WeeklyTech #130

What the horrors of war teach us about the nature of morality

On Feb. 24, the world watched in horror as Russian forces, under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, began the invasion of neighboring Ukraine in an unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression. Airstrikes, heavy artillery, and infantry rained down on cities across Ukraine, including the capital of Kyiv. Through real-time updates on social media and wall-to-wall coverage on news outlets, we are able to see the horrors of war as never before. The Ukrainian people are proud and have valiantly continued to fight for their country against the Russian invaders who have been sold a bill of lies by the Kremlin. Putin, a totalitarian leader, is set on returning Russia to a past era of world dominance.

Images and videos have poured in to highlight the resiliency and determination of the Ukrainian people and the widespread support from all around the world. Alongside a recognition of the virtuous heroism on display from men and women throughout Ukraine, there has also been a resounding call from nations and people around the world rightly labeling this deadly invasion as evil and morally unjustifiable. It is nearly impossible to see what is taking place in Ukraine and to turn a blind eye toward the horrors of war and the reality of human suffering on display. Families have been ripped apart, civilians murdered, and thousands of soldiers have already been killed. While there are fringe voices aligning themselves with the Russian regime and its strong-man mentality, it is striking how unified voices have been in support of the Ukraine people under the incredible leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.


The Rundown

To Stay and Serve: Why We Didn’t Flee Ukraine – Vasyl Ostryi | The Gospel Coalition

In recent days, the events from the book of Esther have become real to us in Ukraine. It’s as if the decree is signed, and Haman has the license to destroy an entire nation. The gallows are ready. Ukraine is simply waiting.

4 reasons why Christians should care about what’s happening in Ukraine – Chelsea Patterson Sobolik and Hannah Daniel | ERLC

The attack sadly unfolded exactly in line with President Biden’s repeated, dire predictions. Putin, who wields the largest estimated nuclear stockpile in the world, threatened that nations “will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history” for interfering with his invasion.

🔒How to avoid sharing bad information about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – Abby Ohlheiser | MIT Technology Review

The fast-paced online coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Wednesday followed a pattern that’s become familiar in other recent crises that have unfolded around the world. Photos, videos, and other information are posted and reshared across platforms much faster than they can be verified.

Non-fungible tokens: An explainer – Shane Tews | AEI

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are in the news daily, yet they are still not well understood by most of the world beyond their early adopters.

Scoop: CNN to dull its liberal edge – MIke Allen and Sara Fischer | Axios

Under new chief Chris Licht, CNN will dial down the prime-time partisanship and double down on the network’s news-gathering muscle, top sources tell me.