War and Chess

Chess dot com was always known for its avoidance of political and religious topics and discussions on the main forums.  Members who raised such issues were asked to refrain from political/religious topics and were requested to move their comments to a specific forum dedicated for that purpose.

However, all that changed when the Russia/Ukraine war broke out in early 2022.  Chess dot com made the decision to go political.  The site removed the flag of all Russian chess players and threatened to ban those members who supported Russia in its war effort.

Yes, you cannot stay neutral in wars.  After all, chess, itself, is a game of war.  It's all about two kings fighting to survive and win.  They send out their pawns deep into enemy territory to occupy, to kill and to win. 

The only difference is that on the chess board, no blood is spilled, no heads roll down and no child becomes orphan.

Now, it's more than two weeks since another war has started in some other corner of our world.  Bombs are dropping, young men and women are falling on the ground, mothers are losing their children, houses are being demolished and the repulsive stench of burned skin and flesh is filling the air.

But, we are all silent.  And, chess dot come is silent.  No flags are being banned.  And no players are being threatened of being banned.  

Let's be fair.  Let us call a spade a spade.  Let us condemn injustice, whenever we see it.  Let us fight occupation and oppression wherever it happens.