Demonstrations against terror were the order of the day in Russia in response to the recent atrocity in the North Ossetian city of Beslan. In watching footage of the demonstration, I noticed a sign with a disturbing, but expected message: "A Strong State Means Security".
Maybe they should tell that to the tens of millions who were killed by strong states during the last century. Or they could tell it specifically to the millions killed by the "strong state" within Russia's own borders during Soviet Rule. If they're feeling statist enough, they could even tell that to the over 200,000 civilians killed by the strong state during each of the two Chechen Wars (massacres). The thought of it is disturbing.
On the other hand, it does feel kinda nice to be reminded that other countries have brainwashed statists too, just like we have here in America. There are other people in the world who ignore the causes of terror and promote policies that will only increase it. After all, terrorists just hate us for our freedom... they must attack Russians for their freedom also. It has nothing to do with governments' meddling in the affairs of other nations, occupying countries, or bombing cities flat.
Why would any self-respecting third-worlder want to fight against that?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Wow, simply astonishing that people that lived under one of the world's most totalitarian states only a generation ago would suddenly seem nostalgic for it planning their lives. I remember reading an article recently that actually had East Germans "reminiescing" if you will about the lack of responsibility they had "back in the good ole' days". Theres even this whole pop culture revival with Marx over there...things that make you go *shudder*. :P
Not sure if you saw this equally disturbing bit about Russia; Putin consolidates more Power for Kremlin. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20040913/D8531M6O0.html
Post a Comment