Earlier today I wrote about hope for the future of Ukraine and the rest of Europe in the context of Russia’s continuing aggression and refusal to moderate its demands. And I was reminded of an earlier time and an earlier war — the war in Vietnam — and of the words of a man who dared to imagine a better world:

“You may say Im a dreamer,
But I’m not the only one.
I hope someday you’ll join us.
And the world will live as one.”

– John Lennon, “Imagine” (1971)

It turned out that he was indeed a dreamer. The war in Vietnam did not end as it should have . . . nor did Lennon, whose life was taken by an act of violence just nine years later.

But I believe that, if he could, he would still tell us to keep believing in that elusive peaceful world he envisioned. Because without hope, there is no incentive to continue striving for a better world; and without the effort, we will definitely lose.

“Imagine all the people livin’ life in peace”

Imagine that.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
10/28/26