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grahamhgreen

(15,741 posts)
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 09:41 PM Sep 2013

Vladimir Putin New York Times Op-Ed — Calls Out American Exceptionalism

The piece urges against a strike in Syria, saying that an attack would only escalate the situation, and that the world is against it.

He also says he believes the gas attack was not done by Assad, but by rebels hoping to provoke an intervention.

No one doubts that poison gas was used in Syria. But there is every reason to believe it was used not by the Syrian Army, but by opposition forces, to provoke intervention by their powerful foreign patrons, who would be siding with the fundamentalists. Reports that militants are preparing another attack — this time against Israel — cannot be ignored.


The final paragraph of the op-ed is actually the most intense, as it directly responds to Obama's Tuesday night speech, and really one of America's core beliefs:

My working and personal relationship with President Obama is marked by growing trust. I appreciate this. I carefully studied his address to the nation on Tuesday. And I would rather disagree with a case he made on American Exceptionalism, stating that the United States’ policy is “what makes America different. It’s what makes us exceptional.” It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation. There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy. Their policies differ, too. We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord’s blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal.


Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/vladimir-putin-nyt-op-ed-2013-9#ixzz2eddoXDcL
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Vladimir Putin New York Times Op-Ed — Calls Out American Exceptionalism (Original Post) grahamhgreen Sep 2013 OP
Putin. He's So Jealous! NYC_SKP Sep 2013 #1
Well......... KoKo Sep 2013 #4
Yep, they are not a superpower any more treestar Sep 2013 #16
Your assessment of Putin seems to apply to you. dballance Sep 2013 #46
You are ADORABLE!!! NYC_SKP Sep 2013 #48
He should have posted it here. TreasonousBastard Sep 2013 #2
We could use the publicity. Spitfire of ATJ Sep 2013 #47
This message was self-deleted by its author Awknid Sep 2013 #3
But... kentuck Sep 2013 #5
so Putin believes in "the lord"...thus his love of glbt people. lookout, planet nt msongs Sep 2013 #6
hey, we get to agree on something! dionysus Sep 2013 #8
Putin is a hypocritical asshole who blocked UN action. Fuck him. Equal? Except LGBTs. DevonRex Sep 2013 #7
do you have PDS? you might offend the followers of his cult of personality\cheerleaders\apologists\ dionysus Sep 2013 #10
Who, me? DevonRex Sep 2013 #21
Could not agree more. UtahLib Sep 2013 #14
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend" NYC_SKP Sep 2013 #17
+1 treestar Sep 2013 #18
Yep. Worst of all are the RT supporters. joshcryer Sep 2013 #24
I really do hope that his relationship with Obama does grow in trust. Autumn Sep 2013 #9
Our real failure is allowing Putin to become "The Good Guy" Hydra Sep 2013 #11
GMAFB. I am sick of people always looking for an Obama failure. DevonRex Sep 2013 #23
Ah, Devon. It appears they need a new hero.... sheshe2 Sep 2013 #70
How has the man who has done more to prevent the UN geek tragedy Sep 2013 #65
This is risable cprise Sep 2013 #73
Is that what he's doing, UtahLib Sep 2013 #12
Nah, that was a direct reference to this nadinbrzezinski Sep 2013 #13
Which, coming from Putin's mouth, is a travesty. n/t UtahLib Sep 2013 #15
To those of us who grew up OUTSIDE the US nadinbrzezinski Sep 2013 #22
Actually, UtahLib Sep 2013 #38
Ok, whatever, use the sarcasm tag nadinbrzezinski Sep 2013 #39
So... orenbus Sep 2013 #41
Nope, I am not nadinbrzezinski Sep 2013 #62
Post removed Post removed Sep 2013 #68
Now there is a perfectly ironic American response cprise Sep 2013 #75
Thanks for the advice. UtahLib Sep 2013 #43
You know what? I got a solution nadinbrzezinski Sep 2013 #58
