Welcome back to Lucid. Putin may have killed Navalny, but he will never defeat Navalny's memory. Just as Boris Nemtsov inspired Navalny, Navalny inspires others who one day will bring freedom to Russia.
I must say that the current version of "conservatism" practiced in the U.S. may not have been the actual goal, but it is the inevitable end result. Since the very definition of the term is about protection of traditional values and resistance to change, a fascist blowback to progress has to come out. In America, the conservatives fear change, progress, opportunity for minorities, and mostly that their power and status is threatened. The poor that claim to be conservative are signing their death warrants to be able to improve their lot in life. They are insuring the wealthy and powerful can keep them in their place.
As Rachel Kleinfeld's book, A Savage Order: How the world's deadliest countries can forge a path to security, shows the paths to peace and stability are various. There is no doubt that Russia is a country seething with unrest. Perhaps an assassin's bullet can show the way? It remains to be seen.
Just as Nemstov met his demise by the paranoid little man of vengeance, that bullet would be a welcome ending to the madness, cruelty, chaos and corruption of Putin, Mansur!!
Patrick, I’ll repeat some of what I told Mansur and add more: Violence begets violence. I would suggest:
* Gandhi’s successful 50-year struggle for India’s Independence (1947) against the brutal British Empire (largely responsible for the Israel-Palestine “conflict.”)
* Henry Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience” (1849)
* MLK civil rights movement; I’m still inspired by his “I Have a Dream” speech. His march influenced passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
We aught to encourage alternatives to violence, now. I suspect the fascist opposition to democracy hopes to see progressives pick up arms. Consider what fascist Israel is doing to Palestinians after Hamas despicable 10/7 terrorist attack; massacres that have killed 30k, with thousands under the rubble; 70k wounded, more than 500k starving or about to starve; most displaced and their homes and communities destroyed. The victims, mostly women and children. Sadly, their plight virtually ignored by pundits/media here and abroad. We are dealing with psychopaths and sociopaths, with zero degree of empathy; violence is not the answer
There’s much that can be and must be done; agitating for violence is not one of them.
Mansur, as they say, violence begets violence. I understand the sentiments while supporting non-violence. M. Gandhi & MLK accomplished considerably w/o firing a single bullet.
To Mansur and Robert: violence begets violence - Robert you are correct and very thoughtful presenting a basic “truth”. WWI began with an assassin’s bullet. We have a different situation here in this country with the wholesale availability of firearms, including weapons of war. Putin may be able to send his “security services” in to put down protests about Navalny’s death but the Russians don’t have their own weapons. Were that to happen here - it would be a “bloodbath”. The former Lt Governor of Georgia stated that in 2020. He KNEW that would happen as he had been around gun owners. That’s one of the reasons he told Jake Tapper of CNN (I believe) that he refused to go along with Trump’s pressuring about the “finding votes” in 2020 following the accurate Georgia Presidential vote count awarding the State to Biden.
It’s imperative that the Justice System does its job in this country and the same laws apply to the powerful as to everyone else. There are too many guns. The Supreme Court played along with the ultra conservatives to appease the NRA. But they forgot about the Cold War and the veterans and the fact that Americans don’t like someone taking their rights away from them. We are now and have always been just plain ornery people that way. So when some idiots in an ultra conservative legislature try to enact a foolish law that the state’s prosecutors refuse to enforce - it could be because they aren’t willing to endanger their law enforcement or court staff to enforce that political nonsense. There are a lot of unstable people out there. I know some.
I'm grateful for this and for scenes of Navalny's mother asking for his body making it out as well as stories about the delay around the body being held for two weeks while the government determines cause of death making news. And Yulia's stepping in to the limelight. I'm also grateful for Jon Stewart's roasting analysis of faux journalist Tucker Carlsson given your comments about Putin roasting/belittling Carlsson. Reminders that real journalism and analysis matter.
Tucker is one of those fools that would have been sucking up to Hitler back in the day. Anyone who has a psychopath as their hero is worse than the psychopath.
