Relevant to us: Note that Putin doesn't attack most Russians. He jails and murders specific types.

[issuesDemocrats]

Namely: journalists (real ones, not state media), "disloyal" oligarchs, prominent political opposition figures, members of the intelligence and security services who speak out or defect ("traitors" from the "Deep State" ), human rights activists, and anyone in any real position to threaten or challenge him, publicly or privately.

While the above are his targets, his audience is the Russian masses. The goal is to turn even the mildest criticism into high treason, and to convince as many ordinary Russians as possible that this is the case.

This is happening in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, China, North Korea, and elsewhere. And it could very well happen here, especially under current conditions.

Both past and present history have shown that freedom is much harder to gain than to lose. Don't let any seductive myths of "American Exceptionalism" blind you to this reality. We must be clear-eyed and vigilant about what we face.

[dalton99a]

1. It is important for a dictator to delegitimize all dissent

We're witnessing the same thing here - a peaceful protest is called a mob

[alwaysinasnit]

2. +1000