It’s late and my eyes are heavy with sleep, but I must write and provoke you to do as I’m doing–consider recent events in Eastern Europe.
I keep thinking about how we and many other nations were just in Sochi, Russia–the sponsoring nation of the winter Olympics–It was such a celebratory time and it gave me hope that the U.S.S.R. government had reformed from the former ways of tyranny.
I’m saddened that the Soviet Union is still using its old tricks of intimidation, oppression and absolute power to exercise a heavy hand over the heart of its nation–its people.
The assembling of the nations in beautiful Sochi has been followed by the seizing of Crimea. A couple of days ago, the Russian free media was silenced; websites reflecting opinions which are not supportive of Mr. Putin’s ideologies and politics were unplugged; and protestors whose protests are not “sanctioned” by the government will receive heavy penalties. I find equally disheartening the posturing rhetoric that was recently made against the United States concerning “radioactive ash.”
Much more good is accomplished through collaboration where everyone at the table agrees to listen, love (honor one another), and learn. Okay, I’ll be the first to admit, maybe my ideas are simplistic and a little too sweet for some politicians, but when has tyranny ever created a stronger nation or a more dedicated and loyal citizenry?
Pursuing peace above war, and love above hatred, and truth above deception is a far better path for all people and all nations.
A great man once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King, Jr