Steve, I agree 100%. We seem to be, as people in an imperfect democracy, extremely naive and vulnerable; with incompetent leaders unable or unwilling to meaningfully protect said democracy; an existential crisis that threatens our health and safety. TC, along with others of his ilk, aught to be prosecuted for treason. We have a double standard of justice, as you know: one for truth tellers like Julian Assange and another for liars and grifters like TC, DJT, et al.
I said eight years ago that fascist speech should be banned, unless we want fascism here. We do have a double standard with speech. Once Ross Perot gained traction as a third party candidate, the commission on presidential debates banned third parties from being heard at the debates. But the speech of a fascist sociopath (tRump) is blasted all over the networks. Our power elites wanted someone like tRump to run their economic dictatorship, so his lunatic speech was allowed.
Dear Ruth, another insightful article. I did a short interview on Navalny's death that broadens the conversation. Might be useful for your readers. The interview focuses on Navalny's death and the attack on journalists all over the globe by the forces of oppression. The interview begins at 3:55 minutes into the segment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq9Dygxqn20
Dear Henry. Brilliant comments and interview. I have been an admirer of your words, spoken and written, for some time. Continue the struggle.
To add to your comments, we cannot, nor have we ever, have faith that our institutions. will conduct moral and humane actions. Listing the lack of institutional actions seem rote - we know and understand the problems. The last bastion of defense, in my estimation, is the strength of public opinion. For the time being, our votes can produce change. We can gather in protest. With exceptions, of course, the jack boots will not kick down our doors. We can participate in forums such as this one. We can no longer be the shy, polite, church mice as we witness lies and misconceptions. Navalny's quote that "a little something can be done" should be a rallying cry. After all, we have numbers on our side - let's use our strength.
Hi David, you are absolutely right. Institutions are only as strong as the people who believe in them and are willing to defend them. Changing consciousness is the absolute priority politically today. That is why education is central to politics in the age of image-based, digital culture. At the same time ideas have to be married to action. I truly believe that mass consciousness has to lead to mass multi-class, racial struggles across multiple sites. I also believe the most powerful political weapon for change is a mass consciousness that energizes the popular imagination and engages in direct social action. We have to shut down this dreadful machinery of gangster capitalism and authoritarianism. All the best, Henry
Profound interview Henry. Your comment about dissent was appropriate. I recall tRump wishing that he could shoot protesters. The road to fascism is paved with violence, propaganda, fear and vengeance.
Henry, thank you for raising the plight of journalists. I, like many others, find myself indebted to your good work. I confess being delighted to see your name. I agree, but would add that the
complicity and/or acquiescence of silence offers impunity for the bad actors.
“According to CPJ: “As of 2/21/24, CPJ’s preliminary investigations showed at least 88 journalists and media workers were among the more than 29,000 killed since the [“war”] began on 10/7—with more than 28,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza and the West Bank and 1,200 deaths in Israel. “
There’s not much difference between fascist Russia and fascist Israel, except that the victims of Russian aggression get more coverage, support and sympathy while Palestinians’ decades (since before 1948) of inordinate abuse exacerbated under apartheid Zionist settler colonial Israel is virtually ignored, or worse; we help finance and arm the psychotic, fascist abusers and shield them from being held accountable by the U.N.
I think it's time we recognize Bibi for who he is... a sociopath. This type of leader has been dangerous throughout history, no matter the country's name or our relationship to them. Bibi's popularity in Israel is in the dumpster for a reason. Unfortunately, it takes the electorate many years to figure out that their hero is a madman. The quid pro quo between Israel and the Palestinians is so out of balance that it has become insane.... just like Bibi.
The best way to honor Navalny and his work exposing Putin's Kleptocracy. This means giving Putin's $300+Billion frozen/sanctioned funds to Ukraine. Throw in a couple of the Oligarch's yachts too!
This was very moving professor. I wonder what kind of world we are moving towards when the innocent are persecuted at home and abroad. Will our children’s future be filled with conflict? The dystopia featured in so many films like Blade Runner or Judge Dredd?
