The Highland Meeting held on November 24, 2024, in Utah, featured a presentation by Chris Herrod, a former legislator with a deep personal connection to Ukraine. Herrod, who graduated with a master's in organizational behavior in 1992, shared his unique experiences and insights regarding Ukraine, particularly in the context of truth and misinformation surrounding the ongoing conflict.

Herrod began by recounting his initial introduction to Ukraine, which occurred shortly after the Soviet Union's collapse. He described a serendipitous encounter on a flight to Kharkov, where he met a gentleman from India who praised the beauty of Ukrainian women. This led to a personal connection, as he later married a Ukrainian woman shortly after arriving in the country.

Throughout his talk, Herrod emphasized his commitment to grassroots governance, noting his 82% approval rating during his legislative campaign in 2017, which he considered a significant achievement. He also shared anecdotes from his life, including his experiences with fencing and ballroom dancing, which highlighted his competitive spirit.

A significant portion of Herrod's presentation focused on the challenges of communication in contemporary society, particularly regarding political discourse. He expressed concern over the increasing polarization and the difficulty in having rational conversations across ideological divides. He attributed this discord to a loss of common understanding and the rapid pace of information dissemination through social media platforms.

Herrod also touched on the impact of misinformation, particularly in relation to the war in Ukraine. He recounted personal experiences during the conflict, including the skepticism he faced from some conservative circles regarding the authenticity of reports from Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the realities on the ground, citing his direct communication with family members in Ukraine during the conflict.

In conclusion, Herrod called for a return to fundamental principles of communication and understanding, urging attendees to engage in meaningful dialogue and to seek out the truth amidst the noise of misinformation. His reflections served as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the narrative of the Ukraine conflict and the necessity of fostering open discussions to bridge divides.