Real Time with Bill Maher: Kasparov on Democracy
By Nicole Belle Friday Oct 19, 2007 9:03pm(guest blogged by Bill W.)
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Here's Bill Maher's interview with Garry Kasparov to discuss his latest book " How Life Imitates Chess: Making the Right Moves, from the Board to the Boardroom ." Kasparov is currently challenging President Putin in Russia ( Here's the original link via the way back machine) and has assumed great risk in doing so, as Former KGB general Oleg Kalugin said about Putin "
Putin? Well, I was always outspoken about him. I know this man's background better than many others. I do not talk in details—people who knew them are all dead now because they were vocal, they were open. I am quiet. There is only one man who is vocal, and he may be in trouble: [former] world chess champion [Garry] Kasparov. He has been very outspoken in his attacks on Putin, and I believe that he is probably next on the list.
Kasparov speaks some about it in this exchange:
Bill Maher: Do you think your fame protects you? Do you think you are such an icon in Russia because of your past chess history that Putin would not kill you?
Garry Kasparov: No I don't think my name affords me an ultimate protection but unlike many other activists in Russia I can rely on my name and my fame, but still I take some measures to minimize the risk.I have bodyguards in Russia, I do not fly Aeroflot, (laughter) I do not consume any food or liquid in places that I'm not fully aware of, but again it's just minimizing the risk. I know that it may not offer me any ultimate protection if the worst comes to worst.
Maher: But when you look at what's going on in Russia, Putin has a very high approval rating. I mean there is something in the ...
Kasparov: How do you know? (laughter) I mean are you sure? Are you relying on the polling results of the police state? I think that with the same type of media and pervasive security force, I believe Bush and Cheney could enjoy the same approval rating here. (applause)
Maher: Checkmate to me.
The entire interview was really great. Do check it out.
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Here is another interesting excerpt from the show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5BJzEshMes
Bill really struck a nerve last night being reported on by CNN, Yahoo News, and The Associated Press.
Bill Maher is a joke. What kind of man bellyaches about things like the Iraq war and other things the neocons are doing and isn't willing to question the event that jump started it all?
I do not fly Aeroflot, (laughter)
And Ashcroft would only fly by private jet.
Excellent interview. Thanks, C&L.
BTW, wouldn't our country be great if we actually respected intelligence in our leaders....
...yeah, I know, I'll stop the dreaming here.
Uhh.. C&L?
Did you mean to say that "Putin is challenging Putin" in the second line of your article?
If so, how?
Site Monitor: No, it's a typo and we've already notified the admins to correct it.
mahers shouts out asshole to the demonstratiors, i though he was telling his adience what he is! mahers is a big headed ignorent fart, and his jokes blow chunks!
Garry Kasparov is a bright guy, I enjoyed listening to him last night.
[deleted. Right, we got it. You don't like Maher. Please tone it down now, tyree, thank you. Sitemonitor]
As Chris Mathews spoke about how it was refreshing not to be talked down to, and the audience was listening, he asks why can't our people talk to us? I just wanted to hold up a mirror to him for the answer.
tyree @ 8:
sorry
Chessmaster dude, please come run our country . . . I would vote for you.
I applaud this website for only reporting the "intelligent" information of this show. That was a good discussion with the Russian gentleman. Your website has more class than to report Bill Maher's anger as a news worthy item. I probably will have to endure "Bill Maher's" outburst on Hardball, Fox, CNN....Commentators are NOT the news. The news channels are starting to spend 15 minutes playing clips of themselves or other commentators. Again, these are not news worthy. I don't care if Matthews was there....I don't care to hear any debate about this. Commentators are starting to make themselves the CELEBRITY. Yuk! I want real news and information.
Another Assault On Reason
I think it must cost about 3 to 5 million dollars to produce the Bill Maher show. It cost another 1 million to book the guest and promote the guest. I knew who was coming on to the show, and the highlights peaked what they were going to talk about. I got my energy drink, some potato chips and some Italian salami. I was all set to here the mega debate I waited all week for. As the video showed, it was not to be. Instead somebody in the audience thought they would take control of my entertainment for the evening and yell out shit about a debate they knew was not going to happen. This was my liberal disappointment.
