What can we do for Zelensky?
We must protect his vision for a free world
I am not willing to lose Zelensky. I don’t know him personally but he is an expression of leadership, commitment, and downright sacrifice for freedom and the protection of his people. He is the loudest voice confronting Putin. He is the strongest symbol of the fight to keep an oligarchy away from freedom-loving peoples.
Navalny’s death in Russia must serve as a reminder of the consequences of living under a dictatorship. Navalny exhibited courage and commitment to return to Russia when he could have remained outside Russia. His was a voice that echoed throughout the world bringing attention to the possibility of overturning the brutal regime of Putin.
Now Zelensky’s fight takes on an even greater dimension. There have been those who have risen up and genuinely led the fight against the oppression of their time. Zelensky is one. Yes, he is fighting for Ukraine, but that fight and its importance go well beyond Ukraine and is the classic hero’s journey as described by theorist Joseph Campbell. It’s an archetypal fight like David against Goliath, representative of the fight of good versus evil.
Volodymyr Zelensky was born on January 25, 1978, in the Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (now Ukraine). He studied law at the Kryvyi Rih National University and then earned a degree in law from the Kyiv National Economic University.
Zelensky got famous for his stint as a comedian, actor, and producer. He also produced popular television shows and comedy sketches. Zelensky starred in several comedy series, including the one that got the most attention: “Servant of the People. ” He played the role of a teacher who winds up becoming President of Ukraine because his commentary against government corruption went viral.
As in the hero’s journey, Zelensky reluctantly at first, heard the call of the people.
He was elected in 2019 by a landslide.
It matters that we care about him and his family. It matters that we care about his well-being. It matters that he is standing up against an irrational threat to his country and democracy.
The autonomy and freedom of Ukraine represent freedom for all of us. The Kremlin has already demonstrated a desire to expand and conquer territories.
Zelensky took office with the continuing threat from Russia that had already seized Crimea in 2014.
On February 22, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine.
Despite being misled, ignored, and subjected to coercion blocking military support from the US, Zelensky refused to flee and stood up to the invasion by Russia.
This was reminiscent of the voices who stood for freedom like Churchill and FDR who were key to winning WWII. Zelensky spoke in English to the West and his voice created a huge response from European allies.
Zelensky represents the power of an individual standing up for what he believes. Even his works as a comedian and actor before he became president were acts of defiance against those who would quiet voices in the world.
Russia represents the absence of freedom, the power of oligarchs and dictators the suppression of the truth, and the continuing avalanche of misconduct obscured by a phony press.
Many of us saw the potential of Russia towards the end of Gorbachev’s leadership who believed in the vision that it could become a free country with free enterprise and nourishment for its people. That vision is long lost. In Russia, elections are scam events with no real opposition. A dictator sits at the helm sending thousands to their deaths for his attack on Ukraine.
It matters that we care about him and his family. It matters that we care about his well-being. It matters that he is standing up against an irrational threat to his country and democracy.
What do we do?
Write to our deadlocked Congress.
Protect our right to vote.
Guard against misinformation.
Support the Ukrainian defense.
Help the Ukrainian People.
Why this is important to me:
I remember having to duck under my desk because of a fear of nuclear attack during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I studied languages including Russian because I wanted peace on Earth. it is still my goal. There can be no peace when countries do not honor and respect borders. Peace cannot exist when food and other resources are cut off from the other parts of the world due to war and skirmishes between Russia and other countries that it is trying to take back.
I continue the tradition of my father and mother who so dearly loved this country that they even got mad at me because I chose to do my taxes on the long form instead of the short form. (they thought taking deductions was unAmerican). I chuckle now at this notion, but it was an example of their devout belief in the American dream.
I know it feels like we’ve lost that but the promise of that dream is real for me and it is very real for the families of American soldiers from all ethnic and racial backgrounds who serve today to protect this country and those who died fighting for this country. Many enlist today and believe in the promise of freedom for all, the gift of freedom of speech, and the power of the vote.
Ukraine is not worlds apart. It’s fight is universal.
Get on my guest list for interviews for Profonde.TV