Back in 2001, 9/11 to be exact, a couple hours after the World Trade Center was hit but before it was known who was responsible, I was stunned. I remember walking to work from the bus stop wondering if it was Russia and if this was "the big one". I mentally prepared for what may come and a song popped into my head. It was "Life During Wartime" by the Talking Heads. It spells out clearly that priorities change when the shit hits the fan. "This ain't no party, this ain't no disco, I ain't got time for that now,..." We were spared that fate, but that song pretty much sums up what Ukraine is going through.
I've been a little obsessed with what is going on in Ukraine. It's hard not to be. Though twice today when I asked friends if they've been following what is going on they responded "I'm trying not too. Wrong answer. It is imperative that we all pay attention and do what we can. I honestly feel a little frivolous involving music at all at this point. And "Life During Wartime" is part of the reason.
Besides the song and live video of it, there are a few other links. One
is Global Citizen's YouTube channel where Volodymyr Zelenskyy's morning
briefings, public announcements, words of encouragement, and pleas will
be posted. Another is a documentary that Netflix has posted for free
viewing, Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom, about the 2004 uprising that began as a student protest. And fuck Putin.
Listen:
Talking Heads - Life During Wartime mp3 at Internet Archive
Video:
Talking Heads - Life During Wartime (Live) at YouTube 1983
The documentary:
Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom at YouTube
Ukraine updates:
Volodymyr Zelenskyy's latest
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