News of the Russian attack on Ukraine is greatly troubling. To think that a very powerful, wealthy man like Putin and his associates can simply wage war on a neighboring country to feed their ego, power, wealth, and pleasure is truly painful. When I think of all the good time and energy, good people the world over contribute to build good lives, care for one another and protect the planet, I am sick to think that a few evildoers can swoop in and wreck the good work done, the good lives led, the love and care people commit to one another.
How can the world prevent such crimes against humanity--grave, hateful acts that hurt, harm and kill people as well as destroy our planet and the many beautiful, creative spaces people have nurtured and created? I believe that every peaceful means possible must be used to counter the deadly acts of evil doers--we must work to prevent their carnage and destruction with as much coordinated, clever peaceful means as possible. Ideally, I'd also love for us to invent a vaccuum that could simply suck up these evil doers and position them in some remote uncomfortable cabin in the northern, coldest regions of Earth for an extended stay--perhaps we could give them a few good books and a long lasting supply of power bars--they can melt the snow outside for water.
In the meantime, how do people survive when they are in the midst of evil doers and evil acts. On the news, we see people who face such evil daily. For example, consider the parents of Ahmaud Arbery--their son went out for a job and was killed by vigilantes because of the color of his skin. That's evil those parents and the rest of us have to endure. How do we survive and thrive amidst evil.
First, speak up--don't stay silent. One person's oppression may be your oppression next--don't allow such evil abuse, destruction, death and oppression to exist.
Next, do not vote for self-serving, silent, me-first evil leaders. There are too many lazy, take-care-of-myself, bigoted, hateful leaders in power right now in the United States. Look at their records--it seems that they simply spread propaganda and vote for their own gain/fame while not earning their high salaries by serving the people. Don't vote for people like that--don't support people like that, they're evil!
After that, be on the lookout for propaganda. Trump is a manipulative sociopath that drew many into his cult with his propaganda and grandiosity. Don't be fooled by people like that and dont believe the lies and exaggeration they spread to prop up their own pleasure, privilege, power, protection and wealth.
Then do what you can to live a good life for yourself and others--the kind of life that contributes to the common good not takes away from it. Challenge yourself to be useful, helpful, kind, loving, creative and caring.
We can't control all that happens, but we can do all we can to work for the common good by speaking up, electing great leaders, staying informed with accurate information and doing what we can to help one another. Onward.