#gratitude to ukraine

[tomorrowusa]

Yale Prof. Timothy Snyder is a leading US scholar of Eastern and Central European History. His knowledge of European history was the starting point for his examination of the threat to US democracy in his book On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century.

Because of Dr. Snyder’s expertise and availability, he’s often quoted and featured in discussions in the media about the current conflict. He may be the US historian with the highest profile in 2022.

At Substack, Timothy Snyder makes the case that we have much to be grateful for from Ukraine.

Americans (and many others) owe Ukrainians a huge debt of gratitude for their resistance to Russian aggression. For some mixture of reasons, we have difficulty acknowledging this. To do so, we have to find the words. Seven that might help are: security, freedom, democracy, courage, pluralism, perseverance, and generosity.

A major case in point regarding security.

The major scenario for global conflict in the twenty-first century was thought to be a Chinese-American confrontation over Taiwan. As a result of Ukrainian resistance, Beijing sees the difficulties it would face in an offensive in Taiwan. The flashpoint of what most analysts regarded as the most likely (or even inevitable) scenario for major war has essentially been removed.

This debt is all but impossible for Americans to register. In daily press coverage, we are drawn to the headlines that make us feel threatened, or suggest that the war is somehow about us. This can prevent us from seeing the overall picture.

China has seen the catastrophe that Russia’s invasion has been for Putin. Xi is less likely to risk something similar in Taiwan. And aggressive countries in general who have armed themselves with Russian military hardware may now suspect that their equipment is largely crap.

But it’s something near and dear to Americans that we should be particularly grateful for. 

For me personally, the greatest debt concerns freedom. This is a word that we Americans use quite a lot, but we sometimes lose track of what it really means. For the past thirty years or so, we have fallen into a very bad habit of believing that freedom is something that is delivered to us by larger forces, for example by capitalism. This is simply not true, and believing it has made us less free. "The whole history of the progress of human liberty," Frederick Douglass said, "shows that all concessions yet made to her august claims have been born of earnest struggle." It will always be the case that freedom depends upon some kind of risky effort made against the larger forces. Freedom, in other words, will always depend upon an ethical commitment to a different and better world, and will always suffer when we believe that the world itself will do the work for us.

By choosing to resist invasion in the name of freedom, Ukrainians have reminded us of this. And in doing so, they have offered us many interesting thoughts about what freedom might be. Volodymyr Zelens'kyi, for example, makes the interesting point that freedom and security tend to work together.

Ukraine has shown us what it takes to persevere as a country.

Ukrainians have demonstrated extraordinary perseverance. The decision to resist at the beginning, crucial thought it was, has to be followed by that same decision, over and over, hour after hour, day after say, shelling after shelling, bombing after bombing, missile attack after missile attack, drone strike after drone strike. Ukraine is a country where most of the population has had to leave their homes, where whole cities have been destroyed, where millions of people right now are denied access to electricity and water. Winter is coming, and the Ukrainians persevere.

Everything that the rest of us gain from Ukrainian resistance -- in terms of security, freedom, democracy, courage, pluralism -- depend upon this capacity to persevere. 

Some nitwits, MAGA zombies on the right and “tankies” on the left, whine that the US is giving Ukraine too much. I would argue that we haven’t given Ukraine enough for what the Ukrainians have done for us.

This is an excellent move. Destroy Russian planes launching missiles which kill Ukrainian civilians.

US finalizing plans to send Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine  

The least we can do is to help Ukraine drive out the invaders and war criminals.

[dieversa]

As I realise that I need to take pauses in every possible way, to try to forget at least for a short moment about everything that is happening around and inside me, but… I live in Ukraine.

The war is still going on. It is scary to realise the exact forms of horror to which we have become used and how much pain and despair are bound up in the routine life of the common Ukrainian.

To be honest, the wave of support that came over me was like the sound wave of my favourite shoegaze. Despite all the pain, fear and anger - gratitude overwhelms me.

Thank you to each and every one of you for your words, reposts, understanding and empathy. It greatly helps me not to lose my mind.

[herukapadmajungiansworld]

[theexandthecity]

It's all about LOVE💕 I'm deeply honored to play at the legendary club Closer in Kyiv for the first time this weekend! Our life journey is precious and beautiful, no matter what. I love you all so much. We are one, light. God is with us. 🌈☮️🍀💟✨

[ninecentgirl]

Even in the darkest of days

Even in the darkest of days one searches to find a flicker of light, perhaps cutting through the fog or slanting between the clouds, and if you can find it, if only for a split second, it does the heart good to take that hope in. Absolute darkness does seem to be the state of affairs clear round our little spinning Earth of late. From the butchers who attacked Israeli civilians on October 7th to…

[equusspirit]

Electric Gratitude!