Dear Ruth, this article makes clear how much history matters not only in learning the lessons of resistance, but also the mechanisms of repression. There is one issue in your piece that is implied throughout the article and that is the scourge of silence in the face of oppression. I thought you might find my latest article on how silence is dangerous in the current age of fascism. https://truthout.org/articles/silence-is-dangerous-in-the-current-age-of-rising-fascism-in-the-us/
Henry, well said. This is why we aught to support voting, in the primaries, for the best candidate for president—whether or not the incumbent. Full disclosure, I’m inclined to vote for Marianne Williamson, who is back in the fray. I’m hoping we can send a message to Biden that embracing and fist-bumping fascists; and supporting genocide has consequences. I’m opposed, however, to third parties which nowadays undermine democracy. Thanks again.
Robert Leyland: I don’t think this country is set up for third parties and unfortunately a vote for Marianne Williamson will be a vote for Trump. 3rd parties are spoilers. I learned that many years ago. My vote didn’t count then and my message wasn’t heard by anyone.
Francine, I agree that: “…this country [isn’t] set up for third parties.” This country is set up for only two parties. That is why I stated: “I’m opposed … to third parties which nowadays undermine [our] democracy.” But I also stated: “… we aught to support voting, IN THE PRIMARIES, for the best candidate for president …”
I continue to be, however, “… inclined to vote for Marianne Williamson…” [IN THE PRIMARIES.]
CORRECTION: Marianne is not “back in the fray,” as I had stated. She is considering “unsuspending” her campaign. Since she’s on the ballot in my state, I’m likely to vote for her, IN THE PRIMARIES. She will not run in the General Election as a 3rd party .
I disagree with your statement:
“… a vote for Marianne is a vote for Trump…” This would be true in the General Elections if Biden was the Dem Party candidate/nominee.
Hope this belated response helps. While I’m strongly opposed to trump, I’ve also decided to do what I can to support a candidate, Marianne, who is opposed to genocide. I intend to use my vote to express my outrage, during the primaries, at Biden’s complicity in the genocide.
Many years ago, the sociologist C. Wright Mills warned about a group of powerful leaders behind the scenes in America. He called them "The Power Elite" and had a book by the same name. He recognized the move toward oligarchy here. This group was authoritarian in nature and hated FDR, JFK and RFK. They tried to oust FDR via a fascist coup that never happened but was well planned. They prefer fascism because its economic system (cartel) reflects their authoritarian political beliefs. They want authoritarian economics and politics. This group will not rest until they establish their dictatorship here. It's no accident that Tim Mellon (of the Mellon dynasty) has gven millions to the Trump effort and other authoritarian candidates. Extreme wealth is a destroyer of democracy. The challenge of the power elite is to convince the electorate of the righteousness of their agenda. And they have accomplished quite a lot of this with propaganda from tRump. MAGA has bought this anti-democracy stance and segregated themselves into a tribe of fools. They like Putin because he's one of them.
Steve, I agree with everything, but: “They like Putin because he’s one of them.” On the other hand, maybe you’re right. They may see in Putin as yet another bigot that will help them get rid of the Hated Other. Hence, their support for fascism and fascists like trump and Putin. Otherwise, they like charismatic cult leaders like trump and Putin who are skilled manipulators of those who are easily brainwashed and like to follow bullies. I’m not so sure they they see in Putin someone “like them,” but maybe bullies like bullies , fascists like other fascists, White supremacists like racists, etc. Cult dynamics play a significant role, including charisma.
Inspiring and beautifully written. The rise of fascism and right wing zealotry is disturbing to put it mildly. Just today I saw three disturbing articles.
The first, by Jessica Valente describes a decision by the Alabama Supreme Court that enshrines personhood to fertilized eggs. She explains there is far more on the line than the future of IVF treatments.
We are already seeing outlines of the repression of women and reproductive rights in such outposts as Texas and Idaho that would surely spread nationwide if a MAGA candidate, Trump or otherwise becomes president.