Joseph
I see that Kasparov formed the "Other Russia" coalition between his United Civil Front and the National Bolshevik Party, a notorious neo-fascist, ultra-nationalist party noted for it's xenophobia and anti-semitism. Perhaps Mr. Kasparov likes hanging out with the hot chicks in the NBP like Yuliya (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Yuliya.jpg) or maybe he's just not as big on democracy as he'd like us to believe. Certainly carrying a bit of baggage, IMHO.
kasparov is a genius....for real
and despite the fact that the current russia is a police state, its nice to see that activists can speak out...even if it is on a foreign tv show
as to the truthers that continue to pollute this and other blogs everytime a maher clip is posted.....get a fucking life
there are tons of blogs where all you guys can have a huge 9/11 circle jerk...just not here
cheer up thiers allways next week for another dissapointing evening on the bill mahers show!
I'm on The Authoritarians mailing list and I'm most interested in the part of the interview where Kasparov debunks the fiction that love of Authoritarianism is an inherent part of the Russian Soul, by citing the examples of North Korea v. South Korea and Taiwan vs. China for a post I'm working on.
First time I've ever heard anybody make that clear cut a case of how bogus the Authoritarian model of governance is, and if anybody can get their hands on the transcript of that portion of it, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks!
~nwa
It's amazing to me how the Western media blows sunshine up this guy's butt, and fails to mention the facts about his "Other Russia" coalition. The guy literally has combined Nazi-Communists in his corner.
Great marketing, pity about the taste.
rp4pres @ 15:
i think it was an accent thing
putin isnt a jew
kasparov is
It's not just that Kasparov talks circles around mediocre discussions like the one on Maher's show, it's that he sees so much further into the subject. Lots of people can bullshit their way through Maher; Kasperov displayed a level of clear-headed reasoning that made me glad to have ears. Maher conceded "checkmate" to Kasperov three times during the interview, but Kasperov wasn't trying to beat Maher, merely to enlighten him about aspects of the game that Americans seldom consider.
Bravo, Kasperov. What a pleasure to hear that man speak.
Dustin de Wynde @ 18:
however, 60 years of authoritarian rule, preceded by the cz0ars does make it much more difficult for democracy to flourish in russia
but kasparov is right
we have shirked our responibilities in assisting the former soviet union in achieving a more democratic state
doesnt help that the current administration is still filled with guys who have wet dreams over a return of the cold war
tyree @ 10:
you left something out !!!!!
[no kidding. :) - site monitor]
uncle joe mccarthy @ 22:
its true ,perhaps if wed have moved in on the soviet union with guns and bayonets we could have brought them democracy,
uncle joe mccarthy @ 20:
why was his post deleted?
it really doesn sound like kasparov uses the word jew in a derogatory fashion....which makes very little sense...but still
if the election isnt fixed, i think it would be really cool if the leader of russia is jewish
just think of the internets all abuzz with all the anti semitic conspiracy nuts
[exactly - that's what we're trying to avoid on this site: all the anti semitic conspiracy nuts. Sitemonitor]
tyree @ 23:
uncle joes bucking for your job!!
This guy was VERY IMPRESSIVE!
Tweety's man-love for political power is astounding. What a scumbag.
Pretty sure he's saying geopolitical tool. His accent does distort it though.
Kasparov is a listen for sore ears. He gave clear, no bullshit responses.
tyree @ 24:
Yeah, that will be a day. chimpy will definitely get his WWIII, the chickenhawk, chicshit.
really good segment
Dustin de Wynde @ 18:
Don't ever say I didn't do anything for you. hehe
John @ 29:
I'm glad you said that, because I was confused as heck about that as well. This makes more sense though.
One Year Wonder @ 28:
I continue to notice this as well. And as much as I hated to admit it. It sure seems true. He does it constantly.
big deal, running for sherrif in some kentucky counties puts your life in danger.
i looked around bit at the web site, location of the interview. it strikes me that putin is what george bust et al want to be. he can have ppl whacked whenever. and when he says dead or alive it's usually dead--accidently. dumb ol george never seems to hit what he shoots at while trying desparatly to be a ruler king. a pathetic puppet tyrant, pawn of an evil cabal.
i know you want to say something about cheney shooting an old man in the face because he thought he was a duck but that was too easy and I would never stoop to that level...you know the level of mentioning that dick cheney shoot an old an in the face! etc etc
Orangutan. @ 34:
hey...we have a prez who cant pronounce nuclear
so kasparov has a hard time pronouncing geopolitical
at least he understands what geopolitical means.....unlike the chimp
is putin even going to allow elections to occur?
uncle joe mccarthy @ 37:
I didn't have any trouble understanding him. He does better than Bush and this is a foreign language to him.
