and furthermore: PRAY FOR UKRAINE

1.Pray For Ukraine

2. In Love With
3. Comments?

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Reader's Forum
Check below for reader's comments and pics from Ukraine children in prison
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PRAY FOR UKRAINE

My heart is breaking and there is nothing I can do about it, nor can anyone else. The recent events in Ukraine have both Herself and me quite upset and sad. For those who do not know, we have been to Ukraine several times and have friends there. The last time we went was just a pure pleasure trip with no responsibilities and it was wonderful to see how the Ukrainians had progressed in terms of personal freedom and improved livelihood since our first visit in 1993. To think that another Russian madman was about to destroy all they have gained is too much to bear. We sent many items to orphanages and church groups from our churches until we moved up here and one person put a stop to it.

On one trip I met an older man who complimented my work and on what we were trying to accomplish. Somehow he had gotten to the USA before Stalin closed everything - or maybe he had slipped out and didn'’t want to say so. He told me stories that would make most Americans sick at heart. I had only heard a tiny bit of what the Ukrainians call “the artificial starvation” where Joseph Stalin caused a complete collapse of Ukrainian farming to satisfy his tortured mind and make them do the collective farming. The man sent me a great deal of material about this and it took more than one try to read all of it.

I fell in love with Ukraine and Ukrainians on my first visit and deeper in love during the next seven visits. It was only when I was alone in the L’viv airport after a business trip did I meet someone who would talk about this horrible time. I had talked to one lady here who had distant family there she got to visit after the “wall” fell. She told one true story that was unbelievable. The Great Depression in the USA was horribly bad for many people but here the people could move about and try to find something better. Our depression was caused by the greed and stupidity of the ruling political party. In Ukraine it was a deliberate act to rid the Russian leader of people who did not want to give up their farms and way of life. Please let me quote from the Human Rights Council as they can tell it less emotionally that I can.

"“The Soviet police confiscated the Ukrainian farmers of their homes, livestock, wheat crops, and valuable possessions. They imposed heavy grain taxes, deliberately leaving families to starve. Those who resisted giving up their homes and crops, were violently shot to death or deported to regions in Siberia. Some families and individuals chose to burn their homes to the ground and kill their livestock, instead of handing it over to Soviet authorities. Families, who tried to hide grain resources, in order to sustain a source of food, were killed. This campaign of terror was organized to instill fear within the people, and force them to relinquish all that they had. The ultimate goal was to have these people embrace Soviet-ism and abandon all nationalistic pride.

A system of internal passports prevented Ukrainians from leaving their towns and villages. Thus villagers were not able to cross the border and escape the torment by fleeing to other countries. When news of the Famine reached the Ukrainian Diaspora in the United States and Europe, food supplies were sent to Ukraine to assist the starving people. However all food shipments were denied at the border by Soviet authorities. Following the Soviet Union’s policy of denying any allegations having to do with the Famine, all outside assistance was refused. Even journalists were not allowed in Ukraine, because the Soviet government feared that the media would reveal the perpetrated crimes against the Ukrainian people. When an individual claimed that there was a famine in Ukraine they were considered to be spreading anti-Soviet propaganda. Even stating the words “famine” or “hunger” could cause someone to end up in jail.”"

The HRC estimates that 10 million people died during this. The Ukrainians set the figure at 40 to 50 million. Many of the people were sent to “camps” in Siberia and never returned. In fact, most did not.

Ukrainians did not ask for this so they must suffer some more and we have to tip toe to keep the world from being consumed in nuclear fire. The Russians have thousands of nuclear-tipped rockets aimed at us and our allies. Pray for Ukraine.

Vladamir Putin is mad and, as are most egomaniacal dictators, he is very dangerous to the rest of the world. Those who want the president to go in with guns blazing are also unhinged. A dictator who invades a close ally and neighbor and also leads a people who march/demonstrate in the streets in favor of this, has to be treated very carefully. Ask any policeman what would happen if a nut held a gun to a hostage’'s head and the police rushed in with guns blazing.

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2. In Love With
    "You have fallen in love with Ukraine...."
    Volunteers In Mission head officer to Chelsea Cook while planning a mission trip.

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3. Reader's Comments
    Questions? Ask them, Ill try to answer.
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I am very interested in your thoughts and words about the Ukrainian situation. Anything you wish to say will be welcomed.
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                                    READERS' FORUM

Hey Chels,

I agree with you, I love my "hard-copy" of the Tulsa World and also Wewoka Times. A free press and investigative reporting are what keep this democracy in good working order (although I'm not sure just how "free" my press is anymore - way too few corporations seem to control our information). I was recently in a doctors waiting room, out of the seven of us seated there - I was the only person reading an actual newspaper, the other six - ranging in age from apx 8yrs to 50 - were head down in their phone, made my neck hurt!
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Newspapers! One of the greatest inventions by mankind! I enjoy the Sunday papers with their supplements, world news and entertainment. As for our local paper, some Thursdays are better than others. Either way, I would miss the freedom to access these strange folds of paper with the written words that draw me in. I too enjoy the rustle of the pages and the smell of print. Such a simple pleasure but one I would miss greatly if I could no longer buy these tactile carriers of information. I think technology is wonderful especially e-mails etc but I think it would be a form of torture without the humble Newspaper. Thank you once again Chelsea for sharing your thoughts and memories in your column. As always, thought provoking, to say the least. Crosswords have never been my strong point but I come from a family that is somewhat addicted to that particular skill set. Looking forward to your next column with interest. Bye for now, Wendy -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Can you tell I'm behind on my andfurthermores..... 
Congrats to Wewoka Troop 426, I know soooo many who benefited from the leadership of Charlie, Mutt and you Chelsea! We were so blessed to grow up 
when and where we did - so many adults who volunteered their time and efforts for us kids. We girls were fortunate as well, Campfire leaders like 
Jean, Molly, Jo, Edwardine, Mary, Polly and the list goes on, but I digress. Thank you for your time and effort, and to all those who passed their knowledge and caring down to all of us!

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UKRAINIAN BOYS IN A BOYS' PRISON

If you wish to know this story, just ask and I'll tell you.