Wow, hope that made you feel better. n/t UtahLib Sep 2013 #67
It's my understanding it's been getting worse for Russia treestar Sep 2013 #20
Which is why I simply do not understand UtahLib Sep 2013 #26
+1 treestar Sep 2013 #27
The enemy of their enemy is their friend. geek tragedy Sep 2013 #45
Yep, the neonazi fascists are taking over Russia. joshcryer Sep 2013 #28
Well you know... pot... cprise Sep 2013 #76
Well.... DeSwiss Sep 2013 #64
Principles? WHAT Principles? CakeGrrl Sep 2013 #19
CakeGrrl, you take the cake davidpdx Sep 2013 #32
I'm just...we're through the looking-glass here. CakeGrrl Sep 2013 #34
I'm just poking at you davidpdx Sep 2013 #35
Oh, I know. CakeGrrl Sep 2013 #51
It certainly has. mimi85 Sep 2013 #71
There has been some crazy ass stuff going around davidpdx Sep 2013 #83
I think someone should nominate Putin for the Nobel Peace Prize. KittyWampus Sep 2013 #25
Wait for it...it's probably not far off. CakeGrrl Sep 2013 #29
Actually, Putin stated America's core beliefs better than Obama did. reformist2 Sep 2013 #30
That is because those silly principles nadinbrzezinski Sep 2013 #33
If a strike would escalate, how would it help the rebels? joshcryer Sep 2013 #31
I am glad to read point One and I have to say he's right on the Second point. BlancheSplanchnik Sep 2013 #36
a worthy indictment of 'American Exceptionalism' markiv Sep 2013 #37
+1 cprise Sep 2013 #77
I oppose action in Syria, but I do believe in American exceptionalism. BlueCheese Sep 2013 #40
DU descends into stereotype, embracing Russian dictator because of his geek tragedy Sep 2013 #42
Everything, I mean everything is conditioned on whether one is "anti-US." joshcryer Sep 2013 #53
Gaddhafi had his fans around here. Assad has his apologists. geek tragedy Sep 2013 #55
The worst for me is Maduro. joshcryer Sep 2013 #60
I know a professional activist (using both terms loosely) geek tragedy Sep 2013 #63
Too true. Sigh. Maybe tomorrow will be better. nt babylonsister Sep 2013 #57
Oh, wait until 2016 primary season. if you don't care strongly geek tragedy Sep 2013 #59
+1! joshcryer Sep 2013 #61
It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motive lunasun Sep 2013 #44
It is time for the United States to stop acting like it's an empire.... Spitfire of ATJ Sep 2013 #49
Swoooonn!!! Pretzel_Warrior Sep 2013 #50
Gays and religious minorities are protected in America. They are not protected in Russia. Dawson Leery Sep 2013 #52
They're actually increasingly losing protections in Russia. joshcryer Sep 2013 #54
That is what baffles me. The regression. morningfog Sep 2013 #66
The anti-Putin activists are progressives. joshcryer Sep 2013 #69
And anyone who is not a white male is increasingly losing protections in the USA. MattSh Sep 2013 #79
Did the US just recently pass a pro-white law? joshcryer Sep 2013 #80
Well, duh. MattSh Sep 2013 #81
Sorry, I was thinking federal. joshcryer Sep 2013 #82
this is a slap to the tea party and the right wing ZRT2209 Sep 2013 #56
It says to me that he likes to push buttons. Waiting For Everyman Sep 2013 #72
To the 'American Exceptionalists' those things they believe make America great, actually make it Monk06 Sep 2013 #74
It's time for all of the bigshot wannabee saviors get out of the ME. Tierra_y_Libertad Sep 2013 #78

KoKo

(84,711 posts)
4. Well.........
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:02 PM
Sep 2013
's. I have always liked "A Balance of Power."

Keeps USA in the Straight and Narrow....

After all...the ONLY BULLY IN TOWN...eventually gets Run Out...on a Rail with Tar and Feathers all over themselves.

Wouldn't want that...

treestar

(82,383 posts)
16. Yep, they are not a superpower any more
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:41 PM
Sep 2013

So they veto the UN doing anything. and there he is talking about the UN?

 

dballance

(5,756 posts)
46. Your assessment of Putin seems to apply to you.
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 11:58 PM
Sep 2013

Seems the same phrases can be used to describe you given your posting history.

