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Maryann  Egbert's avatar

Well written and frightening- but informative. A blend of Red Dawn, Man in the High Castle and Handmaid’s Tale. Frightening because with the current players where they are, it could be a matter of time.

One thing that struck me personally, was your description of people walking from point A to B as if on a mission- be it work, the market or elsewhere , eyes downcast and not making eye contact or conversation on their way.

I was in western Ukraine in very late 2013 and early 2014, the same time as the Maiden Square uprising.

I was staying in a very small town about 90 minutes from Lviv with a Ukrainian family there.

As we walked around town I was shocked at how people, especially the older ones, walked hurriedly with their eyes cast downward. There was no sign of socialization whatsoever. Occasionally someone would nod as they passed another person, but still didn’t raise their head to make eye contact. I jokingly said “ do they recognize each other’s shoes”.

I had hosted college kids at my home for two years prior to my trip. They had come on work visas from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Upon arrival I used to ask each of them what did you notice upon arrival that was very different? Almost all of them remarked how colorful it was here and how people looked right at you and frequently smiled and waved. It seemed so odd to me- until I visited Ukraine.

The country has been occupied so many times before- most notably by the Nazis and Russians, that it had become practice to keep your head down and attract as little attention as possible. Even in a time of relative peace, suspicion and a desire to blend into the background were pervasive. It was quite alien to me.

Regarding “colorful”, outward dress was almost entirely muted- black being the color of choice, and homes had little or no color or embellishments. Inside was another story altogether. Beautifully embroidered blouses were hidden under dark outerwear, and bright colored rooms and decorations were tucked behind closed doors.

It was all in an effort to fly beneath the radar.

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Deidra Lynn's avatar

read the majority, downloaded the guide. i have thought about buying riot gear and other equipment to protect myself, i want to get more prepared but as a pretty fit woman in my 50s i am not sure what this looks like. i am sickened by what has happened here in very divided USA, i keep hoping something will stop this president and this administration. i dont understand where all the laid off military leaders or our former not fascist presidents are and why we haven't been able to get enough for the general strike, even though i believe we have millions protesting now. I appreciate the insights that you’ve lent to the articles that I’ve read from you through your training. I never was in the military. I went to art school.

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