In nearly four years of writing this blog, I have focused primarily on world events, past and present, and have augmented my simple thoughts with the words of some of the world’s greatest intellects: Greek, Roman and Chinese philosophers; Shakespeare; Churchill; the Roosevelts; Kennedy; and countless others, living and dead.

But never, in all of this time, have I had the opportunity to quote a personal acquaintance (other than an occasional humorous anecdote). Today, however, I have the great privilege of sharing a post by my most unlikely friend of some 40 years’ standing: David Chikvaidze.

A brilliant scholar, career diplomat, and — though now officially in retirement — a tireless advocate for world peace and security, David serves as Vice President of the Swiss Forum for International Affairs, and as a Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS).

(Yes, I see you blushing, David. But it’s all true.)

When we met in Washington back in the 1980s, our diametrically opposed backgrounds would seem to have given us nothing in common. Yet we share a great many interests: history, politics, literature, a love of old American TV sitcoms, a weakness for bad puns, and a politically-incorrect sense of humor.

Thus, when I read his Facebook post this morning announcing an upcoming WAAS online conference on “Global Social Turbulencce: Sources and Solutions,” I knew I had to share his words with my readers. To repeat:

“The world is at an existential crossroads where standing silently by or even ‘doing one’s best’ is inadequate to the magnitude of the risk.”

In one sentence, we are reminded of our individual responsibility to do whatever we can — speak out, stand up for our at-risk friends, and above all VOTE — to help put things right. Either we stand together, or we fall together.

Thanks, David.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/21/26