It's only when he's not busy being a rightwing tool on his show I ever find myself agreeing with tweety.
it aint going to matter if russhia has elections, bush has shown the world americas not to be trusted ever again after he made us a first strike country, the cold wars comeing back and this time the ruskys arent going to worry about submarines thiers or ours, if war breaks out its going to be bombers and missels, weve been crying for 6 yrs over three thousand humans killed on 911 , well thats just the downpayment on bushes legacy!
You think Kasparov was an impressive debater? Take a look at his 7 chess matches against IBM Deep Blue. Kasparov was the greatest chess player in history, bar none. This guy's brain is barely human.
evolution @ 40:
I just hope that barely human brain of his doesn't get splattered all over his doorstep or boiled in gamma rays by a biggie sized order of polonium 210.
when(if) Putin gets the boot...Russia and the world would be better off.Kasparov seem like a decent person.Just think what it would be like if it was Kusinich,Edwards or Obama....running the US and Kasparov being Prez of Russia.That looks alot better to me than what we have right now.I swear when I hear Tweety laugh it reminds me of Burgess Meredith as the Penguin.As for Maher getting pissed off at the hecklers....I think he was right.They were off topic...and rude to his guests.Obviously this was planned....so they got what they deserved.All in all.....it was a lack luster show.
it was just big talk from a little man!
Wow, this guy was amazing! And I hate to agree with Tweety, but he was very sophisticated and well-spoken, much more compelling than any of our politicians here in the US. Kucinich has wisdom and speaks the truth, but Kasparov was pure genius! I hope they don't kill him...
uncle joe mccarthy @ 20:
Since the mods want to censor this I will say it like this. gary said "*** political tool" twice in his answers. Look for it.
It amazes me that anyone thinks Bush/Cheney have the organizational competence to pull off something like blowing up two buildings or the ability to keep it secret. They can't even legally fire attorneys for political reasons without screwing it up. I have no doubts about their willingness to murder thousands for no good reason, Iraq proves this, but they just aren't up to the task of pulling a stunt like this and keeping it secret.
He said he watches what he eats...as in..not to get killed.Yikes......Putin doesn't mess around...I hope he does alright and survives.
I wouldn't waste my time responding to comments that are destined to not last very long.
uncle joe mccarthy @ 25:
Kyle @ 47:
the cats out of the bag, its just nobodys listening!
My theory on why Maher's questions were even more idiotic than usual:
Bill was completely intimidated by this guy because he could sense Kasparov is LEAGUES smarter than him, and he got self-conscious. That's why he seemed really off his game, I'm sure.
(That, and the whole "9/11 Truthers" kerfuffle...)
Kasparov never mentions the word jew, nor mentions anything at all to do with jews or Israel, in the entire interview.
I told my brain he said "due political agenda" because I respected so much what he had to say, but he may have said "jew political agenda". can someone please clarify?
Kasparov: Look I don't think it's about the sad events that you just described. Of course I think that America had sad stories in the past as well but in 70's and 80's America looked as a hope for oppressed people in the communist world, while now America that is applying double standards to different countries in the world, lost its credibility, and that's bad news to all of us, because it was a stronghold for democracy and now it's just a country which according to many is using democracy as a geopolitical tool to promote its own interests, which is working against us in Russia and elsewhere.
OK, did a little research and "When he was growing up in Baku, his parents’ circle “largely consisted of Jewish professors and intellectuals who constantly questioned the official view, not only the blatant propaganda of the Soviet government”. The young Garry Weinstein (as he then was) listened to Radio Liberty and Voice of America, then argued the toss with his Communist grandfather. He was seven when his father died, and he adopted his Armenian mother Klara’s name after his chess teacher, the former world champion Mikhail Botvinik, “added that it wouldn’t hurt my chances of success in the USSR not to be named Weinstein”. With anti-Semitism being exploited by the neo-Stalinist Putin regime, Kasparov’s Jewish background is again in the foreground. This explains the need to prove his patriotic credentials: “I spent twenty-five years representing the colours of my country and I believe I am continuing to do so”."
