The Ukraine Assault -Why War Is An Act Against Global Democracy 

Yesterday the world watched on as Ukraine was invaded by Russia, in an unprovoked attack on their democracy. While many have condemned the President of Russia Valdimr Putin, and protests break out in Russia over the hostile military takeover I have to wonder if democracy as we know it is in trouble? We all know too well that this is not the first time that Russia under Putin’s reign has tried to intervene in democracy. However, this was very different. As we watch the blood shed for freedom, we have to remember that this will not stop there and that freedom is not free.

The Invasion

In the hours just before sunrise, Putin gave a speech to his people calling what we know to be a military takeover of Ukraine, a covert military operation. This coming after weeks of high tension in the area. As the world scrambles to figure out how best to handle this very troubling situation that is leading to a full blown war in the region.

Why does it matter?

Other than the obvious that people are now dying and war is not something that anyone wants to see? Ukraine is a key player in the European region as well as here in the US. With one of their biggest exports being oil, we can see higher than we have seen in gas prices across the world. I know that it is already hitting hard as the price of oil jumped a hundred dollars more a barrel in just a day.

But -Why Tho?

The invasion also comes after talks of Ukraine trying to join other ally countries in NATO. Although Ukraine is not a part of NATO or the European Nations, they do receive significant financial support from both. Putin sees this as a threat to his security. The invasion comes after trying to neuterlize this from happening. Having Ukraine under Putin’s rule, will gravely threaten America’s influence within the region. For years, Ukraine has been the buffer to Russia and America, as well as Russia and the European nations.

What has Happened Since the Invasion

Since Putin started an unprovoked attack (act of War), Ukraine has vowed to defend itself. In this defense, Ukraine says that they are responsible for 800 Russian casualities. Although it is not clear whether they are referring to the number of people that have been killed on the ground, or if it includes the thirty Russian tanks that have been destroyed. Or the seven aircrafts and six helicopters that have been shot down.

Although Ukraine is committed to defending itself, Russian forces are now twenty miles outside of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv (US intelligence has reported). The US and other European nations have imposed sanctions on Russia. The US has also deployed seven thousand troops to Germany to aid the allies.

My Thoughts

As I watched the assault on a democratic country, I had several thoughts. The first of which is that the threat to democracy is not just here at home. There is a global threat to dismantle the rights that we as a global community have worked so hard to fight for. If something like this can happen in another country, then it can happen here too. We shall not be naive to the fact that we have to fight for our freedom. We must continue to make freedom a priority (not just for America), but for the world.

History Repeats Itself

We have seen assaults on democracy before, similar to what Russia is attempting to do, invade a country and take it over. Although we have not seen anything of this scale since the Germans took over Poland in WW2, we have to remain aware. We must stop underestimating people who want to get rid of democracy altogether. So, since Putin has vowed to retaliate against any country that tries to intervene in his tak over in Ukraine, the world must listen. He does not have to fight the world with tanks, there are other things he can use. He has in the past. Cyberattacks that are more advanced than we know. As well as, using the threats to the internal space station. Yes, we need to continue the fight, but we also need to be aware of other ways in which we could see consequences. We need to advance in these areas. Protect not only American interests but also aid the interest of other countries as well.

How Can You Help?

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine. Here are ways that you can help. Look at these organizations and considering donating to their efforts.

UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

Save the Children

Sunflower of Peace

UNICEF

Doctors Without Borders

Voices of Children

International Committee of the Red Cross

CARE

For further details on each — Read this extensive article from NPR

Stay safe, and keep fighting for freedom

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Juneteenth Is Now A Federal Holiday. This IS Progress.

Juneteenth is now a federal holiday… here are my thoughts on the matter.

I would first like to applaud the law makers who have finally recognized this historic day as a national holiday, as it deserves to be. 

As we go on to celebrate this new holiday let’s remember the sacrifices that where made by the African-Americans who didn’t not have their freedoms but helped build this country. Let’s celebrate those who, we’re told they where free but didn’t not receive their freedom until two years later. Let’s allow freedom to ring across this great nation. While knowing we can still do better. 

Let’s make this a day to show kindness to one another. To tell people that their lives matter and that we are all the very heartbeat of this country. Let’s be reminded that we still have many things that we need to grow at. Let’s do something for the community that has done so much to build the country that we all love. 

