It’s time to get behind the imprisoned Russian dissident protest leader Alexeï Navalny. I only hope it’s not too late. He’s the man for the job. He’s the man to bring peace to Europe again. If we had a real vote in Russia and I bet he’d be the winner. He already is in my eyes. The people of the former Soviet Union are crying out for justice, the people of Ukraine are crying louder. Do you care to let your will be known? Do you have a favorite?

I have little interest in hating Vladimir Putin. These megalomaniacs of yesterday’s past should be forgotten with yesterday’s trash. Who should be empowered? And who should be praised? Those who pay the price and proclaim mercy or those who are hostile and threaten death? Pick your leader, a hero or a king. But don’t forget tomorrow who you will serve. Mercy belongs to the merciful and condemnation belongs to those who condemn. So pick your leaders wisely or suffer the consequences. The temporary riches of a violent leader have a short shelf life but the benevolence of an honorable dignitary lasts forever.

Who will you pay allegiance to and who will you serve? Let’s use our hearts, minds, and logic to help us make good decisions even if this leader does not represent our country. Please cry out for the people of Ukraine and let’s not forget Mother Russia at the same time. Let our influence be known and let free and fair elections reign. These citizens of a far-off land are our brothers, sisters, and family too. We are all citizens of the world. So let’s help to watch out for them before it’s too late and we are all taken over by our destructive ways.

We are interdependent in our assumed divided lands. Praise Navalny, even in the jail cell where he sits. Be afraid of nothing in life because near death he has been. Can we be honest with ourselves in the choice at hand and help the Russians pick a better man who directs the future we share? In this way, we can be free in our lives. Any other path may lead only to our damnation.

God bless the people of Ukraine in their time of trial. Bless those who suffer loss, misery, and betrayal. Begin again to advance the cause of the Ukrainians that they may have vision, help, and prosperity. They have suffered great loss at the hand of a common enemy. Perhaps it is Navalny who can lead us out of this misery.