“Did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?”
An Open letter to Mrs. Olena Zelenska from Roger Waters
Sunday 4th September 2022
Dear Mrs. Zelenska,
My heart bleeds for you and all the Ukrainian and Russian families, devastated by the terrible war in Ukraine. I’m in Kansas City, USA. I have just read a piece on BBC.com apparently taken from an interview you have already recorded for a program called ‘Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg’ which is to be broadcast on the BBC today, September 4th. BBC.com quotes you as saying that “If support for Ukraine is strong, the crisis will be shorter.” Hmmm? I guess that might depend on what you mean by “support for Ukraine”? If by “support for Ukraine” you mean the West continuing to supply arms to the Kiev government’s armies, I fear you may be tragically mistaken. Throwing fuel, in the form of armaments, into a fire fight, has never worked to shorten a war in the past, and it won’t work now, particularly because, in this case, most of the fuel is (a) being thrown into the fire from Washington DC, which is at a relatively safe distance from the conflagration, and (b) because the ‘fuel throwers’ have already declared an interest in the war going on for as long as possible. I fear that we, and by we I mean people like you and me who actually want peace in Ukraine, who don’t want the outcome to be that you have to fight to the last Ukrainian life, and possibly even, if the worst comes to the worst, to the last human life. If we, instead, wish to achieve a different outcome we may have to seek a different route and that route may lie in your husband’s previously stated good intentions.
Yes, I mean the platform upon which he so laudably ran for the office of President of Ukraine, the platform upon which he won his historic landslide victory in the democratic election in 2019. He stood on the election platform of the following promises.
1. To end the civil war in the East and bring peace to the Donbas and partial autonomy to Donetsk and Luhansk.
2. And to ratify and implement the rest of the body of the Minsk 2 agreements.
One can only assume that your husband’s electoral policies didn’t sit well with certain political factions in Kiev and that those factions persuaded your husband to diametrically change course ignoring the peoples mandate. Sadly, your old man agreed to those totalitarian, anti-democratic dismissals of the will of the Ukrainian people, and the forces of extreme nationalism that had lurked, malevolent, in the shadows, have, since then, ruled the Ukraine. They have, also since then, crossed any number of red lines that had been set out quite clearly over a number of years by your neighbors the Russian Federation and in consequence they, the extreme nationalists, have set your country on the path to this disastrous war.
I won’t go on.
If I’m wrong, please help me to understand how?
If I’m not wrong, please help me in my honest endeavors to persuade our leaders to stop the slaughter, the slaughter which serves only the interests of the ruling classes and extreme nationalists both here in the West, and in your beautiful country, at the expense of the rest of us ordinary people both here in the West, and in the Ukraine, and in fact ordinary people everywhere all over the world.
Might it not be better to demand the implementation of your husband’s election promises and put an end to this deadly war?
Love
Roger Waters
One of my heroes, an icon, the antithesis to shit like Bono.
Next up Biden’s wife Roger! Try and establish if he’s compos mentis and if he is, why he’s addicted to war like Obama.
‘If you didn’t care what happened to me
And I didn’t care for you
We would zig zag our way through the boredom and pain
Occasionally glancing up through the rain
Wondering which of the buggers to blame
And watching for pigs on the wing’
Good choice WTFUD
“Us and them
And after all, we’re only ordinary men
Me and you
God only knows it’s not what we would choose to do
Forward he cried from the rear, and the front rank died
The general sat, and the lines on the map
Moved from side to side
With, without
And who’ll deny it’s what the fighting’s all about.”
Yup, Waters (and Wright for this one) wrote great lyrics back in the day.
I need here to say what I see, what I believe and what is in my heart. I don’t sympathize with Roger Waters and the rockers when it comes to art. But I need to say with all the strength of my lungs: Roger is denouncing Zelensky and the current EVIL of the two Germanic Anglo and Saxon nations. Yes, the US is Germanic, it’s Anglo and it’s also Saxon (Mexicans are still the minority). It looks like something from the Germanic Roman Empire (it’s a deep question my friends).
Roger risks something, and that’s more than all artist worldwide are doing.
I had complained that Post-Modern artists were mute, cowardly, sold out. He’s doing something. Yes, he is a member of our team:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled”
We will conquer frustration, and much more, we will have enough of justice my friends of the Good Fight!
The words of Roger Waters are noble, valiant and full heartedly true. But calling to actions people from Z family is like having a task of cleaning a cesspool full of … with one cleanex tissue.
Who hates Ukraine more than Neonazis? The Neocon handlers of the degenerate stooges posing as Nazis. Neocons took over the USA Deep State with 911. The USA has failed to get power back into the hands of a legitimate government. So it is up to Russia, China, and India coalitions to fix what the USA is unable to even identify as a problem. Neocons are the new Bolsheviks.
Bless his heart. Roger is a nice but extremely naive person. Back in February, he was attacking Russia. Apparently, he changed his mind at some point.
As well intended this open letter may be, he is ridiculous, if he actually thinks the CIA’S COMEDIAN or his wife give a damn about Ukraine or the Ukrainian people.
