FORSETH – ‘Never again’ can’t just be a phrase; it has to mean something
(Image: Geralt, Pixabay.com)
I CAN’T HELP BUT FEEL I am not alone in worrying, and wondering, about what the world can do following the rolling of Russia’s military in to the sovereign and independent country of Ukraine.
Just 39 years old when the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) collapsed at the end of 1991, former military intelligence officer Vladimir Putin seems, by all appearances ready to once again use the hammer of military force to overpower any resistance to his aspirations.
While crushing resistance at home to a war which many everyday Russians oppose strongly, and indiscriminate bombing going on in the Ukraine, it seems that the megalomaniac President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, will not counter any resistance to his imperialistic intents.
But now, what should western democratic countries do?
In addition to actual military targets, Putin has unleashed the targeted bombing of schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and homes – with the end result of innocent civilians being killed – no, let’s call it what it is – murdered.
Still, the people of Ukraine continue to resist Putin’s military forces with precision as they continue to take out armoured tanks, troop carriers, planes, and helicopters, and inflicting continues deaths amongst Russian troops which it now appears had no idea they were being sent into war.
Today’s application for membership in the European Union is now being considered, but that will for all intents and purposes only be symbolic.
With the massive military convoy of military equipment approaching the Capitol of Kyiv … and massive bombing of Kharkiv … what the Ukraine needs now – desperately – is every piece of military equipment that NATO and European countries can provide.
Ukraine cannot be allowed to fall, otherwise the entire stability and independence of Eastern European countries will be at risk of Putin making up any excuse to invade former countries of the USSR.
And, unless the United Nations can finally show some teeth and oust Russia from all committees it sits on, and outright declare Russia to be a pariah on the world stage, it’s time for Canada to walk away from this organization.
According to the Charter of the United Nations (UN) itself, the foundation document states it is to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war” … and one of its main purposes is to maintain international peace and security.
If it cannot, and will not, fulfill its purpose, why are we there … why are we a member?
Tyranny through brute military force, intimidation, murder, and torture cannot be allowed to continue by any barbaric country on its own, or neighbouring countries.
Which brings me to my final wondering, and that — I’m sure — of many freedom loving Canadians and peoples of the world.
Does that mean NATO troops, including those of Canada, might need to become involved?
If Russia cannot be convinced to withdraw from Ukraine — and continues in its attempt to overthrow the government of the Ukraine through military conquest — then Yes, in my opinion, it does.
“Never again,” cannot simply be a phrase – it needs to mean something.
NATO in — RUSSIA out!
Alan Forseth is a Kamloops resident. For 40 years he has been active, in a number of capacities, in local, provincial and federal politics, including running as a candidate for the BC Reform Party in the 1996 provincial election. He recently was a member of the Ellis Ross BC Liberal leadership campaign team.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
What’s happening in Ukraine is sad, awful and needs to be condemned with resolve. However there is no way captain America (the USA), the head of NATO, etcetera etcetera (and its allies including Canada) should go around “virtue signalling” on the world’s stage. Considering what they have done (perhaps just more subtly but nevertheless similarly disturbing) throughout the world to purse and uphold their interests (and by extension the interests of its allies which include Canada) is also just as sad, awful and needs to be condemned with resolve. Because in the end it should not matter the geographic location, humans are to be well treated regardless. Because in the end it should not matter the geographic location, humans want peace.
FURTHER TO my first response to you Marcus … let me remind you of Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations — ESPECIALLY Point 1:
Article 1
The Purposes of the United Nations are:
1. To maintain international peace and security, and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace, and for the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace, and to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace;
2. To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace;
3. To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion; and
4. To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends.
NATO. Imperialist. Dictator. People care. All wars are about murder, stealing from the indigenous people of any land. All wars convince the aggressor population that there is cause. All lies; just murder and theft on a national (global) scale. People on the ground understand the long-term, that is why they make simple metal spikes. It is not to kill invaders: it is because a piece of metal between the moving tracks of a tank will split apart the track when it passes the first road wheel. Cost is negligible for defense. Cost to aggressor $300,000.00 (each). X 60,000m X 0.05 tank/m = 900,000,000 that is nine hundred million dollars, not including men, fuel and support–numbers adjusted to make sense to non-accountant people. The reason North Korea is a strong nation opposed to NATO is the same; failed diplomacy, failed ideology, failed democracy. We need a very deep reflection on our own thoughts.
Love Always, MarcusandTrish