It's interesting. As I read this, I see the all the positive descriptors of the subject at hand with little criticism. If this were an NYT article, I would most certainly react with a knee-jerk, charging 'Bias! Bias!". Yet I acknowledge the non-discussion of Putin's shortcomings for the same reasons as those of Trump: I'm aware that both of these men suffer from the imperfection of being human. The difference, though, is importance of their respective roles in history. At the end of the day, I believe the larger impact (and benefit) of their influence on nations will dwarf their human imperfections.
I am sorry to say (and a little bit embarrassed to admit) that my intelligent, well-educated and well-read beloved husband of nearly 30 years completely buys into the "evil dictator" Putin narrative.
Admittedly, I was of that mind say 5 years ago or so. I grew up as most likely the last generation to have to perform "civil defense" drills, kneeling in the hallway underneath my coat with my hands above my head (not unlike a captive). To say Russia was the "enemy" was an understatement. Soviet Russia was the stuff nightmares are made of. Whether you watch James Bond movies or read Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Russia was the West's "Great Satan".
If legal precedent is based upon the "poison fruit" concept, then Putin has defied the West's derogatory assessment of him. This has become much more apparent to me since watching Oliver Stone's interviews with Putin (including "Ukraine on Fire"). I've come to see Vladimir Putin as a calm, patient and calculating individual, yet not in the Shakespearean sense. He is trained as a lawyer, and is highly legalistic. As a lawyer's daughter, I recognize this trait immediately. While my late father was more like Atticus Finch, Putin is more like Perry Mason, working diligently to spring his trap in the courtroom.
I've come to respect Vladimir Putin as both a man and a world leader. Not unlike Trump (and all of us), he has his faults and failings. Of course these are magnified exponentially on the world stage by the globalist cabal/WEF disciples. If the Russian people support him legitimately, then I have no right to interfere, I believe. I pray he has a capable successor in the wings, ready to step forward when the time comes (as I'm sure Trump must have).
Having only known a unipolar world led by the US, and increasingly ashamed by its covert shenanigans globally, I personally think it might be exciting to live in a bi- or multi-polar world. One where The Great Reset is no longer a threat, and it's leaders neutralized.
BB...I'm enjoying this read. I didn't realize that the enemy of my enemy is my friend is stated here in part 2. I certainly have a new respect for Putin. You know a tree by it's fruit. Were there masks and 'vaccines' in Russia? Were there lockdowns & businesses going under? This is what each nation should strive for...sovereignty for themselves & not the collective narrative bring pushed in the west, MSM, UN, EU & NATO. No wonder they came against (and still do) Putin & Trump. Trump desires for us what Nicholas II dreamed for Russia...the realization of it came through Putin. It is still to be realized through 45...such an info war. I don't know why, but I weep for Putins protection & this is not like me. I've only been awake since 2016-17 since 45 took office. TY for this macro reading. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time...but you have to see the big pic of the elephant to know where to start, or you might begin with his big butt! LoL
I don't think Putin is as much a killer as is Hillary Clinton. While I don't doubt Putin has offed a few people, the most dangerous people to be close to in America is absolutely the Clinton Crime Family. I think Russians generally like having Putin in charge. He seems to be all about making Russia great again. To be fair and honest, the USSR was a formidable opponent to the West back in the 50's, 60's, 70's. It was their system that was bound to fail. Capitalism was always going to win out. But right now, I think capitalism may have jumped the shark. There is too much money and power in the hands of a handful of people, and most of them who wield that power are just not good people. This power elite are trying with all their might to force us into their Great Reset. I see Putin as a tremendous ally in the fight to keep their Great Reset from becoming a reality. Whoever Klaus Shwab and George Soros are pulling for, I am pulling for the other side. Therefore I pray Putin is successful in ridding Ukraine of the trash.
I’m taking my time reading through Righteous Russia. I am not keen on all words but grasp(I believe :)) the overall picture, you have painted.
Through the years, I have held a quiet intrigue and respect for Putin. But I have never been able to really pin down why. His presence, facial expressions, demeanor and words, etc. demand attention. He is the student so would have observed until I thought I could confidently approach and try and untangle the hedge placed between us.
When I began questioning the descriptions of Putin, I began by asking, "What do I really know about him?" I had listened to a couple of press conferences he gave during the Obama admin, and he sounded measured, self-confident and reasonable as he described the encroachment of NATO military weapons to Russia's border. He begged the press to inform the public that the situation was unsustainable, and that NATO needed to back off. I trusted Putin's assessment more than that of our own Liar-In-Chief Barry Soetero, for sure.
Now that we have documented proof of the legacy media's standing as Enemies of the People, and knowing that they have lied to us about literally EVERYTHING, why would we trust their characterization of Putin ("Literally Hitler")?
