alanjjohnstone
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An interesting interview with Ilya Budraitskis, a Russian left-wing dissident.
Probably most likely a counter-revolutionary plant despite his pedigree as an activist
“…While Putin has tried to justify all this with his hollow rhetoric of anti-imperialism, he more often turns to various conspiracy theories, especially one he repeatedly invokes—the Golden Billion Theory—and that has no purchase on almost anyone outside the far right.
According to this theory, the West has a plan to exterminate everyone on the planet except the “golden billion” people who live in their countries. Obviously, this has little to do with reality…”
I have not heard of this Golden Billion, a conspiracy to go alongside the Great Replacement one. I had to look it up.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_billion
https://journalsofindia.com/golden-billion-conspiracy-theory/
I sent what I consider to be a civil and not a very adversarial e-mail mentioning my partisan affiliation to the WSM but citing non-party sources to challenge his claims and I await a reply.
Moderator warning
The exchanges between Bijou Drains and True Scotsman are verging upon becoming personal abuse. There is a very narrow line between banter and invective, particularly if it grows sexualised.
7. You are free to express your views candidly and forcefully provided you remain civil. Do not use the forums to send abuse, threats, personal insults or attacks, or purposely inflammatory remarks (trolling). Do not respond to such messages.
Soften the tone, please
A useful analysis of the situation
“…Even if Putin himself were to suddenly die, an imperial nationalist of similar pedigree like former president/prime minister Dmitry Medvedev would likely take the reins and stay the course. Russia needs another revolution—peaceful, democratic—not just another leader…”
Another article from the same website reflects what I previously questioned – blocking Russians fleeing from call-up.
“…Encouraging and supporting those who refuse to participate in unjust missions has been an effective strategy against militarism in the past. It deserves greater attention now as a potential means of countering Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine…”
No doubt another nefarious George Soros funded CIA-front
A not-so-good rebuttal of Ron Leighton’s position by progressive Kim Petersen
Having accused him of simplistic analysis, Petersen parrot fashion reveals his own ignorance of Marxism by repeating the claim that socialism and communism are different.
He leaves his e-mail if anybody wishes to correct him. I may do so if I find myself with few spare moments.
Of course, it is not only right-wing Republicans who express a sympathy for the Russian position,
Victor Orban of Hungary has been a critic of the support offered to Ukraine by the EU.
Turkey’s Erdogan retains friendly relationship with Russia
Israel’s Netanyahu has remained neutral.
They all share something in common, none are deeply committed to democracy.
Which countries described as democracies support the Russian position? Even India and China have been critical.
Moderator Warning
1. The general topic of each forum is given by the posted forum description. Do not start a thread in a forum unless it matches the given topic, and do not derail existing threads with off-topic posts.
As interesting as the etymology of certain words are, this topic thread is about Russia and the Ukraine
(The moderator has already confessed to mea culpa.)
Why do extreme right-wing Republicans (some call them neo-fascists) oppose support for Ukraine and instead sympathise with Russia?
Is it simply to oppose Biden?
Or do Putin’s policies resonate with them?
Brazil’s election is going into a second round on 30th October
With almost all the votes counted, Lula had won 48% against Bolsonaro’s 43% – a much closer result than opinion polls had suggested. But Lula fell short of the more than 50% of valid votes needed to prevent a run-off.
Putin – the Good Guy
The American word “hillbilly” has been said to have come from the Ulster-Scots (who were the earlier emigrants to the Americas long before the Potato Famine exodus due to being outcasts from both the Anglo-Irish and the Catholic-Irish communities).
Apparently, they became known as hillbillys for their folk songs about King William.
There were also Gaelic speakers in SW Scotland around Ayrshire and Galloway.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galwegian_Gaelic
Like all peoples, the Irish, English, Scottish and Welsh are mongrels, a mix of migrants and invaders.
Dyfed was an Irish Kingdom we are told by historians. Dublin was built by the Norse vikings
Also, little known fact is Lech Walesa of Solidarity fame, his name derives from Wallace when Scots involved in the Baltic Sea trade settled in Poland either as merchants or mercenaries.
An interesting diversion but off-topic. Let’s return to the proper focus. Russia and Ukraine before as moderator I have to sanction myself.
CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL):
“In one sentence, @RepRashida simultaneously tells American Jews that they need to pass an anti-Zionist litmus test to participate in progressive spaces even as she doubles down on her #antisemitism by slandering Israel as an apartheid state.”
Here’s what Tlaib actually said:
“I want you all to know that among progressives, it becomes clear that you cannot claim to hold progressive values yet back Israel‘s apartheid government.”
She didn’t say anything to American Jews. She didn’t tell anyone they needed to pass any litmus test. She didn’t say anything anti-Semitic.
And she is definitely not alone in describing Israel as an apartheid state
