Hey Ari, I think what Zelensky brings to the table was instilled in him as a child and learned in life lessons. He’s clearly grounded. You see the man’s compassion as he speaks. He’s doing a great job of leading his people. I pray for him and Ukrainians. This week was definitely a hard one. I pray for peace ( soon)
Zelenskyy is a true definition of a leader and a patriot. Do you think Zelesnkyy’s background has made him a stronger leader for this moment? Yes, I think so. His law background, his acting which is imitating real life, his personality and the way he relates to the Ukrainians made him the leader that he is…he definitely has the qualities of a leader and a fighter…he has great diplomatic skills which he is using in dealing with Russia and having different talks with global leaders for their aid. Plus his grandfather fought in WWII. He is a symbol of Ukrainian resistance.
Zelenskyy strikes me as fundamentally moral, wise, and intelligent. Those who serve his cause like him and trust him. The future of democracy is in good hands if folk like he are at the helm. These folk have their heads screwed on right. They are not insecure or self-involved.
Great article Ari. Lots to unload. I agreed with the NATO alliance offering Zelensky a ride out as no one knew where this would lead and a dead Zelensky would have been terrible. For me, it boils down to that people either rise to the occasion (Zelensky) regardless of their background or nosedive down in bright flames (trump). President Zelensky is an inspiration not only to those of Ukraine but the world. After hearing about the Russian atrocities, the Russians deserve all the results of the sanctions. My German grandparents told me stories about horrific things the Russian soldiers did to civilians in the territory they held. The American and British soldiers were "gentlemen" as they called them. The Russians apparently have not changed. Zelensky will give the Ukrainians the morale they need to rebuild.
I am in awe of his courage and leadership in the face of this incredible challenge. Some people have the intelligence, compassion, and strength of character to rise to the occasion, and some people don't.
I don't know what had made Zelensky the leader that he is/or had become but it is important that he be there when his country and fellow Ukrainians need him so badly.
Ari, I think one’s background is primarily a determinant for outcomes. Of the qualities you isolated for Zelenskyy, I would say “judgment” is the defining factor. Reading various material about him, he has the ability to think for himself. More importantly, the discernment to listen to others-perhaps those with military experience. I think he was wise to do it as we have witnessed; after all, where could they (he and his family) have gone to be TRULY safe from one who has displayed no regard for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?!!
I don't know if it's his background as much as it his belief that freedom and equity for all people is what Ukraine voted for, they know and have lived the alternative. He and the Ukrainian people have the belief that you stand up for your freedom or you lose it- what a high cost they are paying to be as free as we are.
I think he was who he is now, before the acting career- a hero, but no one knew it including Zelensky. What comes to mind as leadership hallmarks: practice what you preach, take the high ground, lead by example, don’t put yourself above the common person. He truly is laying his life down for his country and his people. Exemplary! Moving essay today Ari, and I loved “sclerotic political elites,” I’m going to borrow the phrase. What’s troubling though is the entire world doesn’t see him as a leader, many powerful countries are pulling for Putin. And for many in the USA that could be true too.
Actor Hugh Laurie (remember "House?") said years ago that he likes music more than acting. (If you've never had the pleasure, listen to Laurie's rendition of Joe Cocker's "Unchain My Heart." It's worth the time.) His point was that when one is acting, he's always trying to be someone else. When one is playing music or singing, he's being his true self.
Perhaps for Zelensky, it was the opposite. Perhaps his acting roles brought out the strength required to be the leader he naturally seems to be. I'll bet that way down deep inside of him, there was a little boy who always said, "Someday I want to grow up to be President."
To your mention of Trump, though: I grew up in Upstate New York in the 60s and 70s, and the one thing we Upstaters all had in common was that we hated Donald Trump. Those who were paying attention, anyway. Trump lied and swindled, he never paid his contractors, he abandoned projects midway, and he filed lawsuits against everybody who crossed his path. In his case, his presidency mirrored his early life exactly.
I am trying to figure out my views about USA as seen through the eyes of Ukrainians. In the US, we are divided into democratic socialists and trumplican authoritarians. Personally, I would rather be a lefty dividing our winnings to all of society than a person who has given away America to Trump, his family and his supporters such as Meadows, Bannon, Thomas (x2), MTG and Boebert. I refuse to be ruled by those trump morons.