“Apparently, he changed his mind at some point.”
He educated himself.
Well, initially he just opposed war, including the SMO, on principle.
Second, in his worldview, ALL politicians are criminals and crooks.
Hence his dislike for Putin.
But that was not good enough for the Nazis who made the HUGE mistake of attacking him personally which, for anybody knowing anything about Roger Waters, was a self-evident and HUGE mistake.
The Israelis also tried that with him.
I have to admit that I was initially taken aback about his characterizations of Putin. But so what!?
Look, we all make mistakes, I sure changed my views many times in my life.
I, for one, as somebody who truly loves Roger Waters with all my heart (he was my companion through his music through the worst moments of my life), I am happy to see him now seeing the real contours of this war.
Here is the most important thing for me: Roger is still true to himself and his values.
What else can we (or God) expect from any human being?
Well said Saker!
“What else can we (or God ) expect from any human being?”
Thank you. I entirely agree with you. Wenn we listen to GOD’s voice in ourselves we are bound to change our minds now and then according to our state of conciousness. GOD is no static entity. He is changing all the time.
I love Roger all the more for listening to his inner voice ( or GOD ) and for changing his opinion accordingly. And for having the courage to speak it out.
While Richard Branson organised a one off poorly attended concert in Columbia for Juan Guaido, Roger has been touring constantly for several years on behalf of Julian Assange among others. Let anyone here who wants to criticise him put their own credentials on the table.
That he’s now seen the light on Ukraine is a big plus, to add to all his other pluses.
The letter by Roger Waters is spicier than meets the eye.
He is pointing out the fact that Ze was elected on promises to end the civil war against the Russian speaking population in Eastern Ukraine, and to ratify the Minsk 2 agreement for peace.
Waters is actually calling Ze a fraud because Ze totally changed agenda after being elected, and proved to be an Agent for international Fascism, instead of being the leader of peace for all People of Ukraine.
Waters is also warning Miss Ze against being stupid or a hypocrite by her appeal for more western support to the suffering people of Ukraine, if her appeal is to receive more weapons from western governments, and thereby extending the suffering of the Ukrainian People.
Roger Waters are stating the raw facts about Mr. and Mrs. Ze while wrapping them into words of empathy and diplomacy. That is why hypocrites and fraudsters hate him.
Perfeito comentário.
Well said.
Waters is a far greater cultural icon than either of the Zs—and these two obviously have ambitions in that direction (viz., Vogue shoot). So Waters is alpha male in the international cultural space. For starters, Waters has genuine talent and is a genuine stage professional. Unlike the embarrassing hoofer Herr Z.
Well, since Waters is very famous and very POPULAR (unlike Herr Z), it is quite possible that Frau Z will feel herself obliged to respond in some way in the cultural space dominated by Waters.
because Waters’s public is so large and international in scope and reach. They will be watching.
And the Zs have ambitions in this very same cultural space.
I agree that Waters’s next open letter should be addressed to Frau Biden. Although Dr. Jill has so far not given evidence of the kind of cultural ambitions as the Zs.
Even so, millions will read these letters. After that, chips may fall where they may.
Wenn man erkennt das es einen Fehler im Denken gab-korrigiert man ihn,oder etwa nicht?Das ist Größe!
When you realize that there was a mistake in your thinking – you correct it, don’t you? That’s greatness!
Unless you’re an American who generally have a penchant to double down on them.
Well said. Lol.
“Oh, by the way . . . which one’s Pink?”
Roger, rearrange the following into a well known phrase or saying:
“Flogging are dead you a horse.”
The only real “Pink” was always him and none of the others. They were all very VERY good. But he was the real soul of Pink Floyd and he still dwarfs the so-called “Pink Floyd without Waters” musically, philosophically and humanly.
He is one of the person alive I respect most.
I owe him more than I will ever be able to express.
Like the Beatles without Lennon.
I agree.
I’m a certified Roger Waters super fan and I am also glad to see him come to understand the nuance of this conflagration. Actually, when I had discovered this blog years ago I noticed that Saker was a Roger Waters fan and it made me like the blog more than I already did ;-)
It was a thoughtful idea to send this letter, and thoughtful words.
Usually the singer is the band. That’s Gilmore
Waters wrote the vast majority of songs. Even the songs that Gilmore sang. Give a listen to their later albums after Waters resigned from the band.
There is nothing “usual” about Pink Floyd or Roger Waters.
Frankly, this is a silly comment.
They only want to end the war if they are on the winning side, if losing, the war is extended indefinitely, or until the chief loser is neutralized.
…. yeeees….they even not see it ..and it is guarantee – end of all -elensky & co’s.. you know the saying…to whom want God punish he take away their brain(or so)……
Salve Roger Waters!
It’s way too late for all of that Roger, the bullet has left the gun.