 

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)
48. You are ADORABLE!!!
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:00 AM
Sep 2013







Star Member dballance (4,278 posts)
46. Your assessment of Putin seems to apply to you.

Last edited Wed Sep 11, 2013, 08:59 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1)
Seems the same phrases can be used to describe you given your posting history.

Response to grahamhgreen (Original post)

kentuck

(110,950 posts)
5. But...
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:03 PM
Sep 2013

Did he bang his shoe on the desk?

Although I think he might be putting too much stock into the idea of American "exceptionalism"?

DevonRex

(22,541 posts)
7. Putin is a hypocritical asshole who blocked UN action. Fuck him. Equal? Except LGBTs.
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:07 PM
Sep 2013

People need to realize he has a long list of people who aren't as equal as others, just in case you're willing to overlook the LGBT law. And you should not overlook it. Nor should you overlook that they are turning a blind eye, even encouraging, Neo-Nazis to lure LGBTs out of their homes to beat them up and call the state police to jail them. And now, the legislature wants to take the kids of LGBTs away.

dionysus

(26,467 posts)
10. do you have PDS? you might offend the followers of his cult of personality\cheerleaders\apologists\
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:10 PM
Sep 2013

pom pom wavers, ect.

UtahLib

(3,179 posts)
14. Could not agree more.
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:35 PM
Sep 2013

But he certainly seems to have the proper code words down when it comes to winning the approval of people who should know better. Yeah, let's trust this benevolent monster.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
18. +1
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:43 PM
Sep 2013

Of all the nerve. A very backward society, no longer a superpower, trying to stay relevant and lecture the only remaining superpower! When he's the one whose "client" state used actual chemical weapons. Shameful.



joshcryer

(62,265 posts)
24. Yep. Worst of all are the RT supporters.
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:57 PM
Sep 2013

RT being a blatantly homophobic propaganda outlet for the Russian state view.

Autumn

(44,748 posts)
9. I really do hope that his relationship with Obama does grow in trust.
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:08 PM
Sep 2013

There would be no down side to it, that would be a world changing event.

Hydra

(14,459 posts)
11. Our real failure is allowing Putin to become "The Good Guy"
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:20 PM
Sep 2013

He isn't. In any way. Yet with Snowden and Syria, he was able to take the moral high ground because the WH somehow lost it on the way to "Legacy."

Failure of epic proportions...

DevonRex

(22,541 posts)
23. GMAFB. I am sick of people always looking for an Obama failure.
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:56 PM
Sep 2013

Anybody who buys Putin as the 'good guy' has one brain cell desperately searching for another to rub against - without success.

sheshe2

(83,324 posts)
70. Ah, Devon. It appears they need a new hero....
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:43 AM
Sep 2013

Snowed-in Now we have Putin

Yikes! Give me the BOG any day!

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
65. How has the man who has done more to prevent the UN
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:28 AM
Sep 2013

from resolving Syria than anyone else occupying the moral high ground? How is they guy who's sponsoring and arming Assad the good guy?

cprise

(8,445 posts)
73. This is risable
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 01:12 AM
Sep 2013

Or it ought to be.

America has virtually taken over the trafficking of arms to 3rd world countries, and Americans still have the gall to indulge an infotainment complex that portrays every Russian as evil unless they're desperately trying to get into "Amyeddikka". I.e. there is no good Russian unless they are a "Balky".

You know, the anti-gay law in Russia would not be out of place in the American South. And the insults Putin's party has visited upon democracy in his country... well, the same. Your outrage and demonizing would probably be better directed at India.


UtahLib

(3,179 posts)
12. Is that what he's doing,
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:24 PM
Sep 2013

helping Russia find it's way to democracy while asking for the Lord's blessing. Let me guess which segment of America he might be targeting. If nothing else, he's a canny bastard.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
13. Nah, that was a direct reference to this
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:26 PM
Sep 2013
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness


Jefferson was a genius.
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
22. To those of us who grew up OUTSIDE the US
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:55 PM
Sep 2013

and who still travel abroad, we know this... the principles are still admired. The US, not so much.

And no, it is not a travesty. It was not calculated to please you, but calculated as a message to the chattering classes and the WH.