We will more likely be right if we take every MSM view to be the exact polar opposite of the truth.
"To be blunt, we’re left with the only world leader before or since Donald Trump to piss off all the right people en route to ushering in an era of national prosperity—in relative terms, at least—unseen in decades, if not a century."
This describes exactly why I have come to the conclusion (long prior to reading this) that there is some type of relationship between these two men. Both clearly understand that successful governance is only achieved by the 'consent' of the governed. You are a tiger of the 1st degree!
This is fascinating, and so beautifully written. I have only one quibble; use of the word "hooked" signals bias, from which the rest of your work seems to be admirably free. You don't need to invoke the Merchant of Venice to make your point. I am delighted to discover the combined talents of political discernment and literary gifts in one author, and hope that your future work will discern carefully between vivid description and propaganda. Wishing you the wider audience your ability deserves.
"Deplorable." Patriots think that their enemies call them "Deplorables" because we want freedom instead of control by monsters like Killary.
The reality is we have some people even more racist than the Left with their "critical race theory." In 2017, my CSA was run by people helping immigrants and I learned of a woman who had worked really really hard to learn English and civics to become a citizen. She passed the citizenship test itself--and then was asked added questions until they found one that confused and tripped her up. Something like "Do you intend to return to Thailand and work with agitators to attack the United States." It was utterly obvious to me that the important part was that last part and you had to answer "no." She was weak in English and understood the first part clearly but did not figure out what they were getting at with the last part. She did intend to revisit Thailand, so she answered yes, and the Pigs had their excuse to deny her citizenship. That's deplorable.
This week, I ran into a discussion about a native Hawaiian on Maui outraged at the dishonorable handling of her and others there. Comments dropped the "N bomb" frequently including twice as "coconut N." Fact is, "MAGA Republicans" does include some truly deplorable people of hate. The label "Deplorables" is not one to flaunt with pride. Call us "MAGA Republicans" or "Patriots."
"To be blunt, we’re left with the only world leader before or since Donald Trump to piss off all the right people en route to ushering in an era of national prosperity—in relative terms, at least—unseen in decades, if not a century."
You are a tiger of the 1st degree! I've thought for some time that there is a symbiotic relationship between these two men that is supported by the bulk of the populations they represent.... those who consent to be governed by reasonable men. God has certainly placed each of them in this time and has equipped each of them with special intelligence and talents to lead!
I've been vilified more for my enthusiastic support of Putin & Trump than I was for not complying with the hideous diktats of the globalists in their pandemic pet project. So this re-framing of both leaders is a balm on my wounds. I very much want to see Russia & America as great stalwart allies, unless of course America falls to globalist plans for a medically assisted genocide across the West.
I’m trying to get private clients for ESL conversational practice and targeting advanced students who potentially work in policy analysis and creation. I’m thinking I will “devo” them using articles like this one. I would greatly enjoy having a thorough conversation about Putin and see what emerges. Sometimes people from other countries surprise me in their willingness to join alternative perspectives, although I think I have offput one or two I talk to in my current position, even when I try to operate within the Villager framework.
I'm working my way through this six-part series (six parts if you consider Part 0 to really be Part 1, albeit a prologue). So far, my impression is that it's a whitewash of Putin. Albeit, a well-written, and at times persuasive one in a few details -- but still, a whitewash. I will defer my final judgement for the completion of my study of the remainder of this series, but for now, I want to say it will take a LOT of facts and detailed reasoning to persuade me that Putin is not what he has appeared to be to me: a critter of the Soviet-era KGB for whom Yeltsin is Russia's and Putin's version of the aging, doddering Hindenburg to an ascendant Adolf Hitler.
I want to touch on one glossed-over detail in this essay: at one point, the author asserts that Ukrainian President Zelensky's prime agenda was unsuccessful, in that while his coalition was SUCCESSFUL in at least partially implementing anti-corruption reforms, they still failed because of the explosion of warfare under Zelensky's tenure. This seems to contradict a subsequent assertion that this is "the most corrupt regime in Ukraine's history." If Zelensky's reforms were at least partially enacted and resulted in the curbing of the power of Ukraine's oligarch class, then it must follow that Ukraine is LESS corrupt than before, which means it is NOT "the most corrupt regime in Ukraine's history." The author undermines his own argument.
My current view is that Putin -- this product of the Soviet-era KGB, who learned his craft while rubbing elbows with the East German Stasi -- is himself as much a creature of the globalist Deep State as anyone, and is steeped in the art of subterfuge. I currently believe his mission as assigned by his Deep State overlords is to rebuild the 1980s-vintage image of what Ronald Reagan termed "the Evil Empire," that indispensable boogeyman used for decades to frighten the West -- and in particular, isolationist America -- into the globalists' New World Order.
