The Coda of the 20th Century

I swore off engaging in any kind of political discourse online months ago after I realized how much of a toll all that arguing—and the accompanying anger it filled me with—took on my mental health. I don't have the temperament to be in constant conflict with people.

That said, there are times when and certain issues on which one cannot remain silent.

We're in what I've taken to calling "The Coda of the 20th Century". The same old arguments and conflicts, but with all the fun accoutrement of the 21st Century.

In his book, Why Orwell Matters (UK Title Orwell's Victory), the late Christopher Hitchens postulates that George Orwell, author of 1984 and Animal Farm, got the 3 great questions of the 20th Century right. The questions were Fascism, Communism, and (most significant to us now), Imperialism. The answers were that all 3 of these forces were wrong and needed to end, to die before the 20th Century ended. 

Sadly, they didn't quite do that.

Communism, of course, still very much exists in several countries across the world. And the people in those countries have suffered for it.

Fascism, or at least it's ugly step-sibling, Authoritarianism, has been on the rise globally with many countries electing increasingly conservative, oppressive leaders to power.

The one we least expect to rise again, however, was Imperialism. Yet, it has, like the ugly brain-eating zombie it is.

We thought we'd settled the debate between Democracy and Imperialism with the conclusion of the Cold War. The truth is, we didn't settle it; we just let it go into hibernation as other issues took priority.

On February 24th 2022, Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian military to invade Ukraine. This will be a day that will live in infamy in world history.

I despise war. I loathe the idea of the US or its NATO allies having to play the role of the world's police force. Larger issues at hand that affect us all require our attention.

But, if Putin refuses to back down, if (God forbid), the brave counter-offensive the people of Ukraine have begun to put up against the invaders of their sovereign land fails, intervention is the only option. The world must stand by the people of Ukraine because they are in need and in danger. It won't be enough to impose sanctions, establish embargoes, or bar Russia from global organizations. Direct action on the part of every militarized power willing to send in troops will be necessary.

The question is what will the leaders of the world do what's necessary? Will they intervene, or will they do the most horrible thing people with the power to do so can do: nothing?

As the song from Hamilton goes, "History has its eyes on you." Don't make the wrong decision.

To any people in Ukraine who might be reading this, know this: we stand with you. In your hour of need, you are not alone.