I got a bad case of flashback to the 1930s reading that essay. But I guess it takes knowing history to get it.

It is a remarkable piece of writing for the multiple layers that I am betting will be missed by quite a few.

UtahLib

(3,179 posts)
38. Actually,
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 11:30 PM
Sep 2013

having been born to a father who served 30 years in the Air Force, I have lived in countries other than America. We were stationed in Spain during Franco's reign where I was able to witness the damage that can be inflicted on the people of a country ruled by dictator.

I was being sarcastic in my first post. I have a pretty good grasp of history and am perfectly able to discern Putin's message and to whom it was directed.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
39. Ok, whatever, use the sarcasm tag
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 11:32 PM
Sep 2013

it is the internet. and that is a serious piece of advise.

As to Franco, yup, and what the US is becoming is not nice either.

orenbus

(44 posts)
41. So...
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 11:44 PM
Sep 2013

In other words are you saying Putin is playing multi-dimensional chess and he just called check-mate?

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
62. Nope, I am not
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:24 AM
Sep 2013

but you might think that for whatever reasons you might want to think that.

Some of us read history and realize how remarkable this is.

Try to keep up and add information. What else entered the Med today? The Moskva and her battle group. That my friend is ANOTHER hell of a diplomatic signal.

Unlike some here, some of us are interested in international relations, not stupid games you guys like to play.

By the way, if you answer or not, is imaterial, I will proceed to put you on ignore. I will not waste my time with useless banter

Response to nadinbrzezinski (Reply #62)

cprise

(8,445 posts)
75. Now there is a perfectly ironic American response
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 01:24 AM
Sep 2013

A small child on "meds" with her plastic-y compliment.

UtahLib

(3,179 posts)
43. Thanks for the advice.
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 11:52 PM
Sep 2013

I wasn't coming down on you but what might be perceived as condescension does not sit well with most people.

Peace

treestar

(82,383 posts)
20. It's my understanding it's been getting worse for Russia
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:43 PM
Sep 2013

And they've been losing ground on Democracy.

UtahLib

(3,179 posts)
26. Which is why I simply do not understand
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:58 PM
Sep 2013

why he should receive accolades from Democracy loving people for gratuitously spouting platitudes referencing ideals that he has no intention of allowing in his own country.

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
45. The enemy of their enemy is their friend.
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 11:55 PM
Sep 2013

For much of the ideological left, U.S. power and influence is the single greatest threat to humanity.

joshcryer

(62,265 posts)
28. Yep, the neonazi fascists are taking over Russia.
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:59 PM
Sep 2013

The vote has been repeatedly questioned there, there have been major discrepancies in the vote, and electronic voting machines are regularly used. Meanwhile many oligarchs have risen to power under Putin (while Putin did crack down on some it was more the ones who didn't fit the Putinist line, as opposed to their being rich).

 

DeSwiss

(27,137 posts)
64. Well....
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:27 AM
Sep 2013

...he's canny enough to know they'll work, because what he's saying is true. It's no testament to him or his general veracity, per se. He's just got the upper hand here and he's using it. Good on him!

If it takes an old Commie playing world politics to help stop more baby killing, then I'll take it. Meanwhile, America is neither a democracy nor a republic. It's an empire. That's why we have so many military bases all over the world. We have to intimidate others protect our interests.

- We're a modern-day Rome. Ending and all.....

CakeGrrl

(10,611 posts)
19. Principles? WHAT Principles?
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:43 PM
Sep 2013

Who cares what authoritarianism he practices at home on journalists and LGBT?

Isn't his Op-Ed GRRRREEAAAT???

mimi85

(1,805 posts)
71. It certainly has.
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:43 AM
Sep 2013

Is it something in the water? A virus sent through our monitors? This place has been a bit off the rails lately, I agree.

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
83. There has been some crazy ass stuff going around
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 02:30 AM
Sep 2013

I have been pleasantly surprised to see a few people who were nothing but negative have a change of heart. Even the BOG has been getting pummeled lately.

CakeGrrl

(10,611 posts)
29. Wait for it...it's probably not far off.
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 10:59 PM
Sep 2013

After all, some bright minds were praising the racist "OathKeepers" for the Snowden love.

