Some News, And A Drawing

The drawing above has nothing to do with anything, I just thought I’d show it to you. Interpretations welcome! Maybe it does have something to do with something… What does it make you think about?

Trump lashed out on social media to day against Volodymyr Zelinsky for not accepting the terms Trump wants for ending the Ukranian/Russian war. The terms are aligned with longstanding Russian goals. The terms include a “freeze” of territorial lines in the three-year war, acceptance of the annexation of Crimea by Russia and a prohibition on Ukraine becoming part of the NATO alliance. This is the first time a US president has asked for acceptance of terms that so clearly favor Russia. On social media, Trump said to Zelinsky: “he can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years.” What a horrible slap in the face, but what did we expect? Zelinsky responded, “There is nothing to talk about. This violates our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine,” Mr. Zelensky told reporters in a news conference. Ukraine’s economy minister said, “Ukraine is ready to negotiate — but not to surrender. There will be no agreement that hands Russia the stronger foundations it needs to regroup and return with greater violence.”

Last week, Trump said if Ukraine doesn’t come to a peace agreement on Trump’s terms, “we’re just going to say, ‘You’re foolish, you’re fools, you’re horrible people, and we’re going to just take a pass.’”

This kind of talk hurts my ears and my heart. This is not diplomacy, this is bullying, this is mean-spirited, this is wrong.

Norway has launched a “scheme” to lure researchers to their country from the US top universities. IT is establishing a fund to protect academic freedom. France is doing something similar. I somehow find this reassuring that important research will continue, regardless of where it is being done. Bravo, Norway and France.

That’s all I have today! Hope your Tuesday is okay. See you tomorrow, thanks for being here.