Lessons From War 2022

How time flies, and changes.

There are different words for disasters; war is one of them. War has never left humanity. Wherever we are, it is not far behind. Before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the world was already undergoing different conflicts and suffering from different refugee crises. By addressing one, our goal is not to compare but to open more discussions about the issue.

Once a Taiwanese English teacher in Ukraine, around the time of the annexation of Crimea about 8 years ago, Andy had an opportunity to work overseas and he chose to work where his help could matter, Ukraine. At the time of acceptance to the job, the news was all about the plane crash. Ukraine was on a brink of war and most people would've stayed away from it. Perhaps it was due to some young brave-heart attitude, Andy thought about how he could be more of service to the people over there so they have a chance to move one day. Plus, Ukraine and Taiwan struggle with very similar bullies, Russia and the CCP.

8 years later, warfare continues and worsens. It is difficult to hear about and see pictures of where you were before being bombed. Military units are logical targets, but when done to hospitals, schools, apartments, what more do we need to prove that there's no peace talk with thugs? "Collateral damage" doesn't justify war crimes. Putin's Russia, though he still represents a part of it, will have to bear the heaviest consequence of its action.

Apart from the hideous struggles, there are lessons we could... sorry, we SHOULD learn from, lessons that could get us on track to the right mindset and easily help improve our lives. Let's look at how all three parties handle Putin's war, Russia, Ukraine, and the rest of the world.

Russia

Your government/Putin wages an unjust war against your neighbor in the name of eradicating Neo-Nazis which if there are, isn't Russia's business. Russian people cannot have their voices spoken or written unless they are the same as the dictator. They cannot even protest with a blank piece of paper.

Eligible candidates (?) are drafted and sent in different names such as military training or "special exercise" but for the same purpose, invasion. While the Russian people are not entirely to be blamed, they will forever be cursed and be bearing this sin in history.

How do we fight against the oppressor? First, we need to identify the issue. Having the ability to think critically and identify propaganda requires a constant working mind. As the saying goes, if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. To know if what we stand for is right, we must be open to different sources of information. We live in a time where anyone claims to know everything. Words have confusing meanings. News is fake; war is peace. One simple tip to help clarify is variety. Watch/listen to even the people you don't like. Decide carefully, speak slowly, and always be open to admitting mistakes so we can change. It is that, or you fight physically with the government.

Ukraine

Let's not lose focus by thinking there's also something wrong with the Ukrainians or their government. We don't blame the victims for the mistakes they once have. Frankly speaking, it's not our business and it's no reason to be killed. The Ukrainian government may be corrupted and its people may be Neo-Nazis. Who is anyone to fix it by deadly force? Besides, it is more than clear that those are excuses Putin and his supporters fool themselves by.

As it begins, the Ukrainian president Vladimir Zelensky has been doing a great job. Personally speaking, he is someone to be admired and respected as a leader of a nation. Facing tremendous pressure and death threat for both his people and himself, president Zelensky stands with the people, as he is "Servant of the People". He's also a well-spoken person. In his speeches and interviews, one can soon relate to the Ukrainian people and hope for peace.

Needless to say, the Ukrainian people are showing us that we cannot submit to thugs as they refuse by fighting against the largest army in the world, though not the best. United, respectable, and honorable as they fight. There will be no losing for Ukraine for they have already won. Would we do the same when under attack? We wouldn't need to think. We must. Andy for one would die standing up and wouldn't beg for a living.

The rest of the world

As war unites, it also divides. It is human nature to help the poor, the weak, and the needy. However, we could see politics, greed, and self-interest getting some of us off track. The world may be back to a binary state, pro or against. Why do we have to take a side? Why must we take a side?

It is obvious that the world is of two halves now, the feared and the fearful. While the UN condemns Russia for its actions, it fears further actions may stimulate worse. Some pretend to help and oppose real help. Some even support the war. One thing we must get straight is that as long as there's a bully, a line has to be drawn. To fight or not to fight, this is the question. No one can be neutral in conflicts. If we choose NOT to help those who suffer, we empower the culprits.

Fighting against wrongdoers doesn't always necessarily mean in physical forms, and vice versa; not joining the invasion doesn't mean you're right, either. You can donate, send goods, volunteer, or you can share the news. Our actions speak louder than words. Though words may not be heard or seen, deep down, we know that these actions reflect who we really are.

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The price of freedom is high; so high that we may have to die for it in order to survive.

Heroes will rise and we cannot let them fall in vain.

Slava Ukraini.

May there be peace soon enough.

The day will come again when we can look up without fear.

#selfreflect