There is a wonderful story in the New Yorker that you should definitely read: “How Ukrainians Saved Their Capital.” By Luke Mogelson, it’s about the weeks he spent embedded with a battalion of volunteer medics called the Hospitallers in and around Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine.
Very emotional and vivid piece, and we just don't give journalists in war enough thanks for their work, even when they themselves feel like they've betrayed those they reported on. To report it is to be part of the effort, to open eyes, and hearts. That's why I respect war correspondents because they're willing to die to report on the horrors of war. They feel like they're nothing but without them the stories would never be told.
This is a beautiful, accessible connection to the realities that many are experiencing and have in the past. I want to do more, I want to be with the people, I want to express my grave concern, sorrow and rage for what they are going through. Nothing feels like it’s enough. Reading this is a window into what you might be feeling…torn down the middle.
We need honest journalists like yourself and Mogelson because otherwise, we would never know the truth. This war is heart-wrenching and unnecessary. The wounds run deep, not just the outward ones. This brings up a lot of emotion for me. I think about my own parents whose escape from Poland and Germany, in the ‘30’s, was filled with fear and sadness. No one would tell their stories until later. I am glad that we all see, in real time, the effects of a useless war. For once, the US is on the right side.
Finding the war story always ends with leaving behind those who have made it and keep on living it. Guilt, yes--the continual guilt of reporting and leaving. But how else does one tell the world? It's a nasty business that degrades people who leave but ennobles them, too. Thank you.
I have immense respect for journalists and reporters who risk their own lives to bring home to the rest of us the realities of war and of even the tragedies in and around us here at home. They are ensuring we don't "look away" from the truth, which is tempting when we are surrounded by our creature comforts. I see the sadness you write about in the eyes of reporters currently in Ukraine, when they are on camera attempting to frame that day's horrors in a way that can enter our living rooms. It's almost as if they are being forced to sanitize their words in real time, when their hearts are still hurting.
Thank you, sir. You got to it, and you explained it to the rest of us. I think that's called effective writing - even though, as you said, you could leave and they couldn't.
What Lucian sidestepped in this very moving piece is the important and significant role journalists like he and Luke play in bringing truth to power, and illuminating for us all the horror, the depravity and the cruelty of war.
Very emotional and vivid piece, and we just don't give journalists in war enough thanks for their work, even when they themselves feel like they've betrayed those they reported on. To report it is to be part of the effort, to open eyes, and hearts. That's why I respect war correspondents because they're willing to die to report on the horrors of war. They feel like they're nothing but without them the stories would never be told.
Thank you for a very moving and great article.
The name Anastasia to me is not a Romanov any longer, when I see or hear it I will think of a war zone medic.
This is a beautiful, accessible connection to the realities that many are experiencing and have in the past. I want to do more, I want to be with the people, I want to express my grave concern, sorrow and rage for what they are going through. Nothing feels like it’s enough. Reading this is a window into what you might be feeling…torn down the middle.
We need honest journalists like yourself and Mogelson because otherwise, we would never know the truth. This war is heart-wrenching and unnecessary. The wounds run deep, not just the outward ones. This brings up a lot of emotion for me. I think about my own parents whose escape from Poland and Germany, in the ‘30’s, was filled with fear and sadness. No one would tell their stories until later. I am glad that we all see, in real time, the effects of a useless war. For once, the US is on the right side.
Finding the war story always ends with leaving behind those who have made it and keep on living it. Guilt, yes--the continual guilt of reporting and leaving. But how else does one tell the world? It's a nasty business that degrades people who leave but ennobles them, too. Thank you.
Heartbreaking and beautifully told.
Another great piece, Lucian. Reading the responses to it make me proud to be part of the community that has sprung up around your newsletter.
Thank you
Thank you Lucian. A remarkable article filled with wisdom and detail.
I’m with you; ‘the objectification of Photogaphy always felt a bit like stealing. But still…❤️🩹
woe
I have immense respect for journalists and reporters who risk their own lives to bring home to the rest of us the realities of war and of even the tragedies in and around us here at home. They are ensuring we don't "look away" from the truth, which is tempting when we are surrounded by our creature comforts. I see the sadness you write about in the eyes of reporters currently in Ukraine, when they are on camera attempting to frame that day's horrors in a way that can enter our living rooms. It's almost as if they are being forced to sanitize their words in real time, when their hearts are still hurting.
Moving. Heartfelt. Thank you.
I am reminded of the late Michael Herr's great "Dispatches" and still feel guilt and sadness that I didn't go to Vietnam as a journo.
Thank you, sir. You got to it, and you explained it to the rest of us. I think that's called effective writing - even though, as you said, you could leave and they couldn't.
What Lucian sidestepped in this very moving piece is the important and significant role journalists like he and Luke play in bringing truth to power, and illuminating for us all the horror, the depravity and the cruelty of war.
Feeling very proud to know you. This is so heartfelt my heart hurts. Thank you.