Today's MOZEN: Ukraine - Greed Wins

It breaks my heart to say this (although it shouldn't) but, unfortunately, no matter how hard we work at it, love doesn't make the world go 'round - greed does.

Well, both do.

And, it's a constant struggle to see which one will prevail. Perhaps, it's simply the way of not only the world, but the cosmos itself.

The latest assault on a sovereign nation, i.e. Ukraine, by another nation led by an egomaniacal despot, i.e. Russia, is another example of Greed triumphing over Love.

And, it's NOT just Russia.

The West, including the United States, have indeed instituted harsh economic and political sanctions on Russia. And, they will hurt the Russian PEOPLE. 

However, they (Europe AND the US) failed to impose the STRICTEST measures against Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin himself. They refused to freeze any of Mr. Putin's private assets, reported to be in the many $ billions, or the so-called S.W.I.F.T Bank in Europe which will allow many European nations like Italy, Germany, and others to continue to trade with Russia.

And, of course, oil and wheat imports from Russia will not be affected.

Why?

Why???

Because they want to hurt Russia - but not TOO much - because in doing so that would hurt the ECONOMIES, i.e. THE BOTTOM LINE, of the Countries mentioned.

After all, it's OK for Ukraine to suffer - just as long as we don't - at least not to much.

Yes, my friends, GREED often wins. Too often.

Today's MOZEN: A February Metaphor

The month of February reminds me of many of my old girlfriends: full of surprises, sometimes pleasant and beautiful, but often brutal and savage.

It mercilessly teases, too.

Usually cold and grey, with an occasional hint of Spring and all the potential light and warmth it brings, the promise falls apart in a avalanche of unmerciful ice, biting wind, and ruthless cold.

Reality sets in. It is what it is. And, I can hardly wait for it to be over . . . 

Today's MOZEN: An Epiphany

By definition, an epiphany most often occurs at the most unexpected moments and under the simplest of circumstances.

So it came to pass for me just the other day.

It's no secret that when it comes to Winter, I don't really dislike it - I detest it. For me, it has few redeeming values. And, it's not a matter of mere inconvenience. It's dangerous to drive or, sometimes, even walk. Pipes freeze. Cars crash. People and animals die from exposure. And, I find it downright painful. It hurts to be cold!!

People will extoll the virtues of clearer skies, less humidity, no bugs, and fresher air. OK. Perhaps. I've tried to be ZEN about it - you know, accepting for what it is. But, I've always endured winter much more than enjoyed in it.

Well, I decided to BE Zen and go for a walk on an absolutely frigid day - because in February MOST days are frigid and I needed to GET OUT! As I was adding my fourth or fifth layer of just undergarments and bemoaning that fact that if it were Summer, I would have already been in a pair of shorts and out on the streets, I had my epiphany: no matter how hard I tried to convince others that Winter sucked, I would NEVER change their minds. Those who DO enjoy Winter and frown on Summer weather can defend their choice with equal passion (they're wrong, of course LOL).

And, that's OK!!

There are cases where no compromise can be accepted, e.g. racism, bigotry, wanton hate. However, it's a BIG world with plenty of room for MANY opinions, especially when it comes to matters of taste and preference. Somehow, we seem to have lost the ability to share our differences in a way that brings understanding instead of hate. With rare exception, it's OK to have differences in opinion.

You know, I say TomAHto and you say TomAto kinda' stuff.

I can live with that. Even when I'm cold.