I can’t recall a less exciting topic our towns have faced lately than Wiscasset’s look at net energy billing. I thought this as I wrote one of our recent stories on it after a Feb. 15 selectmen’s meeting. Nine days later, Russia invaded Ukraine and, every night since as I have consumed news about the missiles, threats, fires, bravery, families’ evacuations and more, I think how fortunate we are to just be reporting on net energy billing, Alna’s plowing issues this winter, a Woolwich traffic project, a possible Boothbay Region school project and, in both Wiscasset and Boothbay, towns’ work on how to handle requests to use town property.

Our towns are enmeshed in democracy, some nights boring, others contentious, but all in the practice of peaceful government, with officials we elected, and on issues the public can speak on, to make a point and maybe a difference.

Whether anyone attends a meeting, reads a news article, or goes to the polls or town meeting, they have that option. And either way, every day, we can go about our business in work or retirement, run errands or go for a walk, and think whatever thoughts come into our heads. Ukrainians could, too, until last week. Now they must try just to help their families and government survive. Imagine how terrifying that is, when your world is up in the air and you try, with all you are, to hang on.

News crews, braver than I would be, let the world bear witness.

Net energy billing contracts, plowing problems and should bounce houses be allowed on town property? These issues matter for their own reasons, but now they also represent how precious democracy and peace are, that we even have the time and freedom to ponder such issues. May we always, and may Ukraine soon, somehow, find its way back to its normal life. At press time, that still looked possible. May it still be.

Week’s positive parting thought: Make every day Veteran’s Day. Thank a veteran.