Aloha Ari, your last paragraph says it all : “ By staying and risking his own life, Zelenskyy is doing what so many elites spend so much effort to avoid -- sharing in the risk, service and experience of everybody else. And that is, perhaps, the ultimate populist test of a leader. ”
Barack Obama said that Donald Trump did not possess the temperament to be President. This is what Zelinski has. Even though Ronald Regan was an empty suit and only parroted well scripted lines, he still had respect for institutional norms. Trump does not. Reagan learned to stir the ship of state well enough with great advice! Donald Trump was PT Barnum and did not have the willingness or ability to learn to lead. I am proud to say that I voted against Trump twice and Reagan three times!
Ari, as always, thanks for your clear-headed and articulate assessment of the topic at hand. In answer to your question...I think that along with his intelligence, discipline and determination that allowed Zelenskyy to become a successful actor and president, his personal family history dating back to WW II and the atrocities that occurred decades (and centuries) before the Holocaust to eastern European Jews has contributed to his compassion and tenacity.
I've been reading everybody's comments and I pretty much agree with all of them. I do think it's his character, empathy, compassion, truthfulness etc that is due to being the kind of leader he is today. If he doesn't win the Nobel Peace prize I would be very very surprised and disappointed!! He certainly deserves it 100 fold. My God, I grieve for the Ukrainians---what is happening over there is horrific and there are no words actually to express how really really bad it is!!! That' he is disappointed with NATO and the Union is understandable to me!! I suppose it's a good thing that I'm not the president because if it were me I would give him everything he asked for---something's got to stop this maniac and his minions from the death and destruction that they are doing to the Ukrainians!!! On another note Trump is the Antichrist 1000 fold!!! If he gets elected again we're all going to go to hell in a hand basket here in the United States!!! Thank God I'm 78!!! If he gets elected again I'll probably be homeless he'll probably take everybody's social security away--and I'm below the poverty level anyway!!! Enough from me-----God bless all the people and keep them safe!!!
My thought, it's his humanity that has made him a great leader.
Hey Ari, I think what Zelensky brings to the table was instilled in him as a child and learned in life lessons. He’s clearly grounded. You see the man’s compassion as he speaks. He’s doing a great job of leading his people. I pray for him and Ukrainians. This week was definitely a hard one. I pray for peace ( soon)
Hi Ari and Happy Wednesday😃
Zelenskyy is a true definition of a leader and a patriot. Do you think Zelesnkyy’s background has made him a stronger leader for this moment? Yes, I think so. His law background, his acting which is imitating real life, his personality and the way he relates to the Ukrainians made him the leader that he is…he definitely has the qualities of a leader and a fighter…he has great diplomatic skills which he is using in dealing with Russia and having different talks with global leaders for their aid. Plus his grandfather fought in WWII. He is a symbol of Ukrainian resistance.
Zelenskyy strikes me as fundamentally moral, wise, and intelligent. Those who serve his cause like him and trust him. The future of democracy is in good hands if folk like he are at the helm. These folk have their heads screwed on right. They are not insecure or self-involved.
Great article Ari. Lots to unload. I agreed with the NATO alliance offering Zelensky a ride out as no one knew where this would lead and a dead Zelensky would have been terrible. For me, it boils down to that people either rise to the occasion (Zelensky) regardless of their background or nosedive down in bright flames (trump). President Zelensky is an inspiration not only to those of Ukraine but the world. After hearing about the Russian atrocities, the Russians deserve all the results of the sanctions. My German grandparents told me stories about horrific things the Russian soldiers did to civilians in the territory they held. The American and British soldiers were "gentlemen" as they called them. The Russians apparently have not changed. Zelensky will give the Ukrainians the morale they need to rebuild.
I am in awe of his courage and leadership in the face of this incredible challenge. Some people have the intelligence, compassion, and strength of character to rise to the occasion, and some people don't.
I don't know what had made Zelensky the leader that he is/or had become but it is important that he be there when his country and fellow Ukrainians need him so badly.
