Johanna-Maria Lehtme and Estonia's Minister of Interior Lauri Läänemets. Photo: Marek Metslaid, Lõunaeestlane
Not always an honour, though, it is the newsmaker, for good or bad that Time considers. How else to explain another president, Russia’s Vladimir Putin having been named a cover boy? Time seems to like presidents, especially American ones. In the last quarter century Clinton, Dubya (twice!), Obama, also twice, the second recognition followed by a Nobel Peace Prize. (How Obama made the world a more peaceful place was hard to fathom. The Nobel committee must have considered words, rather than actions.)
When the Time recognition was still sexist, called man of the year, other presidents also garnered attention. JFK and RMN. The second, Nixon, was so named two years straight, Kennedy garnered the laurels after defeating Nixon in an election that, much like George W. Bush’s first win (over Al Gore) relied on chicanery in one state. Not Florida. The mighty and corrupt Democratic machine in Chicago delivered Illinois’ electoral college votes to Kennedy and to him and his party the White House.
In the USA one does not go into politics without money and support. Nixon was a lawyer in California, built his backing there. Kennedy did it the old fashioned way – father’s money. Illegally gained. Joseph Kennedy was a rumrunner during Prohibition, making his millions thanks to the insatiable thirst of Americans. The elder Kennedy was named Ambassador to Britain during WW II, a position where his impetuousness did not serve his country well.
Canada has not been free of moneyed politicians either. Jack Layton came from privilege, ironic for a NDP leader. The two Trudeaus, père et fils never had to worry about their next meal. Ontario’s Doug Ford financed his entry into politics thanks to the income garnered through Deco Labels, founded by his father. Who also went into politics. These examples cover all three major Canadian political parties. No one is immune to the magnet of power.
In Estonia, thanks to the communist system, politics allowed for making money. Just think about those who gained riches after the break-up of the occupying Soviet Union. One prime minister did exceedingly well usurping land and businesses. And it was all about knowing the right people. Some things do not change, no matter the system.
No Estonian president has been named the person of the year in the 26 years that Postimees, for many the most influential publication in the country, has awarded the honour. Olympic gold medalists, doctors, cultural figures have been noted for having made a positive difference. Unlike the Time award, for Vladimir Putin was named newsmaker of the year for certainly not good reasons. Watergate was behind Nixon’s second title. Nothing to be proud of.
This year’s Estonian person of the year was named on January 6th, fittingly Epiphany. Johanna-Maria Lehtme was able to jump-start, scant days after Russian invaded Ukraine, alas on our Independence Day, February 24th, the non-profit Slava Ukraini. The name comes from the expression Glory to Ukraine; it is also the title of a powerful song, composed by Marcus Paus, the official composer of the Norwegian Armed Forces. Lehtme and the support organization that she leads has sent ambulances, uniforms for soldiers and other humanitarian aid to the Ukrainians. Estonians have rallied behind Lehtme; during the 10 months of the aggressive invasion they have supported Slava Ukraini to the tune of 6.5 million euros. Hundreds of thousands of Estonians have contributed. This at a time of rampant inflation. Remarkable for a country of 1.3 million people.
As Postimees noted the drive, confidence and staying power, the strong will of Lehtme is an inspiration for us all. She is certainly a role model. In an interview published after her being named person of the year Lehtme thanks her grandmother, who enabled her to have a Russian speaking foundation. Grandmother grew up in an Estonian village in Russia and knew the importance of knowing the language. Not all Russians are belligerent, only those in power. Lehtme is married to an Ukrainian man, having fallen in love with the country as well. She noted in the interview that her command of English, the lingua franca of international business and diplomacy would have done no good there. It was her admittedly imperfect Russian that allowed for contacts and communication, success. Somewhat ironic that this was the case.
According to Estonia’s Social Insurance Board (Sotsiaalkindlustusamet) to date Estonia has accepted over 120 000 Ukrainian refugees, an estimated 40% of those have been in transit, mostly to Scandinavian countries. Statistics are updated daily. The vast majority of the refugees are women, some 28 000 of this formidable number have been children. And they are choosing to stay in warm, welcoming Estonia.
No one is grumbling about the cost of humanitarian aid. The country is united, as it should be. We all need to support Ukraine. Toronto’s volunteer pensioner support group, Lõbus pärastlõuna (merry afternoon) has raised significant money for the cause. We have lapel pins with entwined Estonian and Ukrainian flags. Some have the blue and yellow standard in their window, declaring support visibly. But alas, in our capitalistic system it is money, financial support that will be critical in defeating the megalomaniac form Moscow. Let’s all do our part. Elagu Ukraina!