It's interesting. As I read this, I see the all the positive descriptors of the subject at hand with little criticism. If this were an NYT article, I would most certainly react with a knee-jerk, charging 'Bias! Bias!". Yet I acknowledge the non-discussion of Putin's shortcomings for the same reasons as those of Trump: I'm aware that both of these men suffer from the imperfection of being human. The difference, though, is importance of their respective roles in history. At the end of the day, I believe the larger impact (and benefit) of their influence on nations will dwarf their human imperfections.
Loved it. I'm sorry there's only one more installment.
I am sorry to say (and a little bit embarrassed to admit) that my intelligent, well-educated and well-read beloved husband of nearly 30 years completely buys into the "evil dictator" Putin narrative.
Admittedly, I was of that mind say 5 years ago or so. I grew up as most likely the last generation to have to perform "civil defense" drills, kneeling in the hallway underneath my coat with my hands above my head (not unlike a captive). To say Russia was the "enemy" was an understatement. Soviet Russia was the stuff nightmares are made of. Whether you watch James Bond movies or read Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Russia was the West's "Great Satan".
If legal precedent is based upon the "poison fruit" concept, then Putin has defied the West's derogatory assessment of him. This has become much more apparent to me since watching Oliver Stone's interviews with Putin (including "Ukraine on Fire"). I've come to see Vladimir Putin as a calm, patient and calculating individual, yet not in the Shakespearean sense. He is trained as a lawyer, and is highly legalistic. As a lawyer's daughter, I recognize this trait immediately. While my late father was more like Atticus Finch, Putin is more like Perry Mason, working diligently to spring his trap in the courtroom.
I've come to respect Vladimir Putin as both a man and a world leader. Not unlike Trump (and all of us), he has his faults and failings. Of course these are magnified exponentially on the world stage by the globalist cabal/WEF disciples. If the Russian people support him legitimately, then I have no right to interfere, I believe. I pray he has a capable successor in the wings, ready to step forward when the time comes (as I'm sure Trump must have).
Having only known a unipolar world led by the US, and increasingly ashamed by its covert shenanigans globally, I personally think it might be exciting to live in a bi- or multi-polar world. One where The Great Reset is no longer a threat, and it's leaders neutralized.
BB...I'm enjoying this read. I didn't realize that the enemy of my enemy is my friend is stated here in part 2. I certainly have a new respect for Putin. You know a tree by it's fruit. Were there masks and 'vaccines' in Russia? Were there lockdowns & businesses going under? This is what each nation should strive for...sovereignty for themselves & not the collective narrative bring pushed in the west, MSM, UN, EU & NATO. No wonder they came against (and still do) Putin & Trump. Trump desires for us what Nicholas II dreamed for Russia...the realization of it came through Putin. It is still to be realized through 45...such an info war. I don't know why, but I weep for Putins protection & this is not like me. I've only been awake since 2016-17 since 45 took office. TY for this macro reading. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time...but you have to see the big pic of the elephant to know where to start, or you might begin with his big butt! LoL
Onto part 3
I don't think Putin is as much a killer as is Hillary Clinton. While I don't doubt Putin has offed a few people, the most dangerous people to be close to in America is absolutely the Clinton Crime Family. I think Russians generally like having Putin in charge. He seems to be all about making Russia great again. To be fair and honest, the USSR was a formidable opponent to the West back in the 50's, 60's, 70's. It was their system that was bound to fail. Capitalism was always going to win out. But right now, I think capitalism may have jumped the shark. There is too much money and power in the hands of a handful of people, and most of them who wield that power are just not good people. This power elite are trying with all their might to force us into their Great Reset. I see Putin as a tremendous ally in the fight to keep their Great Reset from becoming a reality. Whoever Klaus Shwab and George Soros are pulling for, I am pulling for the other side. Therefore I pray Putin is successful in ridding Ukraine of the trash.
I’m taking my time reading through Righteous Russia. I am not keen on all words but grasp(I believe :)) the overall picture, you have painted.
Through the years, I have held a quiet intrigue and respect for Putin. But I have never been able to really pin down why. His presence, facial expressions, demeanor and words, etc. demand attention. He is the student so would have observed until I thought I could confidently approach and try and untangle the hedge placed between us.
Thanks for the great read!
When I began questioning the descriptions of Putin, I began by asking, "What do I really know about him?" I had listened to a couple of press conferences he gave during the Obama admin, and he sounded measured, self-confident and reasonable as he described the encroachment of NATO military weapons to Russia's border. He begged the press to inform the public that the situation was unsustainable, and that NATO needed to back off. I trusted Putin's assessment more than that of our own Liar-In-Chief Barry Soetero, for sure.
Now that we have documented proof of the legacy media's standing as Enemies of the People, and knowing that they have lied to us about literally EVERYTHING, why would we trust their characterization of Putin ("Literally Hitler")?