Now there’s a concept that the people who don’t like “wokeness” will really have a time with! They’re always big on how if poor people were more grateful for what they were getting, they would take better care of their homes, cars, clothes,…and they would last longer and so on so forth. Sometimes I get fed up with them, but most of the time, it’s just better to tune the bastards out. They don’t…

[neil-gaiman]

Hello, Neil Gaiman!

I noticed that many fans are expressing their gratitude, so I wanted to join in and do the same.

I'm a huge fan of your work and have managed to collect all of your books that I could find in Ukrainian. They have been a constant source of comfort and inspiration during my darkest moments.

Your support for Ukraine means everything to me and countless others. It's heartening to see that even after a year of active war, you still have a tweet about Ukrainian refugees pinned on your profile.

I'm eagerly looking forward to the new season of Good Omens, although it's unfortunate that Amazon Prime isn't available here yet. Hopefully, that changes soon. I also hope the writers' strike comes to a resolution, so that more incredible stories can be told.

Thank you, for the profound impact you've had on my life and for being a compassionate voice. Your art has provided me with a sanctuary, and I'll forever be grateful.

I'm just glad that I helped. (I didn't know Amazon Prime Video wasn't in Ukraine.) Sending all good wishes possible for Ukraine to get through these dark days.

[dontforgetukraine]

This past weekend, people in Prague, Vilnius, Stockholm, Paris, London and other cities came together for an incredibly important cause. We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined these rallies, standing in solidarity with Ukraine and demanding that Western governments allow Ukraine to strike back against the terror being inflicted on our people. Russia has been relentlessly terrorizing Ukrainian cities with missile strikes, targeting civilians, homes, schools, and hospitals. Innocent people are suffering every day. It is only fair and just that Ukraine be given the right to defend itself and strike back at the aggressor. Your voices in these rallies were a powerful reminder that the world sees the truth and will not stay silent in the face of this injustice. Thank you to all who took a stand. Together, we are calling for justice and freedom for Ukraine.

—International Centre for Ukrainian Victory

[anastasiareyreed]

two years have already passed...

today, two years ago, all of Ukraine woke up to explosions, sounds of flying fighter jets, gunshots and screams of terror. today, February 24, is the anniversary of russia's invasion of Ukraine. full-scale invasion, escalation of ten-year genocide. I can't explain the feeling when I first saw wounded people, when I first heard a rocket flying overhead aimed at a residential building.

it is emotionally difficult to comprehend all the terrible events that happened during this time. everything I'm trying to cover here as soon as I get my thoughts together. and everything that I don't have enough strength for...

Bucha massacre

Mass burials in Izium

Mass execution of Ukrainian prisoners in Olenivka

The tragedy of Mariupol

Defense of Azovstal

Bakhmut Fortress

Ecological disaster in Kakhovka

The tragedy of Hroza

Tens of thousands of Ukrainian children forcibly deported to russia

Torture of civilians

The battle for Donetsk Airport

The Ilovaisk Tragedy

russian manipulation and propaganda

burning Ukrainian books, destroying Ukrainian museums and entire cities, torturing people for tattoos connected to Ukraine. forced re-education of children and adults who are forced to learn the russian national anthem, worship portraits of putin every day and receive russian documents in order to receive water and food in the occupied territories. daily shelling and casualties, daily struggle for survival and freedom, which russians want to take away from us.

all the terrible cases of execution of Ukrainian soldiers: beheadings, castration, amputation of limbs, execution of prisoners. burning civilians alive, raping women, men and children, torturing even animals, even little mice. tons of photos and videos that I don't want to add here because even the slightest glimpse of all those images breaks my heart and causes me to have a panic attack. however, you can find it all freely available on the Internet by simply typing in keywords.

instead, I would like to show photos of rallies in support of Ukraine, which took place today all over the world. to find out where each photo is from, see the alt text for them.

despite the fact that in russia they celebrate the war, Ukrainians, who were forced to flee from the war, gathered at rallies around the world, together with residents of the countries that gave them shelter. the civilized world expresses sympathy and grief, with calls to provide arms to Ukraine so that we can defeat russia as soon as possible and return peace to our lives.

it's sad that more photos can't be added to show as many cities as possible that came out to support us today. but I've been looking at all the photos and videos of the rallies all day today and I have tears of gratitude in my eyes. thank you all for continuing to stand with Ukraine!