Then there was this in the Washington Post about Trump’s plans for concentration camps and mass deportation of immigrants, no doubt the first targets:
With Putin and Trump I have the image of Saddam Hussein (Iraq) and Muammar Muhammad Gaddafi (Libya) when they neared and met their fate. They both showed how small and irrelevant they were as their people held them accountable. I was a graduate student at Syracuse University when PanAm Fl 103 exploded, with 35 students from SU and others from Central NY, Long Island and around the country over Lockerbie Scotland. I was at SU when Tiananmen Square unfolded, as graduate students from Beijing came in and out of my apartment with anxiety and worry about their families back home and China’s future. Both events occurred decades ago and yet China continues to be run by a brutal authoritarian as are Libya and Iraq. My worry is that so few have the context of history, especially the pro-Putin party in Congress. My prayer is that our electorate and judiciary hold for 2024 so we can continue to be a ‘beacon of light’ for Democracy around the world and focus on repairing the damage done by authoritarian leaders in our country. I have no shame in looking forward to the day that the man with the golden sneakers completes his ensemble with an orange jumpsuit.
Once tRump has sold his flock on his brand of BS, they will buy anything from him. He badly needs money, now that he must pay up for his crimes. So he knows that he can grift cash from his suckers. It's easy money.... and also evil.
Thank you.
I must say that the current version of "conservatism" practiced in the U.S. may not have been the actual goal, but it is the inevitable end result. Since the very definition of the term is about protection of traditional values and resistance to change, a fascist blowback to progress has to come out. In America, the conservatives fear change, progress, opportunity for minorities, and mostly that their power and status is threatened. The poor that claim to be conservative are signing their death warrants to be able to improve their lot in life. They are insuring the wealthy and powerful can keep them in their place.
21st Century chattle slavery.
Superb comment Rickey
As Rachel Kleinfeld's book, A Savage Order: How the world's deadliest countries can forge a path to security, shows the paths to peace and stability are various. There is no doubt that Russia is a country seething with unrest. Perhaps an assassin's bullet can show the way? It remains to be seen.
Just as Nemstov met his demise by the paranoid little man of vengeance, that bullet would be a welcome ending to the madness, cruelty, chaos and corruption of Putin, Mansur!!
Hear, hear, Patrick!
Patrick, I’ll repeat some of what I told Mansur and add more: Violence begets violence. I would suggest:
* Gandhi’s successful 50-year struggle for India’s Independence (1947) against the brutal British Empire (largely responsible for the Israel-Palestine “conflict.”)
* Henry Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience” (1849)
* MLK civil rights movement; I’m still inspired by his “I Have a Dream” speech. His march influenced passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
We aught to encourage alternatives to violence, now. I suspect the fascist opposition to democracy hopes to see progressives pick up arms. Consider what fascist Israel is doing to Palestinians after Hamas despicable 10/7 terrorist attack; massacres that have killed 30k, with thousands under the rubble; 70k wounded, more than 500k starving or about to starve; most displaced and their homes and communities destroyed. The victims, mostly women and children. Sadly, their plight virtually ignored by pundits/media here and abroad. We are dealing with psychopaths and sociopaths, with zero degree of empathy; violence is not the answer
There’s much that can be and must be done; agitating for violence is not one of them.
I basically agree, however, one has a right to self-defense
Mansur, as they say, violence begets violence. I understand the sentiments while supporting non-violence. M. Gandhi & MLK accomplished considerably w/o firing a single bullet.
With all the bodies in Putin"s wake, maybe one day his karma will catch up with him, Robert.
To Mansur and Robert: violence begets violence - Robert you are correct and very thoughtful presenting a basic “truth”. WWI began with an assassin’s bullet. We have a different situation here in this country with the wholesale availability of firearms, including weapons of war. Putin may be able to send his “security services” in to put down protests about Navalny’s death but the Russians don’t have their own weapons. Were that to happen here - it would be a “bloodbath”. The former Lt Governor of Georgia stated that in 2020. He KNEW that would happen as he had been around gun owners. That’s one of the reasons he told Jake Tapper of CNN (I believe) that he refused to go along with Trump’s pressuring about the “finding votes” in 2020 following the accurate Georgia Presidential vote count awarding the State to Biden.
