Ernest Hemingway may have written the novel, but the title of his book was not original. It was written in 1624 by the poet, John Donne, who had fought in the Anglo Spanish War, and knew full the price of life and the horrors of war. Hemingway’s book was written about his fighting as a volunteer during  the Spanish Civil War.    Nationalist Franco finally prevailed in l939, after a bloody three year war against the opposing Republicans.   The war itself, bears many  similarities to the current war in Ukraine, where a fascist bully seeks to control freedom loving people.   Now, we might ask the same question as John Donne.  For Whom Does the Bell Toll in Ukraine?

Franco lasted 30 years as a dictator—much longer than his pals Mussolini and Hitler after World War II. But good finally won out over evil after his death in 1974, when Juan Carlos was made king and established a democracy in that country.

Putin has been in power in Russia for 24 years.  While his war against Ukraine seems far away, none of us can ignore the atrocities the Russians are committing against the innocent people there.  No man is an island.  The murder and torture  of Ukrainians diminishes all of mankind, even here in the United States of America.  How long will the War between Russia and Ukraine continue, and when will good  triumph over evil? Unfortunately, it may take longer than we think.  And it may eventually lead to World War III.

FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS

by John Donne

No man is an island, Entire of itself. Each is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less. As well as if a promontory were. As well as if a manor of thine own Or of thine friend’s were. Each man’s death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know For whom the bell tolls, It tolls for thee. FOR WHOM DOES THE BELL TOLL IN UKRAINE?