Crazy bedfellows.

reformist2

(9,841 posts)
30. Actually, Putin stated America's core beliefs better than Obama did.
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 11:00 PM
Sep 2013

The sad thing is, Obama doesn't even believe in this idiotic "exceptionalism" garbage - he just donned that red-white-and-blue robe to make himself look sufficiently patriotic for election purposes.
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
33. That is because those silly principles
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 11:05 PM
Sep 2013

albeit not the exceptionalism part, are admired around the world... people like THE THEORY, and Jefferson and the Federalists are read by intellectuals in other countries. He was also KGB, so he learned about the US in deep ways, like spies around the world do. They learn about their targets.

This was a very calculated and well done piece, chockfull of warnings and references to the last pre WW period.

My take, since Einstein warned the world about WW III and WW IV, this was a warning for the US to stop being stupid and stop throwing it's weight around and ignoring international law, the international order we did indeed set up, including the veto at the UNSC.

I am sure people at State, the Pentagon, a few think tanks, and the WH, got it. It was not veiled at all.

joshcryer

(62,265 posts)
31. If a strike would escalate, how would it help the rebels?
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 11:02 PM
Sep 2013

Putin is an asshole for calling for diplomacy only after the threat of force was used by the United States.

He had two weeks to call for a diplomatic solution.

What a sorry piece of shit Putin is.

BlancheSplanchnik

(20,219 posts)
36. I am glad to read point One and I have to say he's right on the Second point.
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 11:20 PM
Sep 2013

It's a good thing he feel trust towards President Obama, and he is correct that American exceptionalism is a problem.

Definitely we're not the only nation or people who think this way, but we do have a problem.

 

markiv

(1,489 posts)
37. a worthy indictment of 'American Exceptionalism'
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 11:22 PM
Sep 2013

a concept, that american citizens have nothing but blood and treasure lost to show for it

BlueCheese

(2,522 posts)
40. I oppose action in Syria, but I do believe in American exceptionalism.
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 11:44 PM
Sep 2013

Well, not just American exceptionalism-- rather, that countries that have the power to do good things sometimes have the responsibility to do good things. There are a few such countries today, and U.S. is clearly one of them.

My opposition to involvement in Syria is mostly because I don't see how our intervention will help anything and could quite likely make things worse. But I do think when there are serious crimes against humanity happening, the U.S. and other wealthy or powerful nations have a responsibility to act where others may not.

joshcryer

(62,265 posts)
53. Everything, I mean everything is conditioned on whether one is "anti-US."
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:15 AM
Sep 2013

Everything. Every-fucking-thing.

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
55. Gaddhafi had his fans around here. Assad has his apologists.
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:17 AM
Sep 2013

The best way to insult a dictator is to accuse him of bring a flunky of the US.

joshcryer

(62,265 posts)
60. The worst for me is Maduro.
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:21 AM
Sep 2013

Openly homophobic bigot, praised, I swear at times, just to fucking rile me up. I frequent the Latin American forum and some of the most egregious posters would follow me there and chime in about shit.

It sucks because some of these actors are just little known nobodies and no one would understand the context but if you came out and started openly praising Macky Sall or something you'd get a permaban fairly quick because people would care to dig up his position on stuff. But if it's a "left leaning" person (not literally, I think Maduro is a right wing conservative, who uses faux-populism to rally the left), or an "anti-US" person you have free reign.

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
63. I know a professional activist (using both terms loosely)
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:26 AM
Sep 2013

who assumed Nicaragua's government would be good on women's issues because they're leftwing.

She will soon be a 'former professional activist.'

joshcryer

(62,265 posts)
61. +1!
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:22 AM
Sep 2013

Going to be great. And I know a lot of our Putin lovers are going to get perma'd. Can't wait.

(Some of the more messed up ones will lie low though.)

lunasun

(21,646 posts)
44. It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motive
Wed Sep 11, 2013, 11:53 PM
Sep 2013

so very true imo too

 

Spitfire of ATJ

(32,723 posts)
49. It is time for the United States to stop acting like it's an empire....
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:04 AM
Sep 2013

We claim we believe in Democracy and yet we subvert it when the people chose someone that's not on the payroll.