Let’s stand together united, knowing that our country has a horrible past, but vow that we will be better, and be better together as one nation. But not just for the day. No there has to be a real commitment to move forward. To put an end to the past, and put forth the effort for the future. 

However, let this not be a day of sorrow but a day of remembrance. A day to celebrate the African-American community, their culture and all the beauty they bring to our country as well as countries around the world. Let us stand together and sing the hymns the slaves once sang, but let us also note how far we have come, while we acknowledge how far we still have to go. 

This is just one step. Let this Juneteenth be a commitment to continue to stand and fight with our African-American brothers and sisters for the rights that they as human beings deserve. Let this be the day that we stop dehumanizing a whole race for no reason at all.

Let this Juneteenth be the day that we stop injustices, and work together to make this country better. 

Let us stand together untied! 

Happy Juneteenth, stat safe and keep fighting! 

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Single People Are Sharing What They Love Most About Being Single And It’s Legit Making Couples Jealous

Many people go through life looking to find that “perfect someone.” Society has created the ideology that the true measure of success lies with finding someone to spend your life with. However, not everyone in life is out there looking for a significant other. In fact,there are people all over the world who are happy and content being single. And while they are often looked down on for “forever alone,” there are a lot of great things about flying solo.

Recently, single people on Reddit have been sharing the best parts about being single and honestly—it’ll make you want to break up with your boyfriend/girlfriend and live that life.

1.

I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. I can spend money on myself with zero regard for what anyone else thinks. I don’t have to factor anyone else into my plans or life decisions.

TheCorvus303

2.

Everything in my car and apartment is exactly where it should be.

Scrappy_Larue

3.

Being able to sleep diagonally across my bed, so much space !

spicednut

4.

i don’t have to chose between hanging with my friends or my SO

CLEAN_WATER_

5.

Not getting dragged into lame events with her family that essentially ruin my weekend.

“Oh no, I totally want to drive three hours and hangout with your family this weekend. I had these crazy plans to relax, maybe go for a bike ride, have some beers by pool, go to a movie with our friends, etc. But you’re right, lets drive three hours away to listen to your family argue about politics, eat bland food, and sleep on a futon. Sounds great.”

JohnyUtah_

6.

I’m free of the constant anxiety of if I’m being a good boyfriend.

BlanketCop

7.

All of my shit is exactly where I left it when I get home.

My bed is still made, my dishes are still done, my food is still there, my clothes are still clean, and nothing is missing from my cash stash.

If I want to stay up late and watch movies or listen to music, I can.

If I want to go to bed early, and use the whole damn bed, I can.

If I want to go out and have a few drinks with my friends, I can.

I never have to laugh at unfunny memes’ found on FaceBook, or explain why I’m laughing so hard at anything.

I never have to justify my joy.

I’m my own person. Full, complete, and content.

And no one can drain that from me.

helljack

8.

the fact that I have no obligations to anyone on a daily basis (outside of my family and shit). all I gotta do is worry about myself. also I get to use all my money for me

ConnorOB1522

9.

That stuff can just happen. If I want to change my entire weekend plans, bam – done. If I stumble upon a thing that happens and want to participate, boom – done. If I don’t want to talk to anyone, ka-blam – done.

frerky5

10.

Nobody is cheating on me.

Latter45

11.

Not having to share your food.

spiderBlastoise

12.

I enjoy not worrying about their success. Life can be difficult, so supporting an SO and putting personal struggles on the back burner to do so can be exhausting.

Minnesota-

13.

not having to worryabout texting someone back

pandapwz

14.

Being carefree and careless

LeftHandBandito_

15.

Not to have buying presents and gifts for your girlfriend/boyfriend.

TorfinnD

16.

I can fart whenever.

No guilt.

Mwuuh

17.

What I liked most about the single life vs. living together with my ex, is getting solid alone time. I like hanging out with people, but I need one or two nights a week just being by myself to keep sane.

rbbdrooger

18.

The fact that I can just talk to my (female) friends and no-one gets jealous or gets the wrong impression.

sybert123

19.

I can masturbate to anyone i want

Zoiidy

20.

I love that I’m no longer being emotionally tortured and made to feel like I’m not any sort of priority, even to the person I made to be my priority. Now I’m the most important person in my world, and I can do whatever I want with no compromises.

Crownfall

h/t: Reddit 

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