Zelensky Soars

Zelenskyy truly a man of all seasons

Russia-Ukraine war live: Zelenskiy tells US Congress aid is not charity as Biden announces $1.85bn support package (theguardian.com)

The US House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, right, and the US vice-president, Kamala Harris, left, hold a Ukrainian flag signed by soldiers in war-torn Bakhmut after it was presented by Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine’s president, during a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington DC. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

BB, here’s your comparison courtesy of astute tweeter strider:

jamie, thanks for reminding us.  here’s amother reminder Twas the night before Festivus, when, incredibly somehow, Not a Costanza was arguing. We’ve reached serenity now. The aluminum pole was placed in the corner with care, In the fear that Mr. Frank Costanza would soon be there. Kramer, Jerry, George and Elaine nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of H&H Bagels Danced in their heads. And Estelle with her eyejob and her proclivity to lie, Had just settled down to eat a slice of marble rye. When out on the street there arose such a clatter, George sprung from his childhood bed to see what was the matter, Away to the window he flew like Superman, “You think you’re better than me!” screamed a passing doorman. The faint yellow street lights on the week-old muddy snow Gave the lustre of mid-March to sidewalks below, When, what to George’s wondering eyes should appear, But a big obnoxious Cadillac, it was just what he feared. With a little old man, so quite off his rocker, George knew he was in for quite a shocker. More slowly than snails he walked up I do tell, “I feel vigorous!” (he had just worked out with a dumbell); “Now, George! now, Jerry! now, Estelle and Krueger! On, Elaine! On newcomers and Mr. Kramer! I got alot of problems with you people, Now you’re going to hear about it!” (The poor sheeple). As dry heaves set to music fly, When Costanza found himself a challenge,… Read more »

back to thread topic editorial board’s Opinion | Zelensky’s speech shows that freedom is winning in Ukraine — for now – The Washington Post President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine made his career in comedy, but the Russian invasion of his country 10 months ago has brought out his talent for drama — of the most inspiring kind. Standing before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, Mr. Zelensky thanked the United States for its military and financial support, presented a flag signed by troops defending the the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut and characterized his country’s struggle as the front line in a global battle for freedom and democracy against tyrants seeking to rewrite the international order. Likening the war in Ukraine to the American Revolution, he declared that “the Russian tyranny has lost control over us.” “Ukrainian courage and American resolve must guarantee the future of our common freedom,” he said. […] Zelensky’s visit should encourage reflection on the pivotal role the West’s political will has played in helping Ukraine resist. Mr. Putin’s best hope — and our main concern — is evidence that U.S. support for Ukraine might be getting less bipartisan. Polls show a significant falloff in support for aid among Republican voters; the likely next House speaker, Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), has made equivocal statements on the matter. And in October, 30 progressive House Democrats issued (and quickly retracted) a woefully premature call for U.S.-brokered negotiations. All the more reason to appreciate Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell’s speech on the Senate… Read more »