U.S. and Russia Collaborate to Save Astronauts

I guess this is where it all falls apart for me. A Russian astronaut was sent to help rescue two NASA astronauts stuck aboard the ISS. Here on earth we must believe that Russia bad. But in space, we’re able to cooperate and coordinate with Russia to help bring people home, potentially saving lives.

How could there be such disconnect? How could we be fighting Russia and the Soviet Union for decades, but behind closed doors be collaborating so seamlessly for huge, high risk, missions?

It’s the same way I felt after learning that the U.S. was supported China financially and militaristically during WWII as it tried to ward off Imperial Japan. My whole life the message has been clear: China bad. But within the last 100 years the U.S. had helped China fend off an invading force. China was an ally.

It’s the same way I feel recalling that the Soviet Union helped the U.S. win WWII. But somehow we’re still fighting the Cold War.

And what all of this makes me realize is that nothing is what it seems. That if the world leaders really wanted peace and stability, then they could negotiate it. It is a reminder that we, the people who are subject to the endless rhetoric and propaganda and destruction as a result, all are really a lot closer than we’re led to believe.

It’s a reminder for what the world could look like if only these people in charge were once and for all put in their place. That during a time when the U.S. and Russia are at war that we could collaborate on such an important mission speaks volumes.

Remember these events the next time someone tells you Russia bad, China bad, Middle East bad, Everyone bad. Remember that there are people on the ground in all of those countries willing to put their life at risk to save yours.