[world-of-wales]

BREAKING NEWS -

GIFTS FROM FRIENDS!

The British Embassy in Kyiv recieved handcrafted hats as gifts on behalf of The Princess of Wales and Queen Camila.

The hats were a gesture of friendship & gratitude from the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, designer Ruslan Baginskiy, his team, and the people of Ukrain highlighting the ties between the two nations.

The Princess's gift included a green boater hat, the traditional shape that makes part of the silhouette drawn by folk Ukrainian clothing.

It's adorned with handcrafted white silk Forsythia, a 'Pervotsvit' flower, which means first-to-bloom in Ukrainian spring and a symbol of life and hope.

[emotionaldisaster909]

Today the body of the only real opposition leader in my country was buried

After his death on February 16th

Exactly a month before the presidential “election”.

After three years in prison camps.

Thousands of people gathered before the funeral ceremony, leaving flowers and messages of gratitude

Thousands of people protested on the streets, stopped by the police from getting closer to the funeral

All stood together in his name,

chanting

“Heroes don’t die!”

“Stop the war!”

“Peace for Ukraine! Freedom for Russia!”

“You wasn’t afraid, we aren’t afraid.”

I was afraid

I am

But seeing the bravery of my people, openly protesting despite all the risks, despite their faces being caught on cameras, despite everything

Makes me hope

And makes me want to spread the word

It often feels just scary and hopeless

Because, what the protests are for? For the goverment to see, to fear, to reconsider their choices

But there has been so many protests

And the goverment

Does not care.

Never did.

And the people brainwashed by the official propaganda will only see and hear what they’re being shown and told on daily basis.

But to all the people who still know what’s black and white.

This today?

Was hope.

He was killed, but not broken.

Even in such tragedy there is light.

And on March 16th the official presidential elections will be held.

But everyone, every single person in this country knows they’re faked.

Have been for years. And years. Even before the constitution was rewritten to coronate one person forever.

It will be faked again.

But today?

Was the truth.

The truth that we aren’t broken.

Before all the power of the corrupted, heartless, hating, greedy and evil

There is good.

There is honesty, bravery, conscience, kindness, understanding

Humanity

And I just want the humanity to know.

I just want the world to see.

We might not have power to do much else.

But if there is good, kind and understanding outside.

Help.

Help the world.

The hate,

The corruption,

The wars must stop.

One day we must win.

[deadpresidents]

Joe Biden has been one of America's most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we've also been reminded — again — that he's a patriot of the highest order. Sixteen years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I knew about Joe’s remarkable career in public service. But what I came to admire even more was his character — his deep empathy and hard-earned resilience; his fundamental decency and belief that everyone counts.

Since taking office, President Biden has displayed that character again and again. He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first major piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years, made the biggest investment to address climate change in history, and fought to ensure the rights of working people to organize for fair wages and benefits. Internationally, he restored America’s standing in the world, revitalized NATO, and mobilized the world to stand up against Russian aggression in Ukraine.

More than that, President Biden pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood, and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration. Through his policies and his example, Joe has reminded us of who we are at our best — a country committed to old-fashioned values like trust and honesty, kindness and hard work; a country that believes in democracy, rule of law, and accountability; a country that insists that everyone, no matter who they are, has a voice and deserves a chance at a better life.

This outstanding track record gave President Biden every right to run for re-election and finish the job he started. Joe understands better than anyone the stakes in this election — how everything he has fought for throughout his life, and everything that the Democratic Party stands for, will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump back in the White House and give Republicans control of Congress.

I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight. For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America. It’s a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow.

We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges. I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.

For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times — and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.

-- Former President Barack Obama's statement on President Biden's announcement, July 21, 2024.

[vdshakh]

Living in Ukraine means being in the basement at work and feeling the earth shake from explosions.

Hello everyone.

This is an unusual post for my blog. For the past 3 years, this blog has been my sanctuary. I've preferred to focus here on creativity rather than address real-world issues. However, it's becoming increasingly challenging to maintain the same approach, especially without consistent access to electricity.

This post serves as a notice that I may take longer to respond to your messages and may need to take a general hiatus. Nevertheless, I want to express my gratitude for all your comments, reblogs, and likes. They mean a lot to me.

I also want to emphasize that every donation is significant. Please donate if you have the opportunity.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

[panimoonchild]

Support organizations that do the right things immediately

"Always".

I saw for myself how WCK volunteers arrived immediately after the shelling in my city. And even to cities and towns that are under heavy fire.

