In the preface of Colleen McCullough’s classic novel “The Thorn Birds,” she shares the legend of a bird whose whole life is spent searching for a thorn tree and when found, the bird “impales itself on the longest, sharpest spine”. As it dies, “it rises above its own agony” to sing “One superlative song, existence being the price”.
Like the legendary thornbird, Alexei Navalny impaled himself on the “longest, sharpest spine” in Russia, Vladimir Putin’s corruption. And on Feb. 16, Navalny, the anti-corruption activist and Russian opposition leader, died in a Russian jail in Siberia near the Arctic Circle known as the “Polar Wolf,” with the thorn of Putin’s corruption still in his side.
President Joe Biden blamed Russian president Vladimir Putin “and his thugs” for Navalny’s death. For many Russians, Navalny was the personification of hope and for even more people throughout the world, the embodiment of courage.
Prior to leaving Germany to return to Russia after he was poisoned, Navalny stated to CNN, “I understand the people in the Kremlin are ready to kill”. Unrelenting, Navalny sang the song of anti-corruption in harmony with his struggle against injustice toward Russia’s populace, knowing he would die.
Hence, the legend of Alexei Navalny is born and will be spoken of forever, not only in Russia but also throughout the world. One day Russian schools will be named after him, children will learn about him, movies will depict his heroic exploits and statues will be erected in his honor.
Alexei Navalny’s name will forever be conjoined with integrity and courage in the face of torture and death at the hands of Vladimir Putin’s murderous regime.