Still don't quite know how to interpret what he said, but it doesn't appear likely that he was being anti-Semitic.
ah - geopolitical agenda. Thanks justabill!!!!!
gash im relieved!
uncle joe mccarthy @ 59:
google kasparov + geopolitical, and you will find it is a common word he uses a lot when talking about Russian and world politics/events.
henryjamesolmos @ 55:
That is exactly what he said..... 5: 13 *** political agenda 6: 46 *** politocal tool
Nope rp3pres - thankfully, he said "geopolitical"
whats up with my post @#43....whats this "your comment is awaiting moderation"....anyway..........I didn't find any of Kasparov's comments offensive.....the man is brilliant.......funny last time it was Prez Fox of Mexico saying boosh was afraid of horses....this time Kasparov was saying boosh wasn't to bright......you gotta luv it
sorry bill
was a time when thier was a thread like this it would have got a hundread and fifty hits!
gimmie mo @ 62:
man, truthers cant even see the humor in a nick
maybe i should change my nick to uncle marilyn manson mccarthy....maybe that they will get
Thanks for posting that. I don't have a TV. I really enjoyed hearing Kasparov speak.
If you were to ask Bush, he would tell you Chess is something you put your close in, see.
curtilingus @ 74:
I would have said it was something the chimperor would beat with his fists while threatenin the axes of evul and declaring his war on terra.
How many play chess here? Seems to be a sport that is dying with the intellect of the planet. I learned when I was 7 and rarely find anyone else who can play it. I'm anxious to get his book because I think it does teach you a lot about problem solving, variables and possibilities and I'd like to see someone intelligent apply it to the world around us.
I play chess, and I'm not bad but nowhere near competition level.
curtilingus @ 76:
Dabbled in it. Never found the discipline to focus beyond 3 moves.
The lack of chance in the game is only reason I don't see it as the perfect game.
The most interesting thing Kasparov said to Maher was that Putin is playing a game with Iran, a game designed to keep oil prices high. (This would obviously hurt the West, and in particular the U.S.; we already know Putin is putting the finishing touches on trade deals with China, presumably involving oil.) Remember when Bush said we would go after terrorists no matter where we found them? Apparently, this involves selective enforcement of the Bush Policy. Kasparov also said Russia, at Putin's devising, was funneling arms and ammunition shipments to Hezbollah and Hammas. Last time I looked, those two organizations were on our list of terrorists. And these are charges Bush and Condom Liza have leveled against Ahmadinejad. When Kasparov said it, I could hear an audible gasp from another (live) guest, Chris Matthews, but neither he nor either of the other two guests commented on this glaring inconsistency. Of course, it might be argued that as the U.S. supplied weapons to Bin Laden, first, then Saddam, to fight the USSR and Iran respectively, Bush didn't want to appear a hypocrite. Kasparov also made light of Bush's "psychologizing" of Putin at their first meeting -- all of that psychobabble about having looked into his eyes and seeing his soul. Yeah, sure. The soul of an old KGB Cold Warrior proving only that leopards really can't change their stripes. The most amusing comment of Karparov, though, was when he answered Maher's claim that Putin is so high in the Russian popularity polls. "How would you know?" Kasparov snapped, adding that perhaps if Bush really had control over the press in this country, his ratings would be high, too. Surely one of the most inspired, most informative satellite interviews Bill Maher has ever conducted.
Bill Maher thought the Democrats were acting like "pussies" for refusing to attend the Fox News debates too. He's amusing but he is far from our friend.
Bill Maher screws Ann Coulter need I say more!
Plisko @ 85:
Maher is an wonky entertainer, not a sunday morning political bobblehead. He sometimes says things 1) just to ruffle feathers and stir up controversy (like a semi-domesticated ann coulter except most likely with a smaller penis) and 2) he has to throw enough bones with a little meat on them to the right that he can still remain friendly enough with the likes of billo, which is crucial to his ever being able to get conservatives/republicans to come on his show anymore. If he didn't, none would, and his show would bomb. It's already sad that half of the shows this season are all liberal bush bashing fests and there is little to no debate. Those are the worst shows. It's a debate/roundtable show, afterall.
Having the expectation that he is supposed to tow the liberal line (he's a liberal leaning civil libertarian) 100% of the time is not realistic, nor would it do his show any favors. All that said, if he's going to bring on a loud-mouthed contrarian prick like tucker carlson like he did last week he really needs to also have on a strong liberal debater who also isn't afraid to call him a dick when he's being one.