From the Ukranians that I know, the vast majority put their country and nationalism first. That sounds great but there are things that come before country IMO; kids, wife, and most importantly faith. Coming from a Slavic Christian background, Ukranian “Christians” would abandon basic Christian principles for national pride; hatred for Russians, the concept of torture, resentment of wife/kids if they happen to be Russian and in regards to a Ukranian victory, NOTHING is off the table.
So if anyone is trying to talk Ukranians into a ceasefire, accepting the loss of territory and walking away, it’s not gonna happen; their national pride is mental. Or maybe it’s just Russian hatred.
There is no Christianity in the Ukraine. Thanks to communism over 70 pct were atheists by the time the USSR collapsed. Since 1991 when really the Ukraine started preparations for this war with Russia huge number got brainwashed into the supremacy of the Ukrainian Nazism and full-on satanism or paganism.
As Dmitry Orlov says – the Ukraine was turned into a full-time professional protestor country by the US Americans and the EU. The time has come that they lay their lives for all the helicopter money their patrons had dropped.
What the Slavs need to learn is that there is no free lunch. Slavs are like native Americans who were tricked into handing over big chunks of their land for glass beads and a few bottles of firewater. The rest were finished off by infected blankets and genocide.
Be wary of those who compromise their beliefs in order to fit in with the current prevailing narratives (cultural, political). It costs little to do so (externally), and is an easy way to gain recognition and acceptance from the current socially dominant groups. Those who do this are generally cowards or opportunists.
Be respectful of those who make an effort to educate themselves beyond surface narratives, and in doing so modify or change their original beliefs to better align with the truth, even when it is painful. This often comes at a great social cost, with no gain other than a sense of personal integrity. If we don’t have patience and forgiveness for these people, then there is no hope of setting humanity back on track.
Finally,
Waters is sane again!
He fell hook line and sinker for the Covid scam but MAY HAVE come to his senses. Might listen to his music again.
“Did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?”
I read this and immediately develop goosebumps.
Isn’t it a “leaf roiled in a cage?”
Thank you Roger. Your clear headed aversion of War and violence as a solution formed a definitive part of my life starting as a young officer in South Africa until today nearly 40 years later. You are a modern icon with a real ethic, one of the few. Again in your letter to Ms Ze. this is reflected. I can only voice my admiration and support.
From the part of the world where I was born, 600 million do not know who Mr. Waters is, not even that Pink Floyd is; what we do know is that words do not win any war but a good speech does light hearts and hearts on fire they are the fuel of every revolution. Mucha suerte cabrones.
Roger Waters is a music icon. Who knows whether he may be naive. All I know that it takes a huge amount of courage to even question never mind oppose all of the ‘official narratives’ in Britain and every other European country at the moment.
Well said Mr. Waters. Thoughts and actions worthy of a Knighthood, Sir.
I don’t think that he would accept :-)
Look at me quibbling with a musical hero from my youth. Alas still that cocky punk lurks. Still respectfully;
“They have, also since then, crossed any number of red lines that had been set out quite clearly over a number of years by your neighbors the Russian Federation and in consequence they, the extreme nationalists, have set your country on the path to this disastrous war.”
The Russian attitude towards Ukraine has been clearly articulated by all Russian governments and their people for decades if not centuries.
To ignore this clear history and declare the Russian SMO unprovoked is downright delusional!
The Ukraine did not exist before the Revolution.
Then how could the Russians form an attitude for centuries about a non-existing entity?
Thanks Roger – always the best
and thank you Saker for posting it.
Excellent letter from Mr. Waters clarifying the issues. Most politicians are fogging up the issues because what they want done is indefensible in plain English. Mr. Waters using his celebrity to cut thru the bullcrap is refreshing indeed
Roger, a true hero/icon,
In 1979, I stood outside a theater for the release of the movie with the fab 4. In a stamped/rush to get in, I was crushed to the windows face first. Worth every minute.
In 1980, I was late 20 minutes to my first date with a woman that would be my future wife. She was quite peeved. My reason, but, but, I was listening to The Wall hon. I couldn’t just get up and leave, could I? Eventually she did — after having listened to the album — forgive me for my transgression.
Thanks for the memories Roger. May your appeals not fall on deaf ears.
I had to look up, on Wiki, who Roger Waters is.
Also, I don’t know the names of most current sports or movie stars; obviously I don’t watch enough TV or see enough movies. Though I do have a working knowledge of history, geography & world politics.
In my 70’s now, having retired from a successful business before 40, I’m not sure if I’m blessed or just slow
Dann haben Sie ja nicht mal zur Wiedervereinigung das große Spektakel in Berlin von Pink Floyd gesehen.Nur erklärbar wenn Sie aus einer ganz anderen Ecke der Welt stammen.Ja,irgendwie nicht von dieser Welt !
“If we, instead, wish to achieve a different outcome we may have to seek a different route and that route may lie in your husband’s previously stated good intentions…
1. To end the civil war in the East and bring peace to the Donbas and partial autonomy to Donetsk and Luhansk.
2. And to ratify and implement the rest of the body of the Minsk 2 agreements.”
I fear this maybe perceived as better comedy than Ze could ever muster.