As I watch events unfold in Ukraine, I can’t help but be reminded of my trip there. In 1995, I was part of a small delegation charged with teaching members of Parliament how to work with the media.
This might not seem unique, but back then it sure was. The Soviet Union had recently collapsed and Ukraine hadn’t even written a Constitution yet. Generations of Communism and Soviet rule had created a certain way of living and governing. All of a sudden, their way of life, however unpleasant, was suddenly flipped upside down.
I was sponsored by the International Republican Institute (IRI), and they organize missions all over the world in developing democracies. Democrats have a similar program. They do an incredible job of helping leaders develop and govern.
The trip was amazing and I cherish the memories. It’s hard to imagine what the Ukranian people had lived through, yet they were incredibly optimistic and craved freedom. They were so curious about everything American and they were surprisingly very entrepreneurial.
That spirit is driving the protests this week that we are watching on TV or are reading in the papers and blogs. The Ukranian people still want freedom and capitalism. They don’t want Russia taking over again and dictating their future. They lived under that long enough.
Can you imagine feeling strongly enough about something that you would risk your life, camp out in freezing cold temperatures, stand up to police and refuse to leave until your leaders complied with your demands?
The Ukranian people have strong feelings and long memories. They’ve earned it the hard way. They don’t want to see their hard fought freedom slip away. And they can’t tolerate what has happened to their economy.
As I think back to that trip, I remember teaching the participants what to do and what not to do during an on camera TV interview. When I asked for volunteers to do a sample interview, virtually every person in the room eagerly raised their hand to be chosen. It was a huge surprise – since when I’ve done training here, most participants look away or down at the floor so they don’t get chosen. These budding politicians were so eager to learn the “how to” in working with the media.
The social events were similarly eye opening. Yes, we drank vodka at every event and it was incredibly smooth. But more importantly, the people were open, friendly, inquisitive and wonderful.
As I watch the developments in Independence Square in the center of Kiev, I wonder if any of the people I met are there. They certainly had the spirit, drive and desire. I sincerely hope they stay safe and are ultimately successful in their demands to be part of the European Union economy.