Here is the really interesting thing as it applies to American politics. As per Mr. Kasparov's interview on 60min (could be a different program, MSM kinda blurs into a indistinct mush for me) a week or so ago, guess who is fighting the growing oppressive regime in Russia? Who is trying to stand up to Putin's power grab in the country that American conservatives love to view as the enemy that Regan and conservatives thwarted? Liberals!! That's right. Its the liberals who are fighting Putin, and its the CONSERVATIVES who support Putin.
This is interesting because for all the conservatives talk of beating communism and loving America, if a despot tries to take over America from within, I think we can safely assume that the despot's supporters will be the conservatives and republicans. As long as the would-be despot claims to love jeebus and has a steady supply of miniature American flags and lapel pins to pass out (democratic politicians will SAY they are fighting this hypothetical despot but will in actuality cave completely.)
Strange how our liberal-biased hasn't pointed out that it is the liberals fighting for democracy and freedom in Russia, and conservatives happily going along with Power-Mad-Putin.
Filthy Harry, you brought up something very interesting. Heres my perspective: These politicians left, right, up, down or all around make their ties. Who loves Saudi Arabia? Who loves China? Who loves Russia? Who loves France? I love it all because we see the truth unfolding every day. Saudi Arabia is an enemy of Liberty, Democracy and "government for the people and by the people". But Bush (both of 'em) love the place and love their money. China is an enemy of Liberty, Democracy and "government for the people and by the people". But Clinton (both of 'em) love the place and love their money. Russia: Democratic leaders loved it, now they hate it. France: Democratic leaders loved it, now they hate it.
I think there is something there for all of to understand. We are being used always, consistently. They are playing us like fiddles. We know what's wrong and right we should never just look across the room and think hey that guy is of party A or B and therefore I have a predefined opinion of them.
Liberal Democracy or Constitutional Conservatism, do either mean evil? No of course not but the people that hide behind the guise of our great birth right contort the truth and float it under the banner of our beautiful ideologies. Remember that while reading someones opinion or feelings try leveraging that against the solid facts. You might find the same sad truth, you are being played too.
Hmmm??? Maybe you guys went somewhere and watched more of this show. I see lots of talk about stuff that wasn't in here (or I'm a dense guy). Bill Maher is free to say whatever he likes. Largely, I find he adds some lucid commentary and is amusing. He's made me laugh more than once, and I always appreciate that. He is not a professional journalist, he's a comedian. Not everyone has the same political checklist. Just for example, some people might be anti-war AND anti-abortion because they see both as killing. (I'm not one of those ;) ) But they are entitled to those opinions.
I thought the clip, seen here, was quite interesting. And had a few zingers too, Like, "OK, check mate on me." Thanks for posting it.
tyree @ 6:
Tyree you are just as ignorant as anyone one else out there. <BTW thats how you spell ignorant. There is such a thing as trolling and that is exactly what you are doing. Say your piece in one or two comments and if you wish to discuss it further then get an Instant messenger and stop trying to get attention on a forum.
In regards to the Bill Mahar show. I agree with a lot of what Mr. Mahar says and a lot of times I don't. He tries to balance it out with some far right and/or far left guests.
Look from what I've seen most far left people are just as crazy as the far right neocons. Its ok to be liberal or conservative. What most people don't realize is how conservative they really are. I'm open minded but normally have a firm opinion on what I believe i.e. having a conservative(or firm)view.
The people in Mr. Mahars audience were not only rude but trying to scream out their passionate expression in the wrong forum. Do it at a public rally not a television show. No one could hear what any of those people were saying they only pissed off the rest of the audience and Bill and honestly accomplished nothing but drawing another 15 minutes away from real stories like the war on CNN, MSNBC or headline news. Not to mention all of the other media forums that waste time and space on that crap instead of real issues. AND You know why?? Because it sells. and that my friends SUCKS.
"Going to War to create freedom is like screwing to not get Pregnant."
Bill Maher looked like a total idiot last night and it was a spectacle to behold on so many levels. The truth is NOT going to go away and generations from now that entire clip will be played IN RIGHTFUL SHAME as a historical document to the clueless that led us down the path to hell to be in with the in crowd.
Edwin,
You really needed to see the clip in its entirety.
andkhari is telling us we should go to the park and yell at people cuz that'll get er done.. Yeah, that's the ticket. But American citizens better neva make attempts to heckle EVAH in a multi-millionaire forum with a big mouth!
