I’m ashamed. I own a restaurant; next to me is a farmer who eats in my restaurant, and from whom I buy produce to use in my restaurant. On the other side of the farmer lives a small quiet family. Driving by yesterday, I saw the farmer assaulting the neighbor in the neighbor’s front yard. I won’t stand for it; gonna punish the farmer — gonna forbid him from eating in my restaurant — but I’ll still buy my produce (e.g., aluminum) from him. Gonna send a card of condolence to my assaulted neighbor and write a condemning letter to news media.

That’s us, Russia and Ukraine. I’m ashamed I gave my neighbor only a very small twig when he came to me saying he was afraid and wanted to borrow a bat — of which I have many. I’m ashamed I didn’t pick up a bat and go to my neighbor’s aid. I’m ashamed I am unwilling to sacrifice the produce I need for my restaurant.

I’m soft, I’m weak, my principles are limited to what I can do at no cost to myself. I’m afraid of the example I’ve set for other bullies in the world.

Jim Baker

Hempfield

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