THIS is not a happy article. It can't be because the truth is that we live in a sad and tough world where the superrich and powerful politicians own and manipulate the world economy, the financial markets and, above all, the energy sector. They have us ordinary people subjected to their power and decisions. Putin can decide to stop a ban on the export of Ukrainian grain and end a famine in Africa. He can stop a war, but will not.

The United Nations and Turkey, however, forced him to allow the grain to be shipped. His autocratic order to call up young people to fight his war in Ukraine has been met with resistance. Thousands have been arrested for protesting.