My impression lately has been that Russia is like an evil twin of America; like what we would be like if not for our Constitution. I'm not saying that I approve of American imperialism or the Nazi-ridden Zelenskyy regime in Ukraine, but one has to note that Putin is posturing as an "anti-fascist" and is using "denazification" as a pretext for invading Ukraine. Could also be used as a pretext for genocide. Now doesn't the US also fancy itself as anti-fascist, particularly in its role as the world police? As Russia does imperialism in the vicinity of its borders too, the main difference between the two is how the government handles its own citizens. People can be banned from spreading Nazi propaganda in Russia, and jailed or otherwise punished by the government for dissent. As much as most Americans loathe such views they are not allowed to arrest you for being a Nazi in America or for spreading Nazi propaganda unless it openly calls for violence (probably the only country more hospitable to Nazis is Ukraine by the way; Nazi propaganda is a lot more open there). Corporations are allowed to punish and discriminate based on your perceived views though (except in California where political discrimination is illegal) and there are loads of useful idiots on the "left" that seem willing to do their bidding (Antifa was much worse under Trump though). Maybe when the corporations completely take over the US this country will turn into something like a clone of Russia.
I think the reason Russians tend toward pessimism is because they know their destiny is determined by larger forces beyond their control, whereas Americans think their future is in their hands. The truth is in the middle but in the west eyes will be opened soon.
Mathew, it was a great honor to have the conversation, and we sure went deep down the philosophical rabbithole1 Thank you.
My impression lately has been that Russia is like an evil twin of America; like what we would be like if not for our Constitution. I'm not saying that I approve of American imperialism or the Nazi-ridden Zelenskyy regime in Ukraine, but one has to note that Putin is posturing as an "anti-fascist" and is using "denazification" as a pretext for invading Ukraine. Could also be used as a pretext for genocide. Now doesn't the US also fancy itself as anti-fascist, particularly in its role as the world police? As Russia does imperialism in the vicinity of its borders too, the main difference between the two is how the government handles its own citizens. People can be banned from spreading Nazi propaganda in Russia, and jailed or otherwise punished by the government for dissent. As much as most Americans loathe such views they are not allowed to arrest you for being a Nazi in America or for spreading Nazi propaganda unless it openly calls for violence (probably the only country more hospitable to Nazis is Ukraine by the way; Nazi propaganda is a lot more open there). Corporations are allowed to punish and discriminate based on your perceived views though (except in California where political discrimination is illegal) and there are loads of useful idiots on the "left" that seem willing to do their bidding (Antifa was much worse under Trump though). Maybe when the corporations completely take over the US this country will turn into something like a clone of Russia.
Sorry to hear of your back injury and hope you are better soon.
If you know of a good TCM acupuncturist, I’ve found them to be very helpful.
Love love love all of you!
Thank you ever so much ♥️
Thanks so much for sharing this conversation. Good to hear each vantage point. I enjoyed the meanderings! :)
Nice speakers on the Russia and Covid issue. On the issue of the Ukrainian conflict, the discussion was not sufficiently informative for those who are looking for the overall context, possible resolutions etc. https://www.amazon.ca/Ukraine-Battlefield-Memories-Alex-Posoukh-ebook/dp/B071F4556G
I think the reason Russians tend toward pessimism is because they know their destiny is determined by larger forces beyond their control, whereas Americans think their future is in their hands. The truth is in the middle but in the west eyes will be opened soon.
thanks for this great roundtable discussion!
Thank you Matthew, you and Tessa were wonderful in this.
Russia? It's a riddle wrapped in a mystery wrapped in an enigma, blowing you up with a thermobaric multiple rocket launcher.