The obvious outcome

NOBODY should really be surprised that Vladimir Putin and the Russian army have invaded, not supported, the Ukraine provinces on the flimsy logic that they are independent, by his decree, and want to return to the once great Russian empire.

The next obvious concern, after the rest of the Ukraine, will be with what happens in Taiwan. Will China be emboldened by the feeble protests and actions of the rest of the world’s countries?

The reality is that nobody wants to get into a real, possibly nuclear war, with either of these superpowers.

The other superpower, the USA, is hopefully sensible enough to avoid an all-out war. There are plenty of other conflicts that could break out with neighboring countries around India or the possibility of a forced reunification of the two Koreas.

How many more people have to die on the actions of another tyrant? Surely, we have reached a stage where the world can live in peace and concentrate on real issues, including the COVID pandemic, famines, refugees and natural disasters.

As a teacher would say, “Can do better.” It’s about time we all make that effort.

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Time to stand up
“Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.” – Mother Teresa

Telling the truth is the expected and usual way for most people even when it may not be the best option for them personally. This applies especially for our leaders who guide us and set the standards to follow.

If only it was that simple though. There have been two recent cases – ex-US President Donald Trump and Britain’s Prince Andrew, and in both cases they have faced court challenges.

Former President Trump and two of his children must testify in court into an investigation by the New York state attorney general into their business practices. He has also been investigated in relation to the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol Hill riots although in both cases he has claimed his innocence, and this must be presumed correct unless there is more information made available that creates doubt. The recent court appeals to stop the investigation seems odd if there is nothing to be hidden and surely he would want the truth to be out there.

With Prince Andrew, the matter has been into the courts, but a private and unknown settlement has resolved that matter.

He has been accused of horrible things and has also always maintained his innocence as is his right, although an open court procedure would have given him the opportunity to clear his name publicly.

When people are honest and their word is true, then the best approach is to confront their doubters openly and resolve it in the court of public opinion rather than use a lawyer to attempt to stop legal court actions.

Everyone should be brave and honest and stand up to defend what they have done and what they believe in.

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Pizza to go, with an out-of-this-world taste
An American space company, Northrop Grumman, has moved into the food delivery service with seven pizzas heading to the International Space Station or at least the kit and food to make them. Most food delivery companies have a delivery time or it’s free offer so this will probably be free.

This might seem a silly use of resources but it does demonstrate how far the science programs have progressed and yet we can’t deliver food to hungry people in our local areas much less to countries where many people are suffering famines. The volcanic explosion near Tonga has shown how difficult the process can be under difficult circumstances.

Despite being a fan of local pizza deliveries, I am hoping that Science can come up with a way of getting food to everyone or help them to produce the food locally. (dfitzger@melbpc.org.au)/PN