43:9 (2002-03): Ukraine_8; OCI_15; John's death; Ukraine_9; Mom to Angus; Iraq War II; Ukraine

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43.9 War on Iraq

43.9.1 Introduction

A Collation invading Iraq led by the Americans under Bush was presented in the context of a "War on Terror". That is, Iraq, like Afghanistan, was a regime that supported Islamo-facist terror in the world. To fight this actively meant that Bush was ignoring the "I Ching" advice that "great power is best displayed when not used." Instead brute force was used and this provoked a reaction which made things worse.

43.9.2 U.S. Motivations: Issue of WMDs or Inventing Threats

The major political event of this period was the culmination of twelve years of threats to Iraq if they did not disarm. The reason given was that Iraq had failed to prove they had disarmed their Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). There was also the issue of being suspected of supporting terrorism. France and Russia opposed military intervention so soon, mainly because Iraq owed these countries billions of dollars in debts. After many U.N. resolutions and ultimatums ignored, U.S. and U.K. built up forces around the Gulf over the winter.

Throughout the period there was much doubt and discussion concerning the proof of WMD and connections with terrorism. Neither was proved. It seems more likely that the American administration was inventing the new threat of Iraq and radical Islam (although Americans were not clear on the connection) to replace the old threat of USSR and communism. They did this rather than do the two things which they dare not do:

First, they dare not reduce the U.S. military, even though there is no reason for them having such formidable weapons;
Second, they dare not fundamentally re-think ideas of security;

Comedian Steven Colbert coined the new term "truthiness" to refer to the Republicans under Bush belief that if they used the "big lie" often enough then it would sound like it was true. The WMD became a reality in the minds of many Americans.

43.9.3 Shock and Awe, March, 2003

On 30 March, 2003, the "Coalition of the Willing" attacked with what was called "shock and awe". The images the Americans promoted was their soldiers as liberators welcomed by ordinary Iragis, as shown below:

43.9.4 Regime Change in Iraq, April, 2003

By 9 April U.S. tanks entered central Bagdad and toppled symbols of Saddam's 25 year regime. The visual symbol of the regime change came on 9 April, 2003, when a tank in the city centre pulled down the major statue of Saddam Hussein (see below). I saw this iconic moment while watching the large TV at the Angus Home with Mom. By 30 April major hostilities were over and Bush declared "mission accommplished". The strife was, however, far from over.

Saddam himself was not caught until 18 December, 2003. He would be tried, a verdict brough down 5 Nov. 2006, and on ____ hanged.

43.10 SARS

800 killed in 30 countries.

43.11 Olena and Daniel at Dundas West

43.11 Introduction

This section is one installment in a large thread on the subject of my domestic (personal) life that runs throughout the chronicle. Click here to see a table which summarizes these threads.

43.12 Ukraine 10 with Ron

43.12.1 Introduction

This section is one installment in a large thread on the subject of my experiences in Eastern Europe that runs throughout the chronicle. Click here to see a table which summarizes these threads.

43.12.2 Kiev

43.12.3 Kiev with Brother Ron

This time in Kiev, I awaited my brother, Ron. He flew on 27 April, and I met him at the airport. I had an apartment ready for him, and we toured Kiev together.

The photo below is in the new complex at Maiden Nalaizesti:

43.12.4 Chess in Kiev

43.12.5 Military History Museum

43.12.6 Rodina Mat ('Motherland') Monument, Kiev

43.12.7 Russian - Ukrainian Friendship Monument, Kiev

43.12.8 Mayday, 2003: Kiev

We experienced a great Mayday celebration in Kiev, principally in and around Park Shevchenko.

The photo below is in near Park Shevchenko:

43.12.9 Photos of Kiev Buildings

I have so many photos of buildings in Kiev that I created a separate web site. Click on the photo below:

43.12.10 Photos of Old Ukrainian Houses

I have so many photos of buildings in Kiev that I created a separate web site. Click on the photo below:

43.12.11 Scenes in Kiev

Another web site of my photos in Kiev (click on the skyline photo).

43.12.12 Still Travelling by Train

43.12.13 Simferopol

From Kiev, Ron and I took the train together South to Simferopol.

43.12.14 Bachiserai

43.12.15 Sevastopol

43.12.16 Kiev in June with Vilen

My friend Vilen took a long-deserved vacation in June and came to his rodina ('homeland') in June, 2003. We met in Kiev.

