I appreciate this article because it provides some insight into otherwise opaque Russian politics. It does, however, seem to be at least partially based on an assumption that might no longer be as valid as it once was: that democracy is a goal Russia, and, by implication, all non-democratic countries, should aim for.
It seems heretical to suggest otherwise, doesn’t it? But look at the state of the world’s two leading democracies, the US and the UK. They are tearing themselves apart because they appear to have lost all sense of national identity and common purpose. Patriotism and pride in your country have become unacceptable, at least among the self-regarding elites. Inequality continues to grow. I’m sure we all understand the problems besetting established democratic countries in our current age.
Should we really be encouraging other countries to adopt democratic principles and political structures? For the first time in my life that is, at least for me, an open question.
If a company is to be well-managed and profitable it needs to have a CEO with qualities of leadership, intelligence, charisma and determination, supported by Board of carefully-selected (not elected) directors who all are good at what they do. No doubt a country having a Government similarly constructed would run be run efficiently.
But, assuming a citizen felt that he/she had the necessary attributes, how would he/she get him/herself appointed to a position in the government? Democratic elections are the only sensible way to place people who hopefully are suitable into power. Electoral systems are highly inefficient and may sometimes produce bad results but they are the safest method in the long run.
Dennis Boylon
3 years ago
Russia can’t afford such nonsense. They need to be united against an aggressive US empire. Navalny is a disgusting traitor with what? 2 percent popular support and Soros money in his pocket? Why even mention him?
I appreciate this article because it provides some insight into otherwise opaque Russian politics. It does, however, seem to be at least partially based on an assumption that might no longer be as valid as it once was: that democracy is a goal Russia, and, by implication, all non-democratic countries, should aim for.
It seems heretical to suggest otherwise, doesn’t it? But look at the state of the world’s two leading democracies, the US and the UK. They are tearing themselves apart because they appear to have lost all sense of national identity and common purpose. Patriotism and pride in your country have become unacceptable, at least among the self-regarding elites. Inequality continues to grow. I’m sure we all understand the problems besetting established democratic countries in our current age.
Should we really be encouraging other countries to adopt democratic principles and political structures? For the first time in my life that is, at least for me, an open question.
If a company is to be well-managed and profitable it needs to have a CEO with qualities of leadership, intelligence, charisma and determination, supported by Board of carefully-selected (not elected) directors who all are good at what they do. No doubt a country having a Government similarly constructed would run be run efficiently.
But, assuming a citizen felt that he/she had the necessary attributes, how would he/she get him/herself appointed to a position in the government? Democratic elections are the only sensible way to place people who hopefully are suitable into power. Electoral systems are highly inefficient and may sometimes produce bad results but they are the safest method in the long run.
Russia can’t afford such nonsense. They need to be united against an aggressive US empire. Navalny is a disgusting traitor with what? 2 percent popular support and Soros money in his pocket? Why even mention him?
So if he’s a traitor what does that make putin? A man who has stolen all semblance of proprietary from government.