Russians

Listen while you read:  Russians

In Europe and America, there's a growing feeling of hysteria
Conditioned to respond to all the threats
In the rhetorical speeches of the Soviets
Mr. Krushchev says he will bury you
I don't subscribe to this point of view
It would be such an ignorant thing to do
If the Russians love their children, too

How can I save my little boy from Oppenheimer's deadly toy?
There is no monopoly in common sense
On either side of the political fence
We share the same biology
Regardless of ideology
Believe me when I say to you
I hope the Russians love their children, too

There is no historical precedent
To put the words in the mouth of the President
There's no such thing as a winnable war
It's a lie we don't believe anymore
Mr. Reagan says we will protect you
I don't subscribe to this point of view
Believe me when I say to you
I hope the Russians love their children, too.

We share the same biology
Regardless of ideology
What might save us, me and you
Is if the Russians love their children, too

~  Sting

"It's not a pro-Soviet song. It's pro-children," said Sting. Appearing on 1985's Dream of the Blue Turtles, the song was written during the Cold War, which lasted from 1947 to 1991, ending two years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Soviet Union no longer exists, nor do Krushchev, Reagan, or Oppenheimer. And the children about whom Sting sang are now in their 30s. But the theme of the song is eerily prescient. What might save us, me and you, is if the Russians love their children, too.

And of course they do. I chose this song today as a reminder to us all. As the political dysfunction intensifies, we need to step back from the labels we use to separate ourselves from one another and the artificial borders used to divide the planet in order to recognize our common humanity. While this is hard to do in regard to the power-hungry "leaders" who complicate our world, it is not that difficult to acknowledge the very human elements of love and family that we share, no matter where our homeland. We share the same biology regardless of ideology.

It is so easy to target and blame "the other." We do it all the time. Perhaps it is just human nature to do so? Is there a difference between hating political leaders and hating entire political parties? Is there a difference between hating foreign governments and hating the citizens of those countries? If one chooses to hate an alien population, does that include the children of that population?

In no way do I want this current corrupt administration to get a pass on its assistance in the compromising of our democracy. Bring on the appointment of a special prosecutor to conduct an independent investigation of the Trump - Russian ties. Priority One. But in our enthusiasm to trash "the Russians," let's remember that, indeed, the Russians love their children, too.