No Paradigms

 Perspective

Bystanders

As I watch the Ukranian tragedy unfold I wonder how I can help. I've donated funds to various causes I think will actually help the Ukrainians, but I wish there was more I could do. I turn 70 this year and not in the best condition to go and fight. Besides it's been over 4 decades since I served in the military, and I suspect my fighting skills are less than stellar. But I wish I could do more.

Watching this unfold I recall a time when I was attacked by a bully in my high school hallway. I truly don't remember why he pushed me into the wall, but I do recall fighting back, and fighting hard. They were surprised I was fighting back and frankly so (in retrospect) was I. I recall the crowd that formed around us watching to see what happened next. I remember that as he hit me and I hit back. The sounds of the gathered crowd. I can still hear some yelling 'Get up.' and 'C'mon man, That's it, don't take his crap.' I also recall his buddies telling him to quit fooling around and finish this whimp.

It reminds me of Russia's attack on Ukraine today. Russia the bully and Ukraine the defender doing their best to put up a fight that everyone knows the bully will win. No one came to help me. Sure people that day and the next day denounced the kid as a bully and sided with me and cited my courage... big deal - he won. He kicked my ass.

I see all these countries siding with Ukraine but not getting involved. Yes, there are aggressive sanctions but will they work in time? Does this madman / bully care? And yes, I know the nuclear issue - I get the fear. But would he and would those in the Russian government let him? All I know is that he doesn't care about what all other countries think. The bully that beat me up in that hallway doesn't remember that fight as I do. Why? Because he won - like he had other fights before and...it wasn't worth his time to worry about the nay sayers. He just wanted to and did and no one else remembers it today nor is he held accountable or feel guilty. I don't have the answer, but I know this...

Bullies only respond to a greater force. History has shown this to be true and history is always written by the victor.

I really wish I knew how I could help more than I am.