It’s imperative that the Justice System does its job in this country and the same laws apply to the powerful as to everyone else. There are too many guns. The Supreme Court played along with the ultra conservatives to appease the NRA. But they forgot about the Cold War and the veterans and the fact that Americans don’t like someone taking their rights away from them. We are now and have always been just plain ornery people that way. So when some idiots in an ultra conservative legislature try to enact a foolish law that the state’s prosecutors refuse to enforce - it could be because they aren’t willing to endanger their law enforcement or court staff to enforce that political nonsense. There are a lot of unstable people out there. I know some.
It always does.
Exceptionally crafted piece Ruth! The fall of Putin will likely bring about another strongman, sadly!
I disagree.
I pray that they don’t kill Navalny’s wife !
I'm grateful for this and for scenes of Navalny's mother asking for his body making it out as well as stories about the delay around the body being held for two weeks while the government determines cause of death making news. And Yulia's stepping in to the limelight. I'm also grateful for Jon Stewart's roasting analysis of faux journalist Tucker Carlsson given your comments about Putin roasting/belittling Carlsson. Reminders that real journalism and analysis matter.
Tucker is one of those fools that would have been sucking up to Hitler back in the day. Anyone who has a psychopath as their hero is worse than the psychopath.
Steve, I agree 100%. We seem to be, as people in an imperfect democracy, extremely naive and vulnerable; with incompetent leaders unable or unwilling to meaningfully protect said democracy; an existential crisis that threatens our health and safety. TC, along with others of his ilk, aught to be prosecuted for treason. We have a double standard of justice, as you know: one for truth tellers like Julian Assange and another for liars and grifters like TC, DJT, et al.
I said eight years ago that fascist speech should be banned, unless we want fascism here. We do have a double standard with speech. Once Ross Perot gained traction as a third party candidate, the commission on presidential debates banned third parties from being heard at the debates. But the speech of a fascist sociopath (tRump) is blasted all over the networks. Our power elites wanted someone like tRump to run their economic dictatorship, so his lunatic speech was allowed.
Spot on!
Thank you. I would amend the thieving little man quote in regards the 2024 campaign “Thieving little orange man in his bunker.”
#TLMIHB Beautiful and inspiring! =]
Dear Ruth, another insightful article. I did a short interview on Navalny's death that broadens the conversation. Might be useful for your readers. The interview focuses on Navalny's death and the attack on journalists all over the globe by the forces of oppression. The interview begins at 3:55 minutes into the segment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq9Dygxqn20
Best, Henry
Dear Henry. Brilliant comments and interview. I have been an admirer of your words, spoken and written, for some time. Continue the struggle.
To add to your comments, we cannot, nor have we ever, have faith that our institutions. will conduct moral and humane actions. Listing the lack of institutional actions seem rote - we know and understand the problems. The last bastion of defense, in my estimation, is the strength of public opinion. For the time being, our votes can produce change. We can gather in protest. With exceptions, of course, the jack boots will not kick down our doors. We can participate in forums such as this one. We can no longer be the shy, polite, church mice as we witness lies and misconceptions. Navalny's quote that "a little something can be done" should be a rallying cry. After all, we have numbers on our side - let's use our strength.
Hi David, you are absolutely right. Institutions are only as strong as the people who believe in them and are willing to defend them. Changing consciousness is the absolute priority politically today. That is why education is central to politics in the age of image-based, digital culture. At the same time ideas have to be married to action. I truly believe that mass consciousness has to lead to mass multi-class, racial struggles across multiple sites. I also believe the most powerful political weapon for change is a mass consciousness that energizes the popular imagination and engages in direct social action. We have to shut down this dreadful machinery of gangster capitalism and authoritarianism. All the best, Henry
Thank you Henry. Insightful interview.
Profound interview Henry. Your comment about dissent was appropriate. I recall tRump wishing that he could shoot protesters. The road to fascism is paved with violence, propaganda, fear and vengeance.
