Now it’s time you return the favor. Help Ukraine. They need weapons.
The use of weapons in defense of freedom is a responsible act
Why is Germany so reluctant to stand up against Putin?
After overcoming a history of atrocities against Jews and starting World War II — Germany has made a courageous effort to confront its past. And that gives the nation gravitas.
They know what it is to struggle with guilt. They know what it is to struggle with fear, misery and pain.
But their choice to not send weapons to Ukraine is worrisome. Furthermore, they do not wish to join in sanctioning Russia with exclusion from Swift, the infrastructure that allows interbank transactions, should they invade.
Germany is fully aware of the consequences. They are saying, ‘we understand the threat to Europe that a Russian invasion represents but we believe we will be spared.’
And they probably will.
But they are wrong.
Germany, by virtue of its standing and accomplishments, is a leader in Europe. Will they allow their position to be tarnished?
Ukraine wants to keep moving towards Western Europe and Russia is saying no. No and we will invade you, says Putin. No and we will arm your brothers and sisters in the Donbas area and fuel a fight that will keep you killing each other rather than letting you go to the West.
The same thing happened to Germany after WWII when the nation was divided into East and West, the Soviets (Russia) controlling the East. While the greater prosperity in the West kept acting as a powerful factor urging their unification, a bitter and resentful East Germany, went on shooting dead all those attempting to cross to the West.
Other countries intervened to help Germany become one nation.
Now they are being asked by history to play its part in assisting Ukraine.
But Germany is conflicted, reluctant to stand up against their former oppressor.
They have the power to assist, the strength to be a deciding factor.
And yet they will not.
But you can’t give in to a bully and keep your self respect.
Because you once misused weapons and caused immeasurable pain, does not excuse you from using them when the cause is honorable.
Ukraine’s plight is dire. They want freedom.
Germany has freedom. It needs to prove to itself that it can help defend it against the greatest oppressor those neighboring countries face — the reality of a life impoverished by the rigidities and cruelty of a repressive system, as in East Germany after WWII and until October 1990.
Will Germany defy Russia or bow to it?
Defiance in defense of a nation begging for help is a mark of immense courage.
And a chance for Germany to restore its full pride as a people who can and will bear arms responsibly in defense of justice anywhere in the world.
Oscar Valdes. Oscarvaldes.net. google and apple podcasts and buzzsprout
