Learning from Ukrainians: We're Capable of Unity
Watching the bravery of the Ukrainian people reminds us of what we are capable of, what democracy means, and how fragile it is.
Like many of you closely following the devastating events in Ukraine, I am inspired by the courage of Ukrainians. I read about the patriots returning to their homeland to defend against Putin's army. My friend tells me about her grandmother who refuses to leave the capital. I see their compassion in feeding surrendering Russian soldiers. I honor the bravery and sheer gumption of the woman giving sunflower seeds to the invaders so their corpses will grow sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine.
All these acts of defiance speak to me. They bring us unity and hope in a difficult time. I haven't seen my social media united behind any political cause, in well, I can't remember. We all rally to the call of democracy, the very right to exist in a democratic society.
My family is deeply rooted in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. My husband's family, part Ukrainian, fled Odessa during the pogroms. His beloved Grandma Lucia left the former Yugoslavia. My great-grandparents escaped Minsk just prior to the Russian Revolution. They were young families risking so much, leaving the known to come to a different country for their own safety.
They sacrificed everything for the opportunity to start over.
I have been campaigning for the last two years, whether it was for my race for the state legislature, working in the May election cycle, or as vice-chair of Deschutes Democrats. These experiences gave me front-row seat to the changing electorate. The pandemic and disinformation war gave us an exhausted and fractured electorate. Voters, regardless of party affiliation, are tired of extremism in every way that it rears its head.
Voters want practical solutions: whether it's preparing for wildfires, hardening homes, creating more childcare availability, affordable medication, a secure retirement, or more housing.
Voters long for hope, such as that offered by our President's reassurance during last Tuesday night's State of the Union address.
The pandemic limited our social connection and our ability to learn about each other. The deeper divisions sowed a harvest of one of the most divisive election cycles ever. It is not typical for a local candidate to call the police or the FBI due to credible threats. Yet, here we are.
Watching the bravery of the Ukrainian people reminds us of what we are capable of, what democracy means, and how fragile it is. It shows us how to stand up to a bully and for what is right. Their suffering demonstrates the cost of character.
Democracy means we won't (and shouldn't) always get along. We should have vigorous debates and advocate for good policies that serve people. However, hatred, nationalism, and all-or-nothing tactics run counter to democratic ideals. I hope this moment of courage and unity is a moment to reflect, to reorganize, to reconstruct, to sacrifice, and start over.
Mom, Renewable Energy Attorney, and candidate for the Oregon Legislature. I live in Bend, Oregon with my husband and seven-year-old daughter.
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