Things Worth Fighting For – Common Sense
It feels like we are living through President Volodomyr Zelensky s moment in history. Kyiv is being shelled and has been for the past three weeks. But the former comedian remains at his desk, wearing his army t-shirt and sitting in his green leather chair on Bankova Street in the center of the city. More than two million Ukranians have fled the country, but he will not budge.
The fight is here, he said, responding to an offer from the Americans to help him evacuate. And then, reportedly: I need ammunition, not a ride. (I m in Florida right now, and I saw a guy wearing a t-shirt with the line printed in yellow and blue already there are t-shirts!)
There is a reason that line apocryphal or not instantly became a meme. It is because we live in an era in which acting like sheep has become the norm. In which cowardice is the default. In which the ideas of leadership and sacrifice seemed like dead letters.
And yet here was the real article. A leader showing courage, real courage, and in doing so inspiring bravery in others that they did not think themselves capable of. Duty, responsibility, moral clarity he is breathing life into virtues many Americans thought were on life support or already dead.
I think being a comedian must require great courage. Zelenskyy is brave, for sure, but is he funny? Being brave is more important, of course, but if he’s funny as well, well, then he’s truly a marvel.