The Russian Invasion of Ukraine and Knee-Jerk Reactions
Channel your outrage by doing something useful
An outraged world watches in horror as Russia violates International law. The invasion of Ukraine has spurred people to action. It’s too bad that their misplaced outrage is hurting innocent people. Many of them are small business owners.
Russian Samovar, a restaurant in Manhattan, business is down by sixty percent. The owner of the restaurant and his employees have nothing to do with the war, and they want the war to end.
Russian Vodka Room in New York is being harassed on the phone. Things have become so bad. Both restaurants display Ukrainian flags outside their restaurants.
Don’t waste good vodka
Vodka Distillers are also affected. Bar owners across the country are protesting the invasion by dumping Stolichnaya Vodka. I’m sure it feels good for them to do this, and I’m sure their customers approve, but it’s an empty gesture.
Stolichnaya is no longer made in Russia. It’s made in Latvia and the Company is headquartered in Luxemburg. Smirnoff Vodka is another Brand that’s Russian in name only.
Smirnoff is owned by a British Spirits Company and is manufactured in Illinois.
Do something that matters
If people feel the need to do something, they could donate to relief organizations. They could hold prayer vigils. They could volunteer in many ways.
Hurting a business with a Russian name doesn’t hurt Putin or the Oligarchs. It does hurt the small business that an Immigrant has sacrificed to build.
If you asked them, many of the businesses with Russian names and the small businesses with Russian owners, are as appalled as you are of the whole thing.
Final Thought:
If you feel the need to help or take a stand do something useful. Don’t destroy someone’s dream by being ignorant.