 

Pretzel_Warrior

(8,361 posts)
50. Swoooonn!!!
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:11 AM
Sep 2013

Poorly poo is my hero!!!!!


The Putin worship is getting thick here just as my controversial "shirtless Putin" thread referenced.

joshcryer

(62,265 posts)
54. They're actually increasingly losing protections in Russia.
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:16 AM
Sep 2013

They had more freedoms five years ago than they do now. Hell, they had more freedoms a year ago than now.

 

morningfog

(18,115 posts)
66. That is what baffles me. The regression.
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:30 AM
Sep 2013

It is infuriating, honestly, that a major nation has been moving in that direction.

joshcryer

(62,265 posts)
69. The anti-Putin activists are progressives.
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 12:35 AM
Sep 2013

So Putin has been channeling the right wing neonazi ultra nationalist element of Russia United to push back against the activists who have been protesting in Russia for years. No way to know for sure Putin's personal feelings. At one point he basically was neutral on it, live and let live, but after the law was passed he just denied that it was regressive at all.

The main argument used by the anti-gay law people is that it came with a very strong libel law so no one can falsely accuse anyone of being gay, but that doesn't prevent them from truthfully accusing people of being gay! Which is what the abuses have been about lately!

It's not really too surprising as we saw with the post Regan era policies of tearing down everything that we'd begun building under Carter.

MattSh

(3,714 posts)
79. And anyone who is not a white male is increasingly losing protections in the USA.
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 01:38 AM
Sep 2013

And not a peep out of the DU.

Whoa! Look! Shiny thing over there!

MattSh

(3,714 posts)
81. Well, duh.
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 01:56 AM
Sep 2013

Voter suppression laws are anti-minority, Josh.

Anti-choice laws are anti-woman.

And that covers anybody who is not white.

You don't have to pass "pro-white" laws to be pro-white.

joshcryer

(62,265 posts)
82. Sorry, I was thinking federal.
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 01:59 AM
Sep 2013

Yes, that's atrocious, but you know it's state level, what Putin signed was federal, after a few of Russia's states had signed off on similar laws. It would be akin to the US signing voter suppression laws in at a federal level because a few states here voted for them. It's insane.

In the US there will always be states that have freer voting rights, in Russia there will never (until the law is overturned) be a place where an LGBT Russian can openly express themselves without risking "distributing gay propaganda."

Waiting For Everyman

(9,385 posts)
72. It says to me that he likes to push buttons.
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 01:10 AM
Sep 2013

But I already knew that from some comments he made to other world leaders at the G20 last week. Not news, no biggie.

I'm surprised at how good his writing is, if he did it himself. It's interesting that a president of Russia would make the move of writing an Op Ed directly to the American people, you don't see that every day. I'll give him a few points for thinking outside the box and executing it well.

Other than that, it's hot air. Spin. An attempt to manipulate public opinion a bit, for some extra wiggle room. None of that matters at all.

Underlying the whole thing on a subliminal level, I get the feeling that Putin thinks this democratic thing is kind of fun, and sort of enjoys playing with it (as long as it benefits him). After all, what is writing an Op Ed? It's something we do all the time. Deep down, I think he admires it, in spite of himself. He'd screw us in a heartbeat but nevertheless, he'd equally like to be part of "the club" of leaders of nations that are old democracies.

Monk06

(7,675 posts)
74. To the 'American Exceptionalists' those things they believe make America great, actually make it
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 01:24 AM
Sep 2013

despicable and hateful in the eyes of the world.

The very idea of a people thinking their country is the greatest, wealthiest most powerful country in the world, by dint of some God given gift, is absurd.

I thought that idea died with the Romans and the Germans. American Exceptionalism is just Manifest Destiny by another name. It is an arrogant, foolish doctrine and viciously destructive.

 

Tierra_y_Libertad

(50,414 posts)
78. It's time for all of the bigshot wannabee saviors get out of the ME.
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 01:32 AM
Sep 2013

All their "help" is accomplishing is making a horrible situation worse.

The whole crew are nothing but a pack of self-serving egomaniacs looking for statues of themselves.

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