The recent invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces has some pretty serious implications for all of us. We must all recognize there is no valid reason Russia has taken this most aggressive action. This invasion will inevitably create unnecessary damage and harm to the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and to the entire world. If there is no justifiable reason for such action by Russia, what is this really all about? It seems clear it is simply about the self-interest and self-aggrandizement of one man, Vladimir Putin. The good news is that it appears as though the world is standing together in opposition to this egregious action, and this is a very good sign for all of us. Humanity has become engaged with this presented opportunity to end oppression and selfishness, and has decided to heal the cleavages that exist between us. Let’s consider the following.
Self-Interest and the Glorification of the Ego
When we have only self-interest in mind, and lots of power to go along with it, devastation is a normal outcome. This is what we see in Vladimir Putin’s attempt to express himself and create a world in which his own ego is satisfied. As you may recall, we have discussed the attempt of certain individuals to recreate the past and have things be the way they used to be. That is what is happening here, in his attempt to establish the former Soviet Union. The reality of the old Russia is really no different from what it is today. It has always been about expressing power in the form of pure domination through oppression. The policies, or mode of governance, of the old U.S.S.R. were based on the desire to “rule the world”, not to serve the needs of its people. The same is happening today, as the Russian government controls its people through deception and the withholding of information. The Russian people have no individual rights to speak of, as their world reality is dictated by Vladimir Putin and his minions. There is no opportunity given by them for their own people to express themselves or to pursue a life and reality based on equality and truth. The goal of Mr. Putin is simply to have the experience of extreme “personal” power and make that the reality for everyone. All his efforts are motivated by the need to glorify his own ego and nothing else. He has no concern as to the impact his impulses and activities have upon his own people, or the world in general. Living a life and creating a reality only for oneself, at the cost of everything else, will ultimately lead to destruction. If Vladimir Putin simply has a desire to “go down in history” as a powerful, effective leader, I’m afraid this has already been established. He has been successful in removing certain peoples’ right to have resources, their right to access truthful information, and their right to even exist at all. Unfortunately, the Ukrainian people, and the rest of the world will have to join in on his personal quest for world domination and ultimate self-destruction, once again, against their will.
The Global Community
I believe the global community is moving toward one of mutual cooperation, and a mutual benefit this cooperation will bring. Every nation has an opportunity to provide and contribute something to the greater world that will improve the condition and quality of life of every human being. These necessary contributions will help us all see the need to include all people and nations as equally responsible parties in the welfare of humanity at large and the health of our planet. Global conditions, especially economic ones, have reached the point now that each nation will find it increasingly less likely they will be able to survive without this mutual cooperation and interplay. This is a good thing, for we are all indeed human beings with the same needs. No man, no woman, no nation is capable of surviving as an isolated entity. This, Vladimir Putin, and so many other leaders are about to find out. The viewpoint of the Chinese government, for example, is the same as the viewpoint of the Russian government in terms of how to lead its people. They intend to suppress basic human rights and the pursuit of freedom. They will be unsuccessful, because the human spirit cannot be contained or oppressed in the end. If your methods destroy humanity and the world, what have you really achieved? As far as the current sanctions being imposed on Russia are concerned, they may or may not have any effect on the aggressive intentions of Vladimir Putin, we’ll have to wait and see. Generally speaking, the creation of isolation will always have an impact in the long term. The unfortunate fallout of these sanctions is of course the suffering of the Russian people, and the reality of the Ukrainian people being forced to flee their own country. We have to use the tools we have available to offset selfishness, oppression, and aggression. All political leaders of every nation must always take action from a consideration of the majority of humanity, and to the best of their ability, avoid unintended casualties and consequences. This will happen anyway, regardless of intention, but this has always been the case throughout our history. I believe we are well on our way to creating a better way.
An Opportunity for us to Come Together – Our Responsibility
So, how can we best support the Ukrainian people in this tragedy? Well, it’s first of all critical we become conscious of our own self-interest and the impact it has on those around us. We have been given countless examples of what the actions of Vladimir Putin and Russia, and the governing philosophy of China, create. We can put this in the context of how we conduct ourselves and how we go about creating our individual lives. The desire to have personal power, and the greed that is required in order to have that power, is a dangerous and damaging path indeed. This is true of each nation as well. The United States is not exempt from the activities and outcomes we see happening in other parts of the world. There is no ultimate protection from autocracy or dictatorship and the isolation that would eventuate with such an approach. The American people are part of the world as well. We cannot therefore fall victim to the belief that we are special or more important. Every human being, no matter the country they find themselves in, must also develop the same awareness. Our responsibility as a nation, and as an individual, is to stand up against selfishness and aggression in all its forms. Our opportunity is to see each person as equal to every other. In this way we are free and create a prosperous world for all. We send our love and support to the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and to all our fellow human beings.
Stay safe and be well