind of SEAL Team Six can make a very personal call on Putin. This all feels much too much like 1939 and the world needs to have learned lessons from Chamberlain.
Hi Rusty! You are across the continent-- I grew up in CA! I have very friendly stories of skunks here, but this one, after thinking how mean he was might be feeling off. He looked really healthy and plump but acted almost rabid on that little one. The oily smell that woke me up was the faint skunk perfume. My furnace is fine, thanks!
I am with you on the International Seal Teams. They could solve a lot of tyrannical problems.
Yes, when trump was "installed" in 2016, I really felt we were in danger as he used the same tactics of lies, fear, division, propaganda, and tons of repetition. This is so hard. They are so brave and at least we are allowed to see what a young leader can do-- because we need new ways and new ideas of managing conflict. Zelensky is a leader for these times.
Ah! The beginning of the International Nana Brigade! Welcome!
It is good to hear your voice, Allen. I also hear your angst. Please know we care about you and your family and wish you continued safety. Russian soldiers are abandoning their posts and governments within Russia are telling Putin to stop. Perhaps it will all be over soon. We have hope. My very best to you.
Вітаю! Vitayu! Greetings, Allen!
A morning note to us from you is as welcome as a LFAA!
Бажаємо негайного миру. Ми закликаємо всіх російських солдатів скласти зброю і святкувати демократію і свободу від безчинства.
Bazhayemo nehaynoho myru. My zaklykayemo vsikh rosiysʹkykh soldativ sklasty zbroyu i svyatkuvaty demokratiyu i svobodu vid bezchynstva.
(We wish for immediate peace. We plea for all Russian soldiers to lay down their weapons and celebrate democracy and freedom from tryranny.)
Америка посилає любов до українського народу!
Ameryka posylaye lyubov do ukrayinsʹkoho narodu!
(America sends love and sunflowers to the Ukrainan people!)
І нехай хоробрий російський народ повалить режим Путіна!
I nekhay khorobryy rosiysʹkyy narod povalytʹ rezhym Putina!
(And may the Russian people topple Putin's regime!)
І наші серця з ними. I nashi sertsya z nymy. (Our hearts are with them too.)
Am working on it, Allen! We are all so grateful to hear from you! 💙🌻💛
Translated the Russian to English at Google: The translation of the above posted Russian in google engilish is below.
"We call upon all Russian soldiers to lay down their armor and sanctify democracy and freedom from atrocities.
(We wish for immediate peace. We plea for all Russian soldiers to lay down their weapons and celebrate democracy and freedom from tryranny.)
America sends love to the Ukrainian people!
(America sends love and sunflowers to the Ukrainian people!)
Let the good Russian people overthrow Putin's regime!"
Wow. You are doing awesome. Better than me even after 25 years
Allen. It is in no way "me".
I simply used Google's ever more powerful translation capability to read what was written in Russian, then, thought maybe I would post it for others.
That is exactly how I do it. After 15 years.
'And should be buried as soon as possible'. I haven't been able to find this that you posted to me. After some miserable faces of mine, which I'm sure followed reading these words of yours, I remembered your singing on the fantastic concert you posted for us. Now, your singing -- is that another fault you forgot to list or is it part of you the 'buried' treasure you were referring to? Ok, Allen, I do request an answer. Please come back to me again. Your answer may be happily via song. I'll be waiting, Allen. Sing on!
Two girls are sitting on the bank of a river. A guy in a canoe goes by and says, "I didn't know there were pirates here in the past. You two are sitting on a fortune."
Sorry, Allen, since Mike confessed, I also cheated this morning! ;-) hee see!
💛💙
To "run ragged": I feel your name...
Yes, I kept it polite and left out Putin huilo. It did hurt a bit to squelch my inner TCinLA this morning.
"squelch my inner TC"!!
Love it!
As I acclimated to this safe discussion “room”, I was like, “Who IS this TCinLA???” Now, I’m like, “Where is TCinLA’s hot take on this, today???” (Not to worry, I’m already following his Substack ;)
A wonderful sight to see this morning. Thank you Pensa & Mike S. Allen and you both have brought our hearts to Ukraine.
Hi Fern. I hope all is well.
Mike S, you have been digging deep and revealed the human toil, courage and generosity of spirit we live for. LOVE and thank you
Beautiful!
We think you exhibit bravery by writing notes to us, Allen. We care about you and your family and pray for your safety.
I started a reply along the same lines about two hours ago, and then a long phone call interrupted me and it's vanished. Basically, Allen, I said that your pain is part of your courage. Nothing brave about not feeling pain or distress or fear. Resisting is what's important, and continuing to be real to your granddaughter. Your posts are important to you as well as to all of us. Fed that dog yet?
Glad to hear from you, Allen, and grateful you have power. Here are some nice images:
https://twitter.com/GailCarmichael9/status/1498889574793334785?s=20&t=1V166bpxO2V1wHgCBTqyEw
https://twitter.com/MaryWeglarz/status/1498893071605456896?s=20&t=1V166bpxO2V1wHgCBTqyEw
https://twitter.com/lamore/status/1498893456621674502?s=20&t=1V166bpxO2V1wHgCBTqyEw
https://twitter.com/JohnetteDHardy1/status/1498908425228537858?s=20&t=1V166bpxO2V1wHgCBTqyEw
https://twitter.com/reneecomunique/status/1498904574958133248?s=20&t=1V166bpxO2V1wHgCBTqyEw
Thank you Ellie. You possess such a light, meaningful, influential touch.
Salud!
Thank you for these links, Ellie. I believe art is an essential part of the human experience. When we express ourselves through the creation of art it helps us to contextualize experiences and connect us to others through an expression of shared identity. Creating and experiencing art can improve the well-being of individuals and make our communities stronger. Exactly what we need these days!
