As we Americans consider how to react to the crisis in Ukraine, let us not forget some very important truths:
Let us remember that we are still, by far, the most powerful nation on the planet, and with great power comes great responsibility.
Let us remember that we, too, have invaded other nations and peoples without their consent.
Let us remember that we have been afraid of other nations and other peoples before, and let us consider what our respective responses were.
Let us remember that nobody truly wins a war. Only territory, resources, and power are gained and lost, often at a tremendous cost.
Let us remember that just as our own government does not represent the will of all its citizens, the same can be said of Russia.
Let us remember that different nations have different values and beliefs than we do, and that influencing these nations requires us to at least respect these differences.
And let us witness the deep cultural divide within Ukraine. Let us remember that we, too, suffered such a deep divide, and let us remember what that led to.