Russian Support for Putin

[barbara]

I do not know enough about Russian politics to comment one way or the other on this article.

I just thought it was interesting.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/better-...tin-1521205201

[Oerets]

Is an animal kept in a cage amply feed dry and warm better off then if in the wild?


“When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.”
Benjamin Franklin

“Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
Benjamin Franklin



Barney

[nailer]

Originally Posted by Oerets

Is an animal kept in a cage amply feed dry and warm better off then if in the wild?


“When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.”
Benjamin Franklin

“Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
Benjamin Franklin



Barney

My answer to your question is that I sure am. My cage is roomy, dry, has hot and cold springs at my command ... I also have fun toys to play with and for the most part my fellow caged apes are okay too.

Ben is my favorite Founding Father.

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by Oerets

Is an animal kept in a cage amply feed dry and warm better off then if in the wild?


“When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.”
Benjamin Franklin

“Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
Benjamin Franklin



Barney

Questions;

A). Would Americans voting for the promise of tax cuts and fatter refunds be the same as Americans voting for money?

I think so.

B). Could it be that we're sacrificing liberty for safety in supporting things such as militarized law enforcement, Arpaio-esque tactics, vilifying anyone who speaks up against police brutality, turning schools into fortresses, building walls........

.....and the host of other "safety oriented" bullshit that our rightwing friends support?

I believe so. In fact, I've come to believe the people who rant about "freedom" the most in this country are actually freedoms worst enemy. They are fans of strongman leaders who despise Democracy.

If something isn't done soon to know them down several pegs, we'll end up like Russia.

[nailer]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

Questions;

A). Would Americans voting for the promise of tax cuts and fatter refunds be the same as Americans voting for money?

I think so.

B). Could it be that we're sacrificing liberty for safety in supporting things such as militarized law enforcement, Arpaio-esque tactics, vilifying anyone who speaks up against police brutality, turning schools into fortresses, building walls........

.....and the host of other "safety oriented" bullshit that our rightwing friends support?

I believe so. In fact, I've come to believe the people who rant about "freedom" the most in this country are actually freedoms worst enemy. They are fans of strongman leaders who despise Democracy.

If something isn't done soon to know them down several pegs, we'll end up like Russia.

American Fascism beats Putinism everyday of the week and twice on Sundays.

FWIW, people voting for social programs are also voting for money. Though not all of them.

[Dondilion]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

Questions;

A). Would Americans voting for the promise of tax cuts and fatter refunds be the same as Americans voting for money?

I think so.

B). Could it be that we're sacrificing liberty for safety in supporting things such as militarized law enforcement, Arpaio-esque tactics, vilifying anyone who speaks up against police brutality, turning schools into fortresses, building walls........

.....and the host of other "safety oriented" bullshit that our rightwing friends support?

I believe so. In fact, I've come to believe the people who rant about "freedom" the most in this country are actually freedoms worst enemy. They are fans of strongman leaders who despise Democracy.

If something isn't done soon to know them down several pegs, we'll end up like Russia.

Some of the fiercest critic of Russia fail to notice our ever increasing monopolistic, oligarchic trends.

The destruction of mom and pop businesses is ubiquitous.

[nailer]

Bigger is better. It's the American way and this consolidation has been going on since the early/mid 19th century.

[Dondilion]

Originally Posted by nailer

Bigger is better. It's the American way and this consolidation has been going on since the early/mid 19th century.

But at times there were strong anti-trust actions. Since Reagan such has been muted.

Now Warren Buffet loves monopolies.

[barbara]

Thank you , Barney.... that cleared a lot up for me. You wrote what I was feeling but could not articulate.

[finnbow]

Russia was humiliated with the collapse of the USSR and the strongman Putin is giving them pride in their country again by standing up to the west. They enjoy being relevant again and viewed by some as more than the corrupt kleptocracy they are.