Ukraine: It might not be full-scale yet, but situation bears watching

With so many of our own problems in this country, and so much information competing for our attention daily, it is not surprising that the situation in Ukraine might have fallen off many people's radar.

But that doesn't mean that it is something that this nation -- and its people -- should not watch with a careful eye.

The fighting that is going on across the globe in this small country is similar to another battle that is part of our nation's history -- a struggle for independence from a much-larger, and stronger, nation.

And we have an obligation to make sure that fight for freedom is supported -- call it paying it forward.

But more importantly, the consequences of the fighting, which has taken many lives already, are alarmingly reminiscent of another people's struggle at the hands of a vicious and powerful regime that led to World War II.

Back then, many countries closed their eyes to the march of Nazi Germany across Poland and Europe until it was too late.

We need to make sure that we are aware and vigilant now as we see a similarly disturbing sequence of events in Ukraine.

We can't just sit by and watch a tragedy and despotism unfold. And we better make sure our leaders don't either.

It is our duty.

Published in Editorials on April 18, 2014 11:11 AM