What to do when the war continues and winter is approaching? The government proudly announced that it had made a decision, according to which the residents of the frontline areas will be able to collect fuelwood for household needs for free. And although at first glance the decision looks like a noble gesture, however, as always, the devil is in the details. Behind this initiative are hidden real dangers and absurdities that turn this gesture into a farce. Let’s consider why this government “gift” causes more questions than admiration.
The essence of the decision: a noble gesture or a “surprise with a catch”?
While the government is happy with its decision, residents of the frontline areas are wondering: “How will it work in practice?”. Official sources claim that the initiative is designed to help the population in the frontline zone. On the one hand, firewood is vital for heating in winter. On the other hand, their harvesting is not extremely dangerous, taking into account the possibility of shelling and mining. U In its decision, the government emphasized that citizens can harvest firewood (or, more correctly, cuttings that remain after felling or damage by shelling trees), provided that it is safe to stay in the corresponding forest areas. I wonder what he had in mind and how it can be achieved during a full-scale war, especially in the front-line territories? However, the government is sure that its decision has several advantages: residents will be able to save money on heating, collecting firewood in the fresh air is good for health, joint work strengthens the spirit of collectivism. That is, caring for people is moving to tears.
However, the residents of the frontline areas have their own vision of this initiative: the biggest risk in this process is mines and shells that may be in the forest areas. Harvesting firewood in such conditions is a real test. In addition, the question arises: how to organize the transportation and storage of firewood? The government did not provide clear instructions on this issue, and also did not offer people a more reasonable solution – to provide people with quality firewood themselves.
New horizons of free goods
Perhaps the government will not stop only at collecting branches, wood chips and wood dust, and will go further, turning the life of Ukrainians in the front-line territories into a completely preferential one. Imagine that the government, caring for the well-being of its citizens, decided to allow free collection of rainwater. And that’s not all! In the following points of the “big plan” there can be free or tax-reduced access to air, sun and even natural sounds. Rainwater has always been a natural resource, but the authorities may decide to give official permission to collect it. Finally, it will be possible to go out with buckets, basins and other containers under the rain and collect this priceless liquid. But at the same time, it will be necessary to register your “rain collector” with the local administration to avoid fines for illegal collection.
At present, the government has sincerely allowed every citizen to breathe freely without paying for each inhalation and exhalation, but has not yet issued an official decree. He must clearly define the procedure for granting a special “breathing permit”, which can be obtained at any TsNAP. In addition, if you like to listen to birdsong or the sounds of the forest, then, most likely, it will soon be decided that this requires a special license to listen to the sounds of nature. But do not worry, it can be issued almost for free, but on the condition that you pass a test on the knowledge of the most popular natural melodies. This way, they will make sure that citizens enjoy only the best sounds!
This is only the tip of the iceberg! Here are a few more “brilliant” ideas that we can implement over time. For example, free stay on the street – “Now you don’t need to pay to go for a walk. Just register your route and enjoy free walks!”. There may be free use of sunlight – “The sun shines for everyone, but now it’s official! Register your solar subscription and get the right to use the sun’s rays for free”, as well as free access to the starry sky – “Star gazing lovers, rejoice! Now it is allowed for free, provided you have a “star passport”.
Laughter through tears
At first glance, all these initiatives look like a joke or a sarcastic scenario for a comedy. But, unfortunately, in our modern life, they can become a reality, considering what ridiculous decisions the government sometimes makes. Ridiculously? Definitely! A permit to collect brushwood in the forests for free is a fun idea! Is it sad? Absolutely. Behind all this is a real tragedy. Residents of the frontline areas face risks to their lives every day, and such initiatives only highlight the lack of real solutions to their problems. Government officials should pay attention to more serious problems, instead of inventing such absurd initiatives. After all, life is already quite complicated, and citizens deserve real support, and not such “extravagant gifts” from the authorities. Is it so difficult to provide people with at least firewood? It’s easy, but there is no desire.
In times when a country is at war, everyone expects the leadership to do everything possible to support the citizens. However, instead of real help, we often see a parade of silly solutions, reminiscent of a play. Officials receive large salaries, but instead of a professional approach and strategic thinking, they are noted for their extraordinary “creative” approach to solving problems, while brazenly bragging about this solution in front of millions of refugees and residents of the frontline territories.
Such decisions, made at a high level, show not only the lack of a professional approach, but also a complete misunderstanding of the real problems of citizens. In the conditions of war, every decision must be considered, thought out and aimed at effective assistance. Ukrainians should not play the role of extras in another show of absurdity! It is necessary to demand high responsibility from our officials for every decision made, because very often, instead of support and protection, we get only laughter through tears.