43.13 My Report on the Situation of Teachers in Ukraine

43.13.1 Introduction

This section is one installment in a large thread on the subject of my solidarity work that runs throughout the chronicle. Click here to see a table which summarizes these threads.

My solidarity work with teachers' unions in Ukraine is summarized by the report I wrote entitled: " The State of the Unions: A Report on the Situation of Teachers in Ukraine"" Click here for the full report. See also: " Education Unions in Ukraine" What follows is a brief summary of the major points.

This report follows my report The State of the Unions: A Report on the Situation of Teachers in Russia"" Therefore I will start with a brief comparison. Teachers in Ukraine are even worse off than teachers in Russia --as is the economy generally. Unlike Russia, the Ukrainian Teachers' Union does not belong to Education International, but rather to a smaller, less effective, organization called the "World Confederation of Teachers". Most of the points made above (for Russia) are true for Ukraine, but the salaries are even lower and being paid less often. Last year negotiations with teachers led to a decree that average teachers' salaries must be at least as high as the average of industrial workers' salaries. Since then, however, this law has been consistently ignored as the average teachers' salary as of January 2001 (120 hrivna or about $ Can. 25.oo per month) is significantly lower than the average industrial workers' salary (about $ Can. 35.oo per month). And even this low salary is often not paid. I participated in a demonstration in Kiev in December 2000 against this discrepancy but it led to little response from the government.

The crisis in Ukraine can only be solved by the citizens of Ukraine, but I believe that the overarching moral issues demand the need for solidarity between Ukrainians and the workers of other nations.

Human Rights Violations

The most publicised event has been the murder of the journalist Heorhii Gongadze and the handling of the investigation into his death. The long delay in determining and admitting the identity of the victim and, with it, the very fact of the crime, has raised serious questions about the independence and the impartiality of the investigation.

There is concern that this murder is only the most visible instance of violence against and harassment of independent journalists, politicians and other prominent Ukrainians. The questions surrounding the murders of Vadym Hetman and Jevhen Shcherban, as well as the deaths of Vadym Bojko, Vjacheslav Chornovil, and many others remain unanswered, with little or no known progress in their investigations.

Anticorruption legislation continues to be enforced selectively, mostly against government opponents and low-level officials.

There are ongoing reprisals, threats, and implicit threats of reprisal against those union leaders, journalists, students, teachers, and other Ukrainians who dare to speak their minds openly and freely on the current crisis. The persistent efforts to prevent and obstruct peaceful demonstrations raise disturbing questions about the commitment to freedom of speech and assembly, which are guaranteed in Ukraine's Constitution.

Ukrainian political and economic independence and sovereignty, already endangered by widespread corruption, is further being degraded as national interests are sacrificed to narrow self interests of the ruling class.

There is great need for an independent, full, transparent, and credible investigation of Gongadze's murder and of all the evidence that has emerged from this and other cases. Those responsible, no matter what their position, must be held to account.

There should also be international and strong support for attempts to reform the political process and strengthen civil society, to establish a genuine separation of and balance between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, as well as a truly open, honest, and accountable system of governance.

Government claims that discussion of the current political crisis has done nothing but besmirch Ukraine's image is ridiculous. On the contrary, such discussion have given the world and Ukrainians the hope that Ukraine is capable of mature self-reflection, strong and honest criticism where necessary, and meaningful reform. Only the rule of law, due process, and genuine freedom of the press, expression, and assembly without fear of reprisal - combined with serious political dialogue - can help lead Ukraine out of this crisis. Only an honest attempt to uncover the truth can restore the country's image and promise and help Ukraine avoid becoming a pariah in the world community.

Western unions must express their solidarity with all those in Ukraine who are struggling for these goals and we extend to them our deep moral support.

43.14 Sale and Clearing Out of 51 Beaufort Road for Closing

43.14.1 Introduction

This section is one installment in a large thread on the subject of the Beaufort house that runs throughout most of the chronicle. Click here to see a table which summarizes these threads.

43.14.2 43.15 Zeitgeist: Politics and Society, 2002 to 2003

43.15.1 Introduction

This section is one installment in a large thread on the subject of politics and culture that runs throughout the chronicle. Click here to see a table which summarizes these threads.

This section describes snapshots of larger historical events and trends in order to provide reference points which flesh in the context of my life.

