Ukraine President Zelensky’s speech to the Russian People. English Subtitles.

https://youtu.be/p-zilnPtZ2MPresident Zelenskyy’s, speech Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky has given a powerful address directed to Russia. ‘We will defend ourselves, he said. ‘Not attack, but defend ourselves. And when you attack us, you will see our faces, not our backs, but our faces.’ Zelensky made the remarks in a 10-minute address posted on Telegram during which he spoke in both Ukrainian and Russian. The Ukrainian leader said Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, had not replied to his invitation to hold talks. (from The Guardian website.) 

President Zelensky is a real leader. Putin is another megalomaniac authoritarian bully, who has no role in leading a country in this, the 21st Century. The time of such dinosaurs is over.

I wish Ukraine and working-class Russians who were not asked if they supported this war (huh, we have been there, done that ourselves…looking at you LIttle Johnny Howard!) safe peace as soon as possible.

I wish Ukraine to win and keep its independence, to write its own story. The rest of the world must support the Ukrainians, in ways which is appropriate for them. We cannot send troops, but we can send arms, supplies, help impose sanctions and donate to organisations like The Red Cross to care for their population.

The bravery of President Zelensky is new to our times. Whatever the quality of his Presidency, and not all he has done I know a lot about (some bloggers are saying it was neither bad nor good so far, and he is dragging his feet on a promise to confront Oligarchs and their influence), this is where Zelensky is now. He is leading from the front. His people’s defence of their country against overwhelming odds is extraordinary.

My son follows this USA You-Tuber sometimes, an USA guy who identifies as a Socialist from what I can discern. This video expresses exactly my feelings about the Ukraine President.

If ever a country deserves victory in their defence, it is Ukraine.

During his inaugural address in 2019, Zelensky told lawmakers: “I do not want my picture in your offices: the Presi… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…—
Benjamin Ramm (@BenjaminRamm) February 26, 2022

I am sorry for errors. This has been posted in haste. I will correct any you find.

Note: my apologies for having posted a work-in-progress threadstarter late yesterday evening.

PM Julia Gillard’s response to Abbott in 2010:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-23/scott-morrison-changed-the-script-women-sexism-political/100023188

Today our illustrious PM tried to change the script – again.

He tried to portray his government as being pro-women, all the while ignoring his deliberate ignorance of the abuse – sexual and otherwise – of every aspect of the national workforce. Not to mention in his specific domain: our federal Parliament House.

His (though he’d probably say it was his office’s) treatment of Brittany Higgins and Rachelle Miller is unforgiveable. I have nothing but admiration for these two former staffers, and former Liberal MP Julia Banks, for (as Mr Albanese put it) lifting the lid on the culture of bullying, harassment, and sexual abuse in Federal Parliament.

Bipartisan recognition of harm done is important but must be followed by real action and cultural change. The younger generations – women in their 20s, 30s, 40s – are determined to continue speaking truth to power, as Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame, who gave our graceless prime minister possibly the worst slap-down of his life just a fortnight ago …

… will do later today at the National Press Club. Needless to say, I shall be glued to the media!

Finally, another fantastic ode from Patricia WA:

“Amazing Grace!”

Isn’t that our PM’s favourite hymn?
Did he pray for a souvenir snap with him?
But this photo-op shows ‘preyed-on’ victim.

All year he’s ignored ‘The Cause’ of her fame,
To give voice to women, shout out names
Of bullies for whom it’s often a game
For their gangs to play again and again.

Sometimes a good cop shows up and they’re caught,
‘News’ writes a story and juicy report
Of fighting, screaming, how wildly she fought!
Yet often the case is thrown out of court.

Other abuse, more discretely played out
Was in some High Office when staff weren’t about.
In Confession poor innocents found out
No help would be had from those thought devout.

Now headlines are hers because she refused
To nicely behave as he wants her to;
To pretend yet again she likes being used.

That’s why Australians all say, “Grace, we love you!
You beat him!” Framed picture-perfect for us too!