Thursday, March 3, 2022

When in the course of human events...

 Good afternoon to all...

The title of this blog comes from the opening words of the United States Declaration of Independence.  Most people are more familiar with "we hold these truths to be self-evident..."

The course of human events has yielded an inhuman nightmare unfolding in Ukraine.  I find myself utterly perplexed about why this is happening.  Whatever it is that is driving Vladimir Putin contains a logic that I cannot fathom, and do not wish to fathom.

Confusing this further is the age-old rule of combat: battle plan never survives first contact.  The reason is that the other side gets to have a battle plan.  As well, it is impossible to predict the intangibles - weather, mistakes, dumb luck, and a complete disconnect with the local population are all factors.  One presumes that Putin understands this.  

In any event, we are in the course of human events.  And in the midst of these events, we must not allow the events to make us inhuman.  Part of maintaining our humanity is contained in the commandment לא תעמוד על דם רעך.  Do not stand idly over the blood of your neighbour.

I understand the concerns about committing troops to any battle theatre.  What interest does anyone have in the people of another country?  As well, it opens up a whole new potential for the battle theatre to expand well beyond its current location.  

We have interest.  When people need help, we do not ask the address.  When people need help, we show up.  Basic compassion and basic honour demand no less.

I will leave it to the combatant commanders to advise on how to influence the battle theatre more aggressively.  However, it is time.  Putin will not lose on his own.

R/SCG

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