Putin to assume the power of a Tsar

Telegraph ^ | December 12 2003 | Julius Strauss

[Kozak]

So. Do Russians have any resposibility for Tsarist or Soviet period. Yes or no?

[wildandcrazyrussian]

From my perspective, it would make sense to say "the "Russians" were responsible for everything up through end of Tsarist rule in 1917, since that was an organic outgrowth of centuries of valid historical processes, and "Russians" (Slavic, native tribes assimilated, native tribes NOT assimilated, and Jewish immigrants from anti-Semitic parts of Western Europe), as peoples and as individuals over centuries had time to try to influnce the historical processes.

By contrast, it makes sense for Russians to absolutely reject any responsibility for Soviet rule and its mass murder and repression (especially of the Russians and Ukrainians) precisely because it was an a-historical process, a shock to the system which took place almost instantly, and an internationalist conspiracy led by people almost entirely NOT of Slavic-Russian heritage. In other words, even if the Soviet dictatorship had been the most benign rule in the world, it still was NOT an organic outgrowth of Russian history. It need not and would not have happened except for foreign funding e.g. from Imperial Germany.

I guess the analogy would be let's suppose a comet hits the United States and because of the shock to the system with massive death and disruption, there comes widespread dictatorship, murder, kidnapping, starvation, etc. (sort of like Communism). Would it be fair to accuse Americans of the post-disaster loss of civic values? What if a dictator drafted men in such an environment and invades Canada and Mexico and kills millions? I think you can at least see the analogy.

We can all pray to the Lord for healing of the horrors of the past century.

[malakhi]

Putin to assume the power of a Tsar

Sorelosermanovitch.

[Kozak]

Okay. I see a glimmer of hope. I do believe you must look a little harder at the fact that while some of the actual dictators where not Russian, they could not wield their power alone. It took many many willing individuals to carry out the policies. It's like Germans trying to blame all of Nazism on just Hitler alone. I've gone through the same process with my Ukrainian heritage, see the good, but not ignore the bad. Hope for real change ( which is major reason I am disappointed in current state of affairs, fear they have not learned lessons of past).

Really wish common Russians nothing but the best. Hope they can get a chance to live free and prosperous. It's up to them now.

And finally can agree completely with your final statement.
See, there is some hope after all Gospodin.

[RussianConservative]

Yes Russian have responsability for Imperial age, it was Russian only in so much as taken to context of events and other players/factors of events. To blame all evils of last 1,500 years on Russians, then no.

[Kozak]

Not trying to blame anyone for all evils, lots to go around. We all need to recognise past mistakes to avoid making them again.

[OldPossum]

Don't jump to conclusions. I do know a little about Russian characteristics. I have been in correspondence with a Russian for over 10 years and have visited your country twice. I also can read.

You admit in your post that they--and you, the way you worded it--like a strong man, a point that I made. I think it does not speak well of a people if they prefer to be controlled and told what to do. They accept this just so there can be "order."

Maybe I am prejudiced by my being an American, a group that generally prefers independence and self-reliance and most importantly, true democracy, even if the process can sometimes be messy and horrors! disorderly.

The thought of being controlled by a "strong man" is repugnant to us. And if you thought about it for any time, it should be to you, too.

[jimt]

As others have asked, I'm curious about your take on the elections.

Most of the press here has been negative. I'm not sure why, as President Putin has seemed to take a course that has been good for Russia. Perhaps it's because his course has not been good for some of the guys who stole Russia's wealth after the change.

But then with our press it's very hard to find an objective opinion, or even objective facts.

[RussianConservative]

Judge man by actions and not by leftest rhetorict...allow me to remind, these are same useful idiots that now remold Communist (and Stalinist Gennady) as protectors Russian democracy....maybe US and EU want some more this protection? Russia will pay for shipping too.

[RussianConservative]

That funny, since last I read 20% of Americans work for government. Read here it grow all time and tell everyone what to do and think...so you right, you not have strong man rule, you have strong elite rule. Instead one bastard, many bastards, results same. Also, not all society the same and not all peoples want to be Americans or think same. Look at Chile, best economy of S.America...and why? One strong rational man, genius Pinoche.

[OldPossum]

It's obvious that we wouldn't agree that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so I'll just sign off now.

One cannot argue with one who knows all the facts and what they mean.

OldPossum

P.S. The United States is governed by the rule of law, not by the "bastard" elites. Important differentiation. You should look it up.