Paul OMahony
@omaniblog · 1:11
Ukraine President in Ireland
I have just been sitting in my car listening to the President of Ukraine addressing the Irish Parliament. I listened for a short while and then I couldn't control my tears. I was reduced to a blubbering mess by the end of his speech, literally. It's a minute since I stopped listening. I'm speechless
It seems the important appeal would be, in my opinion, no more wars or no escalation of war, at least. And whatever the appeal of the oppressed, we can't the whole planet by escalating war. And this is the hard thing, the hard paradox of the involvement of Europe or NATO, which are two different things, of course, even if the support of America can come to help Europe and the EU. But yes. Will we start again to have nonviolent protests against war?
Paul OMahony
@omaniblog · 5:00
They also have locked all of our seaports together with the vessels that had already agricultural cargo for export. Why are they doing this? Because for them, hunger is also a weapon against us ordinary people as an instrument of domination. Ukraine is one of the leading food supplying country in the world
Swell Team
@Swell · 0:15
Paul OMahony
@omaniblog · 5:00
They're looking at their country as the colonial Empire who allegedly has the right to subdue neighboring people and destroy the foundations of their independent life, destroy their identity, everything that makes us Ukraine. Russian soldiers deliberately were looking for and killing teachers in the occupied districts. They are adopting local government leaders and they're killing community leaders. Together with our Russian Army there are special groups coming in who are trying to destroy any political opposition
Paul OMahony
@omaniblog · 4:57
I'm sure that the whole Europe will be able to stop this one, bring peace and stability in the east of Europe. We cannot delay any longer. The longer this aggression of Russia will continue, the worse will be the consequences, not only for our continent neighboring regions. Ladies and gentlemen, it's the people of Ireland. Our principal approach, our courage, have already turned a new page of relationship between Ukraine and Ireland
Paul OMahony
@omaniblog · 1:29
And I was greasy, very warmly, and they were very appreciative. And it's the first time I've ever been to a meeting in Ukraine. And I can't tell you any more than that because I don't know any more in the background. I don't know what our personal situations are, except that it felt like a real privilege to be able to go
Sudha Varadarajan
@sudha · 1:10
Paul, thank you for sharing that speech with us. It is really heartwarming. There are so many speeches that he's given in the last several weeks that are so uplifting. The UN one given yesterday was also you must listen once. If you get an opportunity, please watch the speech he gave the United Nations. That was also remarkable. Thank you. Thank you for sharing. And also you mentioned you went to Ukraine for 10 minutes. I didn't quite follow
Paul OMahony
@omaniblog · 3:14
During the Pandemic, I have become used to traveling around the world via the Internet, and I quite naturally, without thinking, say, look, I've been in South Africa, Canada and Delhi today, and I do feel I've been there because I have been in the company of people who are in that country and who have organized the meeting
Sudha Varadarajan
@sudha · 1:02
All that makes a lot more sense. Yes, I'm familiar with Toastmasters. A very good friend of mine actually was a member for some time. You know what will be great the next time you talk to the Ukrainians, if you can have them come on, swell and express themselves because would love to hear. I mean, there is a lot out there in the news, but to have real people come and share their thoughts frequently will be very heartwarming