Henry, thank you for raising the plight of journalists. I, like many others, find myself indebted to your good work. I confess being delighted to see your name. I agree, but would add that the
complicity and/or acquiescence of silence offers impunity for the bad actors.
“According to CPJ: “As of 2/21/24, CPJ’s preliminary investigations showed at least 88 journalists and media workers were among the more than 29,000 killed since the [“war”] began on 10/7—with more than 28,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza and the West Bank and 1,200 deaths in Israel. “
There’s not much difference between fascist Russia and fascist Israel, except that the victims of Russian aggression get more coverage, support and sympathy while Palestinians’ decades (since before 1948) of inordinate abuse exacerbated under apartheid Zionist settler colonial Israel is virtually ignored, or worse; we help finance and arm the psychotic, fascist abusers and shield them from being held accountable by the U.N.
I think it's time we recognize Bibi for who he is... a sociopath. This type of leader has been dangerous throughout history, no matter the country's name or our relationship to them. Bibi's popularity in Israel is in the dumpster for a reason. Unfortunately, it takes the electorate many years to figure out that their hero is a madman. The quid pro quo between Israel and the Palestinians is so out of balance that it has become insane.... just like Bibi.
The best way to honor Navalny and his work exposing Putin's Kleptocracy. This means giving Putin's $300+Billion frozen/sanctioned funds to Ukraine. Throw in a couple of the Oligarch's yachts too!
That should have been done a long time ago.
GREAT idea!
Does the U S have control over those frozen assets?
Yup. Since the beginning. 300+ billion
https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/how-frozen-russian-assets-could-pay-rebuilding-ukraine
We could call it “The Navalny Act”! Like the Magnisky Act, name the victim of Putin’s hand. Send that rat of a man a message.
I like it Ted! 🙏
Tell your congressman to give Russian frozen funds to Ukraine now.
https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/how-frozen-russian-assets-could-pay-rebuilding-ukraine
This was very moving professor. I wonder what kind of world we are moving towards when the innocent are persecuted at home and abroad. Will our children’s future be filled with conflict? The dystopia featured in so many films like Blade Runner or Judge Dredd?
Dear Ruth, this article makes clear how much history matters not only in learning the lessons of resistance, but also the mechanisms of repression. There is one issue in your piece that is implied throughout the article and that is the scourge of silence in the face of oppression. I thought you might find my latest article on how silence is dangerous in the current age of fascism. https://truthout.org/articles/silence-is-dangerous-in-the-current-age-of-rising-fascism-in-the-us/
Henry, well said. This is why we aught to support voting, in the primaries, for the best candidate for president—whether or not the incumbent. Full disclosure, I’m inclined to vote for Marianne Williamson, who is back in the fray. I’m hoping we can send a message to Biden that embracing and fist-bumping fascists; and supporting genocide has consequences. I’m opposed, however, to third parties which nowadays undermine democracy. Thanks again.
Robert Leyland: I don’t think this country is set up for third parties and unfortunately a vote for Marianne Williamson will be a vote for Trump. 3rd parties are spoilers. I learned that many years ago. My vote didn’t count then and my message wasn’t heard by anyone.
Francine, I agree that: “…this country [isn’t] set up for third parties.” This country is set up for only two parties. That is why I stated: “I’m opposed … to third parties which nowadays undermine [our] democracy.” But I also stated: “… we aught to support voting, IN THE PRIMARIES, for the best candidate for president …”
I continue to be, however, “… inclined to vote for Marianne Williamson…” [IN THE PRIMARIES.]
CORRECTION: Marianne is not “back in the fray,” as I had stated. She is considering “unsuspending” her campaign. Since she’s on the ballot in my state, I’m likely to vote for her, IN THE PRIMARIES. She will not run in the General Election as a 3rd party .
I disagree with your statement:
“… a vote for Marianne is a vote for Trump…” This would be true in the General Elections if Biden was the Dem Party candidate/nominee.
Hope this belated response helps. While I’m strongly opposed to trump, I’ve also decided to do what I can to support a candidate, Marianne, who is opposed to genocide. I intend to use my vote to express my outrage, during the primaries, at Biden’s complicity in the genocide.