We will more likely be right if we take every MSM view to be the exact polar opposite of the truth.
"To be blunt, we’re left with the only world leader before or since Donald Trump to piss off all the right people en route to ushering in an era of national prosperity—in relative terms, at least—unseen in decades, if not a century."
This describes exactly why I have come to the conclusion (long prior to reading this) that there is some type of relationship between these two men. Both clearly understand that successful governance is only achieved by the 'consent' of the governed. You are a tiger of the 1st degree!
This is fascinating, and so beautifully written. I have only one quibble; use of the word "hooked" signals bias, from which the rest of your work seems to be admirably free. You don't need to invoke the Merchant of Venice to make your point. I am delighted to discover the combined talents of political discernment and literary gifts in one author, and hope that your future work will discern carefully between vivid description and propaganda. Wishing you the wider audience your ability deserves.
"Deplorable." Patriots think that their enemies call them "Deplorables" because we want freedom instead of control by monsters like Killary.
The reality is we have some people even more racist than the Left with their "critical race theory." In 2017, my CSA was run by people helping immigrants and I learned of a woman who had worked really really hard to learn English and civics to become a citizen. She passed the citizenship test itself--and then was asked added questions until they found one that confused and tripped her up. Something like "Do you intend to return to Thailand and work with agitators to attack the United States." It was utterly obvious to me that the important part was that last part and you had to answer "no." She was weak in English and understood the first part clearly but did not figure out what they were getting at with the last part. She did intend to revisit Thailand, so she answered yes, and the Pigs had their excuse to deny her citizenship. That's deplorable.
This week, I ran into a discussion about a native Hawaiian on Maui outraged at the dishonorable handling of her and others there. Comments dropped the "N bomb" frequently including twice as "coconut N." Fact is, "MAGA Republicans" does include some truly deplorable people of hate. The label "Deplorables" is not one to flaunt with pride. Call us "MAGA Republicans" or "Patriots."
"To be blunt, we’re left with the only world leader before or since Donald Trump to piss off all the right people en route to ushering in an era of national prosperity—in relative terms, at least—unseen in decades, if not a century."
You are a tiger of the 1st degree! I've thought for some time that there is a symbiotic relationship between these two men that is supported by the bulk of the populations they represent.... those who consent to be governed by reasonable men. God has certainly placed each of them in this time and has equipped each of them with special intelligence and talents to lead!
I've been vilified more for my enthusiastic support of Putin & Trump than I was for not complying with the hideous diktats of the globalists in their pandemic pet project. So this re-framing of both leaders is a balm on my wounds. I very much want to see Russia & America as great stalwart allies, unless of course America falls to globalist plans for a medically assisted genocide across the West.
I’m trying to get private clients for ESL conversational practice and targeting advanced students who potentially work in policy analysis and creation. I’m thinking I will “devo” them using articles like this one. I would greatly enjoy having a thorough conversation about Putin and see what emerges. Sometimes people from other countries surprise me in their willingness to join alternative perspectives, although I think I have offput one or two I talk to in my current position, even when I try to operate within the Villager framework.
I'm working my way through this six-part series (six parts if you consider Part 0 to really be Part 1, albeit a prologue). So far, my impression is that it's a whitewash of Putin. Albeit, a well-written, and at times persuasive one in a few details -- but still, a whitewash. I will defer my final judgement for the completion of my study of the remainder of this series, but for now, I want to say it will take a LOT of facts and detailed reasoning to persuade me that Putin is not what he has appeared to be to me: a critter of the Soviet-era KGB for whom Yeltsin is Russia's and Putin's version of the aging, doddering Hindenburg to an ascendant Adolf Hitler.
I want to touch on one glossed-over detail in this essay: at one point, the author asserts that Ukrainian President Zelensky's prime agenda was unsuccessful, in that while his coalition was SUCCESSFUL in at least partially implementing anti-corruption reforms, they still failed because of the explosion of warfare under Zelensky's tenure. This seems to contradict a subsequent assertion that this is "the most corrupt regime in Ukraine's history." If Zelensky's reforms were at least partially enacted and resulted in the curbing of the power of Ukraine's oligarch class, then it must follow that Ukraine is LESS corrupt than before, which means it is NOT "the most corrupt regime in Ukraine's history." The author undermines his own argument.
My current view is that Putin -- this product of the Soviet-era KGB, who learned his craft while rubbing elbows with the East German Stasi -- is himself as much a creature of the globalist Deep State as anyone, and is steeped in the art of subterfuge. I currently believe his mission as assigned by his Deep State overlords is to rebuild the 1980s-vintage image of what Ronald Reagan termed "the Evil Empire," that indispensable boogeyman used for decades to frighten the West -- and in particular, isolationist America -- into the globalists' New World Order.