Huge gratitude from the people of Ukraine to the founder of WCK.

This photo is comforting 🥺❤️‍🩹🫂

Please support this organization:

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Promises Kept.

January 5, 2024

ROBERT B. HUBBELL

When Joe Biden declared his candidacy for president in 2019, the nation was bruised, battered, and divided by three years of Trump's unrelenting chaos and carnage. During Biden’s year-long campaign, Trump plunged America into darker waters as he tried to extort Ukraine into fabricating lies about Joe Biden and his son. Trump then engaged in gross dereliction of duty by mishandling the nation’s response to Covid, ultimately resorting to lies and quackery as the death toll mounted.

Biden stepped into the breach, promising “to restore the soul, honor, dignity, and decency” of America. In word and deed, Biden has kept those promises—despite virulent and violent opposition by MAGA extremists who sought to prevent the peaceful transfer of power—and who still seek to destroy our democracy today.

Historians may view Biden’s greatest success as the restoration of normalcy, decency, and rationality to the executive branch of the US government. Biden’s legislative accomplishments are historic and will be an enduring legacy standing alone.

Identifying Biden’s legislative successes is easy; identifying the depth and breadth of Biden’s restoration of decency and rationality is more difficult—because living in a normal frame of reference is subtle and ineffable. It infuses every aspect of democracy and political discourse. It is the absence of chaos, it is not waking up every morning thinking, “Oh, God. What has he tweeted now?”, and it is not hearing every governmental action re-interpreted through Trump's lenses of narcissism, delusion, and insecurity.

Joe Biden acts within a rational political framework. His policies can be praised or criticized because they exist (in writing) and reflect the reasoned judgment of Biden and his staff after a period of reflection and debate. They are not made up “on the fly” in response to reporters’ questions shouted over the noise of helicopter rotors.

The return to normalcy, decency, and dignity is neither sexy, compelling, nor “made for TV.” But it was precisely what the nation needed after the chaos of Trump's tenure as president. Joe Biden kept his promises. For that, we owe him a debt of gratitude that we must repay in 2024.

On the eve of the third anniversary of January 6, Biden is launching his 2024 campaign in earnest. In a political ad previewed on MSNBC, Biden said that he is making “the preservation of democracy” the centerpiece of his campaign. In the ad, Biden says, in part,

All of us are being asked, “What will we do to maintain our democracy?” History is watching. The world is watching. Most importantly, our children and grandchildren will hold us responsible . . . .

A campaign theme of “preserving democracy” is neither sexy, compelling, nor “made for TV.” But it is precisely what the nation needs as it stares into the abyss of a second Trump term as president.

I have heard from dozens of readers this week who are disappointed with Biden’s responses regarding immigration and the war in Gaza. Some have suggested that they will not vote or will vote for a third-party candidate. Both of those options are the functional equivalent of voting for Trump.

The freedom to criticize the president is a privilege of our democracy guaranteed in the Constitution. We can debate presidential policies only if we have a democratic frame of reference within which to hold those debates.

That democratic frame of reference will exist under a second Biden term. Under Trump, the democratic frame of reference will be replaced by a simple test: Does speech praise Trump? If not, the speaker will act at their peril. Trump’s vigilantes will threaten the speaker, and state and federal agencies will pretend the threats are harmless jokes or over-exuberant expressions of loyalty to Trump.

The threat of vigilantism to punish speech is not hyperbole. As we approach the third anniversary of January 6, elected officials who criticize Trump or apply the law to his unlawful conduct are being deluged with death threats. They are being “swatted” by sick individuals who call 9-1-1 to make false reports of crimes in progress—resulting in the deployment of armed emergency responders to the elected officials’ homes.

Like Joe Biden, Trump has made promises. He has promised his followers that, if re-elected, “I will be your retribution.” He has also promised that he will be a dictator “on day one” if he is elected to a second term.

Joe Biden has kept his promise “to restore the soul, honor, dignity, and decency” of America. We should take Biden at his word that he will work to preserve democracy if re-elected in 2024.

As with Biden, we should take Trump at his word: He will exact retribution and act as a dictator on day one of his second term.

The competing promises of Trump and Biden tell us everything we need to know about the choice we face in the 2024 election.

Concluding Thoughts.

The choice between presidential candidates in 2024 could not be starker. There is no ambiguity, nuance, or grey area. We must help Joe Biden communicate that fundamental difference and help people understand that the choice in 2024 is not about policies or the economy. It is about democracy—and whether we are for it or against it.