“The coherent philosophy required to sustain those institutions and the adherence to those institutions indispensable to sustaining the philosophy is far greater than our abhorrence of a particular practice, such as sodomy.”
Philosophy underlays ones actions. If leaders do not follow that philosophy, what good is the philosophy, and what good are the leaders?
Putin is changing his actions, one would presume on a change in his philosophy, one that is more closely aligned with 19th century conservatism in Russia.
I think equating that with Hitlers treatment of gays is a stretch.
Any leader that challenges the grossly over-represented gay lobby is worthy of respect.
Comparing Putin to other ex-Communists, or to Socialist demagogues like Hitler or Obama--and yes there are too many parallels between them to ignore--is absurd. Putin, in the 21st Century, shows none of the doctrinaire Marxist. Not only the ex-Communists, but both Obama & Hitler have/had repeatedly advocated Marxist ideas (income inequality as a major problem, demonizing the 1%/or Jews, etc.; or for that matter trying to force your ideology on other peoples).
As for cutting some corners to reverse a wrong-headed system? How could you do otherwise? Did not the American Revolution cut some legal corners? Did Pinochet not have to cut corners to remove the Marxist influence & control in Chile?
No one suggests that Putin is a saint. But the policies, which he openly avows, are ones far more in line with American traditional policies than some of those advocated by Clinton/BushII/Obama.
And does anyone here actually believe that there is anything wrong with trying to stop people with aberrant sexuality from trying to recruit children?
William Flax