Post by Admin on Mar 1, 2022 14:45:35 GMT -7
Ukraine Can Win the War
By Tim Brockett
Ukraine can defeat the Russian army even though they are outnumbered and outspent by their invader. History is replete with David versus Goliath battles where the underdog became the victor. In September of 480 BC, almost 40,000 warriors fighting for King Xerxe of Persia were destroyed by the much smaller and lesser equipped Greek naval force. The battle of Salamis took place in a secluded Aegean sea strait just a few miles from the burned Acropolis in Athens. The Persians rowed larger ships and outnumbered the Greeks triremes by 4 to 1. Why were the Greeks able to defeat a numerically superior and better equipped naval force?
Victor Davis Hanson in his 2001 book Carnage and Culture provides many answers. The Greeks were fighting for their property, for their city-states, and most importantly their freedom. The Persians were fighting far from home with an armed force of slaves and mercenaries. If the Greeks lost, they believed that they would become slaves of the Persians. Death was preferable to slavery.
The Greek's freedoms included the right to own property and speak freely to their elected rulers. Battles were often hotly debated before everyone agreed upon a plan of action. Greek leaders were in the ships at Salamis and directly involved with the battle. The Persian King, Xerxe, sat on his throne at a safe distance, high above the turbulent battle, on a mountain.
The Greeks were led by brilliant leaders, gifted in oratory, and constantly in touch with their fellow citizens. The leaders knew they would be held accountable for their actions long after the battle was over because their army was overseen by the democratic city-state. The Persians had no such fears and thus often acted recklessly. Mercenaries often rowed away once they saw they were losing. The Greeks believed in their cause and would fight to their death.
There are many parallels between the Greeks and Ukrainians. They both believe in freedom and have democratic governments. Both are fighting on and defending local turf and their way of life. Their leaders are elected by the people and are held accountable for their actions. If Ukraine loses the war then a puppet government and serfdom will be their fate.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shown himself to be a brilliant, capable, and courageous leader. He is willing to die for his cause; freedom for the Ukrainian people. His leadership has inspired a large part of the world and drawn them to his way of thinking. Donations of military equipment and cash are flowing to Ukraine. In Ukraine, everyday citizens are picking up automatic weapons and learning how to use them. Grandmothers and teenagers are building Molotov cocktails. All will lie in wait for the invading Russian forces. Zelenskyy has pulled together the people of Ukraine and organized them into a potent citizen militia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin remains distant from the battlefield, watching from afar like Xerxe. He is reportedly frustrated at the slow pace of battle and heavy losses. He is unable to even achieve control of Ukraine’s airspace. His army consists of conscripts who were only months away from going home. Putin has not defined a clear rationale or benefit for invading Ukraine. He has quickly become an international pariah. President Putin’s actions are increasingly criticized by people around the world. Some are even questioning his mental fitness. Putin is showing weakness and is not an inspirational figure. Yet many people think he will win this war. Time will tell.
The lessons of history show that David can slay Goliath. A Ukraine victory should remind everyone of the Greek historian Herodotus who wrote “Free men fight better than slaves”.
Questions and comments may be posted below.
Victor Davis Hanson in his 2001 book Carnage and Culture provides many answers. The Greeks were fighting for their property, for their city-states, and most importantly their freedom. The Persians were fighting far from home with an armed force of slaves and mercenaries. If the Greeks lost, they believed that they would become slaves of the Persians. Death was preferable to slavery.
The Greek's freedoms included the right to own property and speak freely to their elected rulers. Battles were often hotly debated before everyone agreed upon a plan of action. Greek leaders were in the ships at Salamis and directly involved with the battle. The Persian King, Xerxe, sat on his throne at a safe distance, high above the turbulent battle, on a mountain.
The Greeks were led by brilliant leaders, gifted in oratory, and constantly in touch with their fellow citizens. The leaders knew they would be held accountable for their actions long after the battle was over because their army was overseen by the democratic city-state. The Persians had no such fears and thus often acted recklessly. Mercenaries often rowed away once they saw they were losing. The Greeks believed in their cause and would fight to their death.
There are many parallels between the Greeks and Ukrainians. They both believe in freedom and have democratic governments. Both are fighting on and defending local turf and their way of life. Their leaders are elected by the people and are held accountable for their actions. If Ukraine loses the war then a puppet government and serfdom will be their fate.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shown himself to be a brilliant, capable, and courageous leader. He is willing to die for his cause; freedom for the Ukrainian people. His leadership has inspired a large part of the world and drawn them to his way of thinking. Donations of military equipment and cash are flowing to Ukraine. In Ukraine, everyday citizens are picking up automatic weapons and learning how to use them. Grandmothers and teenagers are building Molotov cocktails. All will lie in wait for the invading Russian forces. Zelenskyy has pulled together the people of Ukraine and organized them into a potent citizen militia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin remains distant from the battlefield, watching from afar like Xerxe. He is reportedly frustrated at the slow pace of battle and heavy losses. He is unable to even achieve control of Ukraine’s airspace. His army consists of conscripts who were only months away from going home. Putin has not defined a clear rationale or benefit for invading Ukraine. He has quickly become an international pariah. President Putin’s actions are increasingly criticized by people around the world. Some are even questioning his mental fitness. Putin is showing weakness and is not an inspirational figure. Yet many people think he will win this war. Time will tell.
The lessons of history show that David can slay Goliath. A Ukraine victory should remind everyone of the Greek historian Herodotus who wrote “Free men fight better than slaves”.
Questions and comments may be posted below.