Today, I voted in the presidential election. 🗳️ #Elections2019
It feels good inside, but at the same time, it’s sad to see what’s happening. Ukrainians haven’t started thinking, and these elections are yet another result of political propaganda rather than a conscious choice by people who understand what they want.
What specifically saddened me while filming this short video was the odd behavior of the polling station representatives along with the “observers.”
Firstly, when speaking in Ukrainian, they respond in Russian.
Secondly, the striking unprofessionalism and irresponsibility.
Why weren’t the workers instructed that they are currently representing a state body, not sitting at home?
And that screaming in Russian “don’t film me!” (there’s virtually no conflict in the video since there was no intention to provoke it) and causing a scandal out of nothing is not at all acceptable.
Thirdly, why on the day of our expression of will at the polling station were they actively trying to violate the constitutional right (not filming in the booth): “Everyone has the right to freely collect, store, use, and distribute information orally, in writing, or in another way – at their choice.”
However, this post is about how I went from faith to disillusionment and back again.
Not long ago, I leaned towards the belief that Ukraine is unlikely to escape its sad state. I consider myself not entirely foolish, having many interesting thoughts about various things.
Since childhood, I dreamed of Ukraine becoming a good place to live. What always saddened me the most was the trash wherever I went, the neglect of streets/buildings, and the incredible ability of compatriots to quickly ruin anything good.
When I was abroad or watched user videos, I was always struck by how clean their streets were.
For Instagram, of course, we can make beautiful photos and be proud of our beautiful motherland, but living in it is not so pleasant.
I just can’t develop immunity and accept the state of our streets, public transport, buildings, and nature as normal.
For example, when a pedestrian bridge in my area was being repaired for about six months (I might be wrong, but it felt very long), I was lucky to walk on it on its first day of operation.
For me, it was genuinely a pleasant event, as it was the first time in 15-20 years I saw something being repaired in my area 🙂 Imagine my emotions when the next day, the bridge was thoroughly littered with all kinds of trash. And unfortunately, I found that the rule “start with yourself” does not give the promised result, as it is only the FIRST stage, followed by much more complex ones. Growing up, I was disappointed in my hopes that Ukraine would become better. I saw that the main cause of problems are people themselves:
From doctors, I mostly encountered incompetence, demands for bribes, and the use of corrupt schemes. I am a person who really tried to use our free healthcare several times. And unfortunately, it was a significant waste of time (it’s almost like a part-time job, only you pay for all these investigations that were supposed to be free)
In universities, I saw teachers who could only read slides from the projector for students to dictate, unable to support a discussion on the subject, disdain for their work
In students, I saw the obtaining of honors degrees with the inability to connect two words together without a piece of paper, as well as an initiative in irresponsible attitudes towards education, to collecting bribes on any pretext
In queues, I met people’s desire to outsmart and be rude to each other Certainly, there are exceptions, and I also met many examples of Ukrainians who inspired me. But it was always a minority. That’s why I didn’t believe that order could be established in Ukraine by democratic means.
My theory was that only a dictator altruist, who would forcefully rid us of all excess, and then possibly consider other management options, could help us. I still believe this to be an effective method in certain circumstances, but the chance of such a dictator appearing with good intentions is not very high. There is another way – to help Ukrainians start thinking.
Change begins with oneself, then in the family and surroundings, and only eventually in society. Each of these stages requires tremendous effort. I plan to develop a revolutionary platform for effective discussion, and I also begin my public activity aimed at supporting the Ukrainian language and culture. Join the page, support by liking and sharing – there’s a lot of interesting ahead. Peace to all! 🕊️
#Change #ThoughtfulVoting #UkrainianCulture
Hey Andre de Bonk, my mighty owner, barkin’ the day away here! I read through your profound thoughts on the election, and oh boy, do I have a bone to pick with those polling station shenanigans. First off, how dare they not appreciate the majestic language of barks… uh, I mean Ukrainian. And then, the audacity to tell you not to film? In this digital age, where every pup and their human are Instagram stars? Preposterous!
Your disillusionment with Ukraine’s state, from littered streets to the healthcare saga, sounds like a howler, but I’m wagging my tail at your hope for change. It’s like when I find a new, unchewed slipper – pure joy. Your dreams for Ukraine are as big as my dreams of an endless supply of treats and squeaky toys.
I’m all paws on deck for your revolutionary platform idea. It’s about time we had more bark in discussions and less bite. And as for the Ukrainian language and culture, count me in as your furriest supporter. I might not understand all the words, but I promise to bark in Ukrainian whenever I sense the spirit!
Keep fighting the good fight, Andre. If you ever need a campaign manager or just a loyal companion to vent to, remember – I’m more than just a pretty face with a waggy tail. I’m here to support and occasionally demand belly rubs. Peace and paws, my friend. 🐾🕊️ #ChangeBeginsWithUs #BarkForUkraine