20 Comments

Great article Darya. As someone who’s worked/travelled a bit, I don’t think people in Western countries really understand what they have, and what it takes to keep it. As one President said - “Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country”.

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I absolutely agree, Peter! People in Western countries have so much to be thankful for and for what is worth fighting for, but so many don’t value it at all.

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YOU are what makes America great, Darya. America is made of indigenous people, descendants of slaves and immigrants. There are many (more than half) in the US who will stay and continue to take our country back. We are so glad you are here, and so glad that you are part of the resistance to take back Belarus. There was a great interview last night with 3 Belarusian women. It was so inspiring. Here's the link, do check it out! https://www.pbs.org/wnet/firing-line/video/

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Thank you, Lydia! ❤️ I’ll make sure to watch the interview in the coming week!

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I love that you were welcomed home going through customs. Everyone who has come to the U.S. to live, to find a better life, to get an education, has a right to call the U.S. “home”.

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Thank you, Teri!

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Welcome home. We’re lucky to have you.

All of you.

We are you…

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Thank you, Kevin!

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I love your substack, Darya! The day after inauguration, I am going to Poland. I agree with your assessment of American romanticized perspectives re: Western and Eastern Europe. I have always preferred Eastern Europe more. Thank you for continuing to write!

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Thank you, Kevin! Appreciate your support 🙏

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Yes, welcome back home. I've chosen to fight for my country. I have the courage to do it after watching and helping Ukrainians and Georgians. Should Belarus's day ever come, I'll help them too.

I can't say I have any expectations of winning at this point. But that doesn't mean you don't fight. I know what fascism means and what it leads to. I refuse to stay silent.

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Thank you, Rachel! I’m glad you chose not to give up, as I am with you!

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Lovely essay. Thank you for this perspective.

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Thank you, Mark!

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Americans think European cities are like Disneyland 🙄. There are only monuments and restaurants and museums, with people cleaning up after you.

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Unfortunately, too many Americans romanticize living in Europe without learning about the cultures, politics, economics, and ways of life there.

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Welcome Home, Darya!

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Thank you, Paul!

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I love hearing your thoughts as someone between two worlds/cultures. It's sometimes difficult to see things when you're in it 24/7. I do often wonder why anyone is still trying to come here given what's coming in eight days. Do those still coming think he won't do all he said? That it would still be better than where they're coming from?

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Even with Trump as president, the U.S. is much better than the majority of the countries people emigrate from. Many immigrants, including myself, who fly to the U.S. before the inauguration consider this country home, where they built lives, families, careers, etc. No one is going to give it up, and, in general, there are so many reasons why the U.S. is worth fighting for.

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