Ellie, You graced the forum's parade for Allen, his family and pets and all of the Ukrainian people with the colors of Ukraine, the colors of art and the feelings we have for them all in our hearts. Thank you.
Beautifully said, Fern🇺🇦!
... more art for the moment ...:
https://tahomahome.weebly.com/lense.html
https://tahomahome.weebly.com/moment-of-truth.html
https://tahomahome.weebly.com/clayface.html
https://tahomahome.weebly.com/germination.html
https://tahomahome.weebly.com/phoenix.html
Can’t tell you how good it was to open these this morning. Will be tweeting these out later. Thank you!
Thank you, Ellie. These images were just what we all needed this morning.
Beautiful, Elly! Thank You!
Allen, it is always a relief to find a post from you here. I can't imagine what you and your family and your country are experiencing. My husband and I send you our fervent wishes for your courage and safety. We have donated to relief organizations and written to President Biden asking him to do whatever he can to stop Putin's rampage as quickly as possible. I weep for the senseless loss of life and the awful wreckage shown on the news. We are with you in spirit. Please stay safe!
ThankYou. I am very glad to hear from you. And to know what you are seeing and thinking. It is good of you to keep in touch. Each of your emails is both both heartening and horrifying. In their details, contrasts and implications. From your spot on the globe, which your words bring to life for us here. As there the full military force of a most heavily armed and heartless dictator is being brought to bear on a nation whose ideas and the very idea of its existence, he opposes
I recall on 9/11, walking from Capitol Hill, where the smoke from the Pentagon was visible, looking away to where the beautiful sky was clear and thinking 'This is what it must be like to be on a hillside in Bosnia. It is a beautiful day and not far from here, all Hell is breaking loose.'
Our thoughts and hopes are with you. Hopes for your safety. Hopes that our Javelins and Stingers arrive in time. You all in Ukraine personify bravery. Each of you in your own way. And I wish for your days to have more of the ordinarily unremarkable round of hours.
Allen, this is the epitome of bravery: you keep on living. You care about and for your family (including the four-legged members). My eyes filled with tears reading your post. And my frustration (because I cannot go up to Putin the Mad Emperor and just slap him silly) has no outlet except tears. Someone needs to do this for me. Someone. For you as well as for me. Slap him silly.
Linda, you have expressed well my own frustration about Putin, and my own amazement at the courage of the Ukrainian people, and Allen. Of course, they all are afraid, but they are using the energy created by that fear to stand tall.
They love their country and they are willing to fight for it this time! It is admirable beyond belief.
I can only begin to imagine your pain and fear. I don’t have family in Eastern Europe to fear for. But, PLEASE, don’t think you are a coward because they are in Poland and you are not! Circumstances create difficult situations that are beyond our control to stop from happening. Now, the challenge for you is to help your granddaughter now that she is in Poland. Use your creative mind and don’t forget to pray. Good luck to a brave family!
Holding you and your family in my heart.
Allen, not all of us are blessed with innate bravery, but courage… ah, this is what you show us how to embrace… your courage in the face of this terror is something we could all hope to possess. You’re not alone. Things ARE looking bad for Putin. His own citizens are turning against him. We should all be wary and know our days of being courageous are ahead of us. He’s far too prideful to not lash out at all of us …
A lot of us are really afraid Allen. But not scared. I am praying for your granddaughter. The images of what people have endured to leave the country and what people endure to stay is testimony to the sanctity of protecting the family and pets during crisis.
Our lives have changed and we must make that work and count for freedom.
Please do everything to be safe. I thank you so much for staying in touch. Ellie Kona sent some beautiful images along in her post. We are United!
Our hearts are crying for you and your family, Allen. Be strong. Be safe and be well.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Anybody on here know of a way to help Allen’s granddaughter? We have some pretty far reaching friends on here. An organization to get her help? If we could help in any way at all?
Watching from a far, hoping your nightmare ends quickly! A Russian soldier texted his mother that it wasn’t a rescue mission, he wasn’t trained, and has since been learned he was killed in battle. They are rising up against Putin.
Hope for you! Tears for you!
💛 💙
Masha is OK. She has friends in Poland to look after her.
So good to hear that! Hope she is feeling better! I know she misses home.
Allen, let me know if you granddaughter needs help. I bet I can arrange to have someone from Latvia pick her up and provide food and shelter for her.
Your offer, Diana, covers a great distance and caring hearts.
There are some very nice, caring people in Latvia. I just learned that a region in Latvia is donating a firetruck to Ukraine, filled with food, blankets and other supplies. I think Latvians feel this viscerally - - they went through this when Russia (USSR) took over Latvia decades ago. No one has forgotten. My family also fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs. This is very traumatic for my mother, especially. She was a child fleeing Soviets.
You reflect the experiences, Diana, that many of our families have experienced at the hands of evil. Our feelings, which were close to surface are now flooding our minds.
Yes. That's very true.
Bless you, Diana!❤️❤️
Thank you. She is with friends in Poland so she is looked after
That's good to hear. I just wanted to make sure.
Once again, good to hear from you, Allen! I am very relieved she is with friends. And you and Tanya and Lucky? You are still managing to stay safe?
All good thanks
❤️🌿❤️
We admire the unity and determination of the Ukrainians on behalf of Ukrainian democracy. You tell us the truth. The truth persists through the pain of this war. Throughout President Biden's State of the Union address last night, I thought of you. I thought of the need for our country to be united and united behind Ukraine. You and your family, including Lucky and the cats, are in our hearts, Allen.
Yes yes YES!