Many years ago, the sociologist C. Wright Mills warned about a group of powerful leaders behind the scenes in America. He called them "The Power Elite" and had a book by the same name. He recognized the move toward oligarchy here. This group was authoritarian in nature and hated FDR, JFK and RFK. They tried to oust FDR via a fascist coup that never happened but was well planned. They prefer fascism because its economic system (cartel) reflects their authoritarian political beliefs. They want authoritarian economics and politics. This group will not rest until they establish their dictatorship here. It's no accident that Tim Mellon (of the Mellon dynasty) has gven millions to the Trump effort and other authoritarian candidates. Extreme wealth is a destroyer of democracy. The challenge of the power elite is to convince the electorate of the righteousness of their agenda. And they have accomplished quite a lot of this with propaganda from tRump. MAGA has bought this anti-democracy stance and segregated themselves into a tribe of fools. They like Putin because he's one of them.
Steve, I agree with everything, but: “They like Putin because he’s one of them.” On the other hand, maybe you’re right. They may see in Putin as yet another bigot that will help them get rid of the Hated Other. Hence, their support for fascism and fascists like trump and Putin. Otherwise, they like charismatic cult leaders like trump and Putin who are skilled manipulators of those who are easily brainwashed and like to follow bullies. I’m not so sure they they see in Putin someone “like them,” but maybe bullies like bullies , fascists like other fascists, White supremacists like racists, etc. Cult dynamics play a significant role, including charisma.
Well yes; those with authoritarian personalities prefer leaders with the same mindset.
great post, as usual, Ruth - Thank you. wonder what the overlap is between charisma and psychopathology - too many are vulnerable to be sucker-punched by fascists such as Alexander Dugin, https://bbcrussian.substack.com/p/are-dugins-ideas-shared-by-kremlin.
Inspiring and beautifully written. The rise of fascism and right wing zealotry is disturbing to put it mildly. Just today I saw three disturbing articles.
The first, by Jessica Valente describes a decision by the Alabama Supreme Court that enshrines personhood to fertilized eggs. She explains there is far more on the line than the future of IVF treatments.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jessica/p/alabamas-fetal-personhood-ruling?r=cntu&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
We are already seeing outlines of the repression of women and reproductive rights in such outposts as Texas and Idaho that would surely spread nationwide if a MAGA candidate, Trump or otherwise becomes president.
Then there was this in the Washington Post about Trump’s plans for concentration camps and mass deportation of immigrants, no doubt the first targets:
https://open.substack.com/pub/jessica/p/alabamas-fetal-personhood-ruling?r=cntu&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
And then this killing of a Putin critic in Spain https://wapo.st/3I6MaHx
To honor Navalny’s memory and save our behinds, we have to do everything we can to ensure a Democrat wins the upcoming presidential election.
Nemtsov and Navalny are true profiles in courage. They are inspirations to not only Russians but for all of us.
With Putin and Trump I have the image of Saddam Hussein (Iraq) and Muammar Muhammad Gaddafi (Libya) when they neared and met their fate. They both showed how small and irrelevant they were as their people held them accountable. I was a graduate student at Syracuse University when PanAm Fl 103 exploded, with 35 students from SU and others from Central NY, Long Island and around the country over Lockerbie Scotland. I was at SU when Tiananmen Square unfolded, as graduate students from Beijing came in and out of my apartment with anxiety and worry about their families back home and China’s future. Both events occurred decades ago and yet China continues to be run by a brutal authoritarian as are Libya and Iraq. My worry is that so few have the context of history, especially the pro-Putin party in Congress. My prayer is that our electorate and judiciary hold for 2024 so we can continue to be a ‘beacon of light’ for Democracy around the world and focus on repairing the damage done by authoritarian leaders in our country. I have no shame in looking forward to the day that the man with the golden sneakers completes his ensemble with an orange jumpsuit.
Once tRump has sold his flock on his brand of BS, they will buy anything from him. He badly needs money, now that he must pay up for his crimes. So he knows that he can grift cash from his suckers. It's easy money.... and also evil.