State of Affairs

The world said “Never Again” after the horrendous atrocities of Nazi Germany in the 1940s. Will the world sit back and watch the atrocities of Putinist Russia now in the 2020s? This may not be easy to stomach, but we – as citizens of the world – must bear witness to the suffering of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters.

Ukrainian heroes are making significant movements to reclaim territory across Ukraine. With the last of the Russian brutes having retreated from Kyiv, many hoped for a bright new day. Instead, when Ukrainians stepped foot into the newly liberated towns, they found scenes of horror. Do an internet search for Bucha, it will be hard to watch but it is important we pay witness to these crimes so we may never see them again.

The world must be witness to these crimes. In the town of Bucha, a suburb of Kyiv, Russians tied the hands of innocent civilians behind their backs and tortured them.

When the rape, suffering, and pain became enough for the Russia soldiers, they shot the innocent civilians in the head. Bodies were left strewn about the roads, in alleyways, some even stuffed into manholes. Multiple mass graves have now been discovered where Russians are trying to bury the evidence of their war crimes.

Putin’s War questions the sovereignty of Ukraine, and now too it questions the humanity of Ukrainians. Let me be frank – A person’s skin color, their beliefs or creeds, and their nationality do not make them any less human than you or I.

A person’s skin color, their religion, sex or gender, and their nationality – no matter what it may be, does not make their life forfeit. We are charged by the words of the Lord not to judge, but to love our fellow humans.

It is 2022, no person should have their humanity questioned. This is what Russia is doing to Ukraine. It is abhorrent and wrong.

The Russia-Ukraine War of 2022 will go down in history as Putin’s War, but we must remember that Russian soldiers made the decision to commit mass murder and rape. “Just following orders” is not an excuse – as humans we all know the difference between right and wrong. This mass murder of civilians and campaign of war crimes must be made right. Society must turn its back on the brutality of authoritarianism.

The only cure to authoritarianism is Democracy.

How long will the world go on watching the atrocities by Russians? The US led Western Coalition has hit Russia hard for this unprovoked war, but it is clear more action is necessary to safeguard basic human rights.

I digress; my original focus for this column was going to be a letter of support to our new city government, but I felt I would not be doing my duty as a human if I did not discuss the terror of Russia. As Americans, we all need to do everything we can to ensure the Russia is held accountable for their crimes against humanity.

A New Leaf

Spring is a chance for rebirth. The sunlight lasts longer, plants come back to life, the air loses its chill and life begins anew. This spring presents the opportunity for change to all of us. We can decide to make positive changes in our life, and this is true of even organizations and governments.

The City of Grants government has been in turmoil since COVID-19 first reared its ugly head. Now, the government will change. A new mayor is stepping into the position of leadership, two new councilors will be entering the chamber, and a third will be on the way soon to fill the mayor’s old council seat.

I want to extend my best well wishes to the new government.

Mayor Erik Garcia, the City of Grants is a diamond in the rough that needs just a little bit of chiseling and polishing to shine. This community will rally around you, my only caution is this: Be proud of who you are and your political leanings, but don’t let them be your influence. The City of Grants encompasses all types of people of all types of political leanings, you are the leader of all these people, regardless of whether they are Republican, Democrat, Commu nist, Proud Boy, or any other political leaning. I want you to succeed, and I know that you can. My prayers are with you, good luck, keep a level head, Mr. Mayor.

Councilwoman Beverly Michael, I respect your personal strength, you proudly stand for your convictions and that is something to be admired. In this position, you need to remember that your personal convictions come second. You now represent a whole set of people of different ideals, let the community speak first. Do not let your personal opinions rule the chamber, the city council has been lame duck for so long and we cannot afford to go back – you are smart and you are strong, use this to better the city.

Councilman George Garcia – What is to be said? You are a hero, a community champion who has always put the needs and interests of others before your own, and I look forward to your honor bringing a new era of respect to the chamber. If a time ever arises where this government needs a level head, the community is sure it will be you to keep decorum in line.

There will be a new council member joining the ranks within the next few weeks, one selected by Mayor Garcia. When this person enters the chamber, I hope they will take their skillset and make the city a better place to live.

Between the two new councilors and the new mayor, and a third councilmember to come soon, I have faith that the City of Grants will be in good hands.

My prayers are with our new city government, I am sure that all of you will do what is righteous and beneficial for the city and greater Cibola County.

We will be watching what you can do. Good luck Mayor Garcia, Councilors Michael and Garcia, and to the yet unnamed councilor.

My prayers are with the people of Ukraine as they fight for freedom, liberty, and Democracy. My prayers are with our local leaders as they prepare to do what is right for the city, put aside petty political squabbles, and usher in a new age of growth for the City of Grants.