Taking a Vacay in Kiyev...
I have a 1980’s influenced distrust of communism. In my world, communism meant the collection of power by a few in the promise to care for the many. In the 1980's, the Soviet Union was the face of communism. And Yakov Smirnoff was my favorite funny voice for freedom.
When googling Yakov's comedy, I found this interview in which he talks about how he came from Ukraine while it was still under Russian control. It's a thirteen minute clip, but it's worth a listen. His description of life in Ukraine under Russian control helps us understand why the people of Ukraine have not given up.
In the 1990’s after the Wall separating East and West Germany came down and the Soviet Empire broke apart, the theories of communism gravitated toward the idyllic. In college, I minored in Sociology and had many professors praise the ideas, philosophies, and fairness of communism. I was not swayed then and I still maintain that communism only works on paper. It's a sweet concept, but when it's executed with humans in the equation, it falls apart. In my mind, the only way communism would ever work is if Jesus Christ himself came down from Heaven and was the holder of the accumulated power. All other humans become corrupt, eventually.
My husband once told me he thought he could be benevolent dictator, because he was even-keeled and fair enough to wield any amount of power. Later that day, we were driving along and my husband became irritated with the driver in front of us. The driver would go fast, then slow, then fast again with a bit of unpredictable swerve that made you hesitant to pass on a crooked, narrow West Virginia road. In his aggravation, my husband declared that crappy drivers should be banned from the roads.
I had to point out that he was benevolent dictator for less than 24 hours and was
already making rash, emotional edicts.
So, I reminded him…
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine. May they win this battle and stay free. Along with those prayers, I booked a room in Kyiv. No, I don’t intend to vacation in a war zone, but Airbnb has waived all booking fees for stays in the Ukraine which allows the rental money to go straight to people in need. Go book yourself a stay for a good cause!
If you'd rather help via an organization, you can choose a favorite based on the help they give and how well they distribute their funds. Check out the different charities and their ratings before you give.
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This whole situation makes me so angry at Vladmir Hitler. I've donated. <3
ReplyDeleteHe is very Hitleresque.
DeleteNeither communism nor socialism work in practice.
ReplyDeleteFunny story about your husband the dictator. I'd have to agree with him though!
Humans are so prone to corruption; I don't know how you overcome it.
DeleteThanks for sharing this list,Liz. That's awesome. World Central Kitchen is also a good one.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check that one out. I've never heard of it.
DeleteThat's a really great idea.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was! I had to do it.
DeleteFunny about your hubby being a benevolent dictator for less than 24 hrs:)
ReplyDeleteI think we'd all be corrupt at some point. Mine would probably lopping off the heads of people who abuse puppies and children.
DeleteWe're like the flies in the honey.
ReplyDeleteFabulous, relevant post, Elizabeth. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYakov is wonderful. Now I know. I hadn't heard of him.
I still don't quite understand why communism is so hated, minus - well - the violence part. Putin is not about "from each according to their abilities..." In middle school, I debated Ghandi as Karl Marx. A lot of the Communist Manifesto makes sense and is good (again, minus the "violence at any means". It's a huge minus, but can we toss it and take the rest, which is pretty closely aligned by socialism?
Regardless, have a relaxing, peaceful weekend.
I just think that some human beings suck and when you allow power to concentrate, the sucky humans gravitate toward the power and ruin it for everyone. As in most things, I prefer a moderate blending. It's like cotton and polyester. Pure cotton is a pain to keep wrinkle free. Pure polyester clings to fat rolls and makes me sweaty. But a nice cotton blend...that works.
DeleteHeh. If not lopping off heads, maybe chaining them outdoors without food, water or shelter.
ReplyDeleteDid you get snow last night? We got it in the mountains.
Sandra is also fired from dictatorial consideration. LOL. But I like you're thinking!
DeleteWe got a very impressive snow for March. I'd say between six and eight inches. I woke up to a winter wonderland.