Commentary
-
Our commentary partners will help you reach your own conclusions on complex topics.
We hear it everywhere, from everyone, every time we step out the front door or pick up the phone.
My heart is breaking. Yes, all of our hearts are collectively breaking as we watch what’s unfolding in Ukraine. Putin’s brutal and relentless war on the citizens is, objectively, horrifying.
But the other day I was listening to Bill Burr – he’s one of my favorite comedians, and definitely one of the speak-your-mind persuasion – and his take on the topic of so-called Crying Karens got me thinking.
“By the way, if I hear one more [expletive] here in America: Did you see what they did? Oh my god, it’s awful, I can’t. I just, I can’t. What is wrong with them? Are you gonna do anything about it or just stand around and talk about how awful it is?”
Your heart breaks, until the conversation shifts, and more important (to you) matters come into play: What’s for dinner? Do the kids have enough clothing for the spring season? Is The Batman really worth seeing in the theater?
This isn’t to shade people who have genuine emotion and compassion, and simultaneously have lives that have to be lived with real responsibilities. It’s just to say that all those “thoughts and prayers” they don’t do a hell of a lot.
I am guilty of this too! In the days and weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine I watched the news obsessively, usually through tears and worked myself into a state where I was practically ready to board a plane to the border. Except, I didn’t. You probably didn’t either. The sense of helplessness and frustration is palpable. We want to help these people, but how can we do so in any meaningful way when they’re half a world away from us?
Well, I will tell you.
You can give money.
If you check out the organizations listed under this video, you can find links to ones that are highly vetted and provide direct assistance to Ukrainians in need.
You can donate supplies. Organizations such as Nova Ukraine and Meest-America are collecting supplies at warehouses from California to New Jersey, and shipping them directly to Ukrainians who need them the most.
You can offer shelter – AirBnb is rolling out a program where volunteers can sign up to temporarily house a Ukrainian family that has been displaced.
You can help keep the eyes of the world focused on the crisis, so that the next big news story doesn’t divert critical attention.
Continue sharing stories, supporting on-the-ground journalists, and advocating for peace by writing to your local lawmakers. If you’re not sure what to say in these letters, you can visit the Kyiv Declaration for suggestions.
Compassion is a wonderful thing, and while Burr’s “Crying Karens” bit is funny, the genuine desire to help isn’t really something to be mocked.
That said, compassion only takes you so far. The next step is action.
-
What will Melania do in Donald Trump’s 2nd administration?
For generations, U.S. presidents‘ first ladies have had the opportunity to make significant contributions to American society. Abigail Adams advocated for women’s rights, while Eleanor Roosevelt championed civil rights. Betty Ford and Rosalynn Carter brought attention to substance abuse and mental health awareness. Hillary Clinton worked on health care reform, and Michelle Obama led health… -
Prepare for the public debate on assisted suicide
Assisted suicide is a controversial new subject in political debates around the world. Modern medical technologies enable humans to end their own lives quickly and painlessly, with dignity and on their own schedule, which advocates say is often a better option than spending many years suffering in debilitating pain from terminal, uncurable illnesses. Two-thirds of… -
Comedy is a bastion of Democratic strength
“Saturday Night Live” responded to President-elect Donald Trump’s reelection with satirical support, with actor James Austin Johnson insisting that the cast and crew had supported him for years, that they had all voted for him, and proclaiming: “…[Trump is] going to make an incredible president and eventually king.” Another cast member added: “We can’t wait… -
Trump’s Mar-a-Lago interview is a preview of troubles ahead
In a wide-ranging interview on Dec. 16, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump talked tariffs, vaccines, drones, immigration and more. When pressed on vaccines, the incoming president defended the polio vaccine specifically, but made no promises that any other vaccines would remain available to Americans under his second administration. Watch the above video as Straight Arrow News… -
Biden must issue pardons before Patel takes FBI lead
FBI Director Christopher Wray announced that he will resign at the end of President Biden’s administration, paving the way for President-elect Donald Trump to nominate Kash Patel as his successor, pending confirmation in the Senate. Patel, a Trump loyalist and Jan. 6 supporter, has indicated he would “come after” journalists, politicians, and others who acknlowedged…
Latest Opinions
-
Grand Central Station transformed as ‘Severance’ cast promotes season 2
-
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket lifts off on first space flight
-
Netanyahu delays meeting over ceasefire, claims 'last-minute crisis'
-
Biden warns of ‘oligarchy,’ ‘tech-industrial complex’ in farewell speech
-
Many Americans don't know they're using AI: Poll
Popular Opinions
-
In addition to the facts, we believe it’s vital to hear perspectives from all sides of the political spectrum.