Ari, I think one’s background is primarily a determinant for outcomes. Of the qualities you isolated for Zelenskyy, I would say “judgment” is the defining factor. Reading various material about him, he has the ability to think for himself. More importantly, the discernment to listen to others-perhaps those with military experience. I think he was wise to do it as we have witnessed; after all, where could they (he and his family) have gone to be TRULY safe from one who has displayed no regard for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?!!
I don't know if it's his background as much as it his belief that freedom and equity for all people is what Ukraine voted for, they know and have lived the alternative. He and the Ukrainian people have the belief that you stand up for your freedom or you lose it- what a high cost they are paying to be as free as we are.
I think he was who he is now, before the acting career- a hero, but no one knew it including Zelensky. What comes to mind as leadership hallmarks: practice what you preach, take the high ground, lead by example, don’t put yourself above the common person. He truly is laying his life down for his country and his people. Exemplary! Moving essay today Ari, and I loved “sclerotic political elites,” I’m going to borrow the phrase. What’s troubling though is the entire world doesn’t see him as a leader, many powerful countries are pulling for Putin. And for many in the USA that could be true too.
Have a good week.
Actor Hugh Laurie (remember "House?") said years ago that he likes music more than acting. (If you've never had the pleasure, listen to Laurie's rendition of Joe Cocker's "Unchain My Heart." It's worth the time.) His point was that when one is acting, he's always trying to be someone else. When one is playing music or singing, he's being his true self.
Perhaps for Zelensky, it was the opposite. Perhaps his acting roles brought out the strength required to be the leader he naturally seems to be. I'll bet that way down deep inside of him, there was a little boy who always said, "Someday I want to grow up to be President."
To your mention of Trump, though: I grew up in Upstate New York in the 60s and 70s, and the one thing we Upstaters all had in common was that we hated Donald Trump. Those who were paying attention, anyway. Trump lied and swindled, he never paid his contractors, he abandoned projects midway, and he filed lawsuits against everybody who crossed his path. In his case, his presidency mirrored his early life exactly.
I am trying to figure out my views about USA as seen through the eyes of Ukrainians. In the US, we are divided into democratic socialists and trumplican authoritarians. Personally, I would rather be a lefty dividing our winnings to all of society than a person who has given away America to Trump, his family and his supporters such as Meadows, Bannon, Thomas (x2), MTG and Boebert. I refuse to be ruled by those trump morons.
Aloha Ari, your last paragraph says it all : “ By staying and risking his own life, Zelenskyy is doing what so many elites spend so much effort to avoid -- sharing in the risk, service and experience of everybody else. And that is, perhaps, the ultimate populist test of a leader. ”
Barack Obama said that Donald Trump did not possess the temperament to be President. This is what Zelinski has. Even though Ronald Regan was an empty suit and only parroted well scripted lines, he still had respect for institutional norms. Trump does not. Reagan learned to stir the ship of state well enough with great advice! Donald Trump was PT Barnum and did not have the willingness or ability to learn to lead. I am proud to say that I voted against Trump twice and Reagan three times!
Ari, as always, thanks for your clear-headed and articulate assessment of the topic at hand. In answer to your question...I think that along with his intelligence, discipline and determination that allowed Zelenskyy to become a successful actor and president, his personal family history dating back to WW II and the atrocities that occurred decades (and centuries) before the Holocaust to eastern European Jews has contributed to his compassion and tenacity.
I've been reading everybody's comments and I pretty much agree with all of them. I do think it's his character, empathy, compassion, truthfulness etc that is due to being the kind of leader he is today. If he doesn't win the Nobel Peace prize I would be very very surprised and disappointed!! He certainly deserves it 100 fold. My God, I grieve for the Ukrainians---what is happening over there is horrific and there are no words actually to express how really really bad it is!!! That' he is disappointed with NATO and the Union is understandable to me!! I suppose it's a good thing that I'm not the president because if it were me I would give him everything he asked for---something's got to stop this maniac and his minions from the death and destruction that they are doing to the Ukrainians!!! On another note Trump is the Antichrist 1000 fold!!! If he gets elected again we're all going to go to hell in a hand basket here in the United States!!! Thank God I'm 78!!! If he gets elected again I'll probably be homeless he'll probably take everybody's social security away--and I'm below the poverty level anyway!!! Enough from me-----God bless all the people and keep them safe!!!