GRANDMA GREEN SAYS: Are we learning from history?

The other day, as I was grocery shopping, I heard a gentleman complaining about the high prices. Before I thought, I said, “Be glad we don’t live in Ukraine.”

I got to thinking how true that is. We are concerned about the cost of gas and groceries and the skyrocketing cost of living, and some people about whether they can afford to go on a vacation. The people of Ukraine are worried about their existence, spending time in shelters due to Russia’s bombing, lack of food, medical needs, et cetera.

I am 100% sure that Ukraine and those countries in turmoil would gladly trade places and only have to worry about gas and grocery prices.

I hope I’ve got this correct: Those who don’t learn from the past mistakes made in history are doomed to repeat them.

In the late 1930s Britain’s Prime Minister Chamberlain kept trying to appease Hitler, with agreements of all things. During this time, Hitler was preparing for war. On Sept. 1, 1939, the Nazis invaded Poland. Six years of the worst world war happened and millions of lives were lost.

Could this happen again? Are we appeasing Putin? Challenging NATO, the USA and all nations to support Ukraine. Big Russia, little Ukraine. What little country is next on Putin’s list? Is it possible that history will repeat itself?

I worry for the world and future generations. I’ve stated before that anyone who doesn’t believe in climate change is fully misinformed. Look at the statistics. Look at the disaster that hit our neighbors in the Spokane area. Beyond that, the storms, floods, fires and such devastations throughout the world. It is going to get worse before it gets better. People of the world need to work together if we want our world to survive.

In the last California governor’s primary race, some guy spent over $225 million. The top two eventually go on to the final race. The $225 million guy came in third, eliminating him.

During the same time, a group was on the news in Texas. This group was attempting to build a small house community for homeless veterans. To complete this wonderful project, they were hoping to generate $15 million. Think what $225 million could do.

I think things are a bit whack-a-doodle!

Think about how different life has become for our Spokane neighbors trying to rebuild their lives. Over 30 years ago one of our neighbors lost their home to a fire. The woman stated that the most difficult thing was replacing important papers. (Photos were lost forever, unless family or friends were able to replace them.) Birth certificates, marriage licenses, businesses licenses, school diplomas, Social Security paperwork, passports, wills, deeds, divorce papers, mortgage papers, medical information et cetera – anything that you need to keep track of. These copies would also make it easier to obtain official ones if needed.

I know some people have safes at home. Then I saw on the news that a family in Spokane found their safe melted. So if you are considering or have a safe, make sure you double-check its stability.

You can even take your most treasured photos to Courtney at Staples. She has done a great job in duplicating some of mine, and also the aforementioned paperwork.

Now, you ask, what do I do with it all? Find a family member or very trusted friend who lives out of your immediate area. Think of the homes next door to each other which were completely destroyed. Or get a safety deposit box.

Always remember, it is what it is, and we need to deal with it. There are so many others who are worse off.

Joan "Grandma" Green is a regular contributing columnist for the Columbia Basin Herald. She has been a Moses Lake resident for more than 50 years.