At this time, Toronto had a population of about ___; Ontario: ___; Canada: 31,414,000; and the world 6,000,000,000. Canada's GDP for 2002 was $33,118. per capita -one of the highest in the world. 23% of Canadians already held university degrees --also one of the highest in the world. Life expectancy was 79 years, and infant mortality only 5.3 per 1,000 live births.

43.15.2 Ontario Provincial Politics

The Tories were still firmly in control in Ontario. Harris retired and Earnie Eaves took over but things did not change. They deposed the TDSB trustees and appointed a super-supervisor, Paul Christie, to run the city's education system.

43.15.3 Toronto Municipal Politics

Mel Lastman was still Mayor.

43.15.4 Terrorism by Chechen "Black Widows"

Following Putin's sending in the Russian army into Chechnia, Chechen terrorism continued. This included in Moscow itself, where more and more often it was by widows of slain Chechen freedom fighters (or terrorists, depending on one's perspective) called "Black Widows". They were the bulk of the Chechens who seized a theatre in Moscow in ___ 200_. When the Russian army used gas, 200 people were killed.

43.15.5 Space Shuttle "Columbia" Disaster, 2003

In February, 2003, the "Columbia" Space Shuttle exploded on re-entry.

43.16 Culture, Books, Films, and TV: 2002 to 2003

43.16.1 Introduction

This section is one installment in a large thread on the subject of culture that runs throughout the chronicle. Click here to see a table which summarizes these threads.

43.16.2 Books Read

Amongst the books that I read during the period, the ones that in hindsight had a lasting impact on me were as follows:

43.16.3 Films Viewed

Amongst the films that I saw during the period, the ones that in hindsight had a lasting impact on me were as follows:

43.16.4 TV Viewed

Amongst the television programmes that I saw during the period, the ones that in hindsight had a lasting impact on me were as follows:

"Johny Cash Show",
"All in the Family",

43.12.5 Music

43.16.6 Other Social / Cultural Influences

Amongst the television programmes that I saw during the period, the ones that in hindsight had a lasting impact on me were as follows:

"Caravan"

43.17 Architectural Projects During this Period

43.17.1 Introduction

This section is one installment in a large thread on the subject of my architecture that runs throughout the chronicle. Click here to see a table which summarizes these threads.

My main architectural project during this period was finalizing plans for what I would do with the garage/studio at the back of 485 Manning Ave. I also worked, with Mike Babier's help to further the work on the new basement bathroom.

43.18 Fletchers and Macknesses During This Period

43.18.1 Introduction

This section is one installment in a large thread on the subject of the Fletcher and Mackness families that runs throughout the chronicle. Click here to see a table which summarizes these threads.

43.18.2 Father, John

As described above (section 43._), and in Chapter 20, this was the period in which John passed on.

43.18.3 Mom, Esther

As described above (section 43.8), this was the period when Mom moved into the Angus Home. There she thrived.

43.18.4 Ron

As described above (section 43._), this the period in which Ron visited me in Ukraine and we toured Kiev, Simferopol, and Sevastopol.

43.18.5 Bern

This was to be Bern's second last year of teaching. He was already thinking about his coming retirement in June, 2004.

43.18.6 Other Fletchers

43.18.7 Other Macknesses

Contacts were maintained with Shirley's daughter Joyce, and Murray's son, Dale.

43.19 Chess During This Period

43.19.1 Introduction

This section is one installment in a large thread on the subject of chess that runs throughout the chronicle. Click here to see a table which summarizes these threads.

43.19.2 Chess in Park Shevchenko, Kiev

43.20 Summary of Travels

43.20.1 Introduction

This section is one installment in a large thread on the subject of my travels in Eastern Europe that runs throughout much of the chronicle. Click here to see a table which summarizes these threads.

43.20.2 Table of Travels in Eastern Europe

see "Table of Travels in Eastern Europe"

43.21 Summary, Conclusions,
Connections, Goals,
Omissions, and Regrets

43.21.1 Introduction

43.21.2 Summary

43.21.3 Conclusions

43.21.4 Connections

43.21.5 Goals

Any consideration of specific goals, should be seen in the light of my mission statements.

See: Mission Statements

43.21.6 Omissions and Regrets

The bulk of this chronicle concerns things planned, experienced, written, won, acquired, painted, accomplished, etc. This section concerns those which were only desired, thought of, considered, not completed, lost, and perhaps regretted.