BWA.
Chris @ 2:
It is odd, is it not?
...
I always enjoy the bill maher show. he is a progressive and he questions bush and the current admin all of the time. there are only two aspects that i do not like but i understand that these are just part of bill maher and if he chooses to dwell on them, i always have the option of not watching. the two topics that i don't like nor agree with when he espouses his views are drugs and religion. other than that, i find myself almost always in agreement with his perspective. he's extremely quick to have the guests on his show that he does and be able to joust intellectually with them. i give him a lot of credit and to me he is so much more than a comedian. he's shown that he is a political pundit along the same lines as a will rogers. as for the people in the audience shouting out last night i just feel there are better times to give their views. maher did lose it when they continued. he had a show and guests and we the media audience had tuned in to see and hear that exchange, not someone from the audience shouting their views on whatever. the only part of that that i didn't like was maher threatening physical violence. "i'll kick your ass myself." there are other and better ways to handle things. that's why he hires security. they should be better trained as to how to handle those situations when they surface and now that this has happened, he can expect it to occur again, probably on his next show.
what would the alternative be, his show is cut and another liberal voice and platform is lost. that's not what i want. if someone dislikes maher or his views or his platform or his show in general, there is always the remote.
If you heckle a comedian, don't be surprised when they kick you out of the comedy club!
Kasparov was brilliant. Especially in his analysis of our present crisis. It takes an outside observer with no vested interests to accurately analyze our Bush problem.
For the rest of the world's benefit, I hope Kasparov wins the election in Russia.
Bill really showed what an intellectual lightweight he is during this short talk with Kasparov.
Kyle @ 48:
And yet they've done whatever the heck they want for 8 years, yes?
no longer a proud american @ 99:
oh please mahers is a limp wristed libritarian and will bristle if called a liberal!
Agonystes @ 91:
when i need your advise asshole ill ask for it! say did i spell asshole good enough for yah numbnuts!
tyree @ 105:
When insulting someone's intelligence, you might not want to make silly grammatical errors.
"Jew political agenda"???
Jesus! You guys remind me of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsK6RyETcN8
;)
Mr Pelicano @ 14:
Mr.Kasparov was born in Baku and is Armenian. . . precisely the type of person the neo-fascists and ultra-nationalists would want out of their Russia.
Think.. before you post.
Tweety really is a tool. Sits there and pretends to despise our leaders and then tosses their salads when he gets them on his show. What a sell-out. Oh, and I almost forgot, he's just a mentally challenged as he accuses them of being. To have a half wit complain about how one dimensional US leadership is kind of like listening to a crack addict complain about the drug problem in the US.
justabill @ 38:
Yeah; I wanted to note that too. He's entirely correct here.
Tyree, Maher couldn't form much of an argument with Mos Def. I was sitting there watching the show and wondering how I could counter some of his ridiculous claims. If the person with whom you are debating starts off way in left field, you then have to accept their premise as possible before you can counter it. Since Maher didn't even accept Mos Def's premises as possible or even legitimate, then he couldn't subject himself to that debate. To even debate some of these things means that they are on the table, and they shouldn't be anywhere near. Mos Def (in order of his statements made on this show) actually compared our police to terrorists and said they can be much worse, doesn't believe that Bin Laden is the one in all of the videotapes, doesn't believe that Bin Laden was the mastermind of 9/11 (insinuates that our own government was behind it), doesn't believe we actually went to the moon, doesn't believe in the organization known as Al Qaeda, and doesn't believe that OJ killed Nicole and Ron. I can't debate on those things because it's not about "belief," it's about "knowledge" through evidence. Even when presented with the evidence, Mos Def still doesn't presume to know the truth, but only "believes" in the opposite and comes off as a crazed conspiracy theorist. Anyone would come off of a "debate" with that person feeling and sounding exasperated.
EMPY @ 102:
kasparov is so quick that most would fade in debating or interviewing him; consequently, i don't really give any negatives to maher for not dominating in this one.
tyree, we need your voice and your prospective to question the accepted views. those views are too often formed by politicians attempting to walk the middle line so they can get elected or they are formed by the lap dog media. it's only when people such as yourself put yourself in the forefront with your views there for everyone to see and take pot shots at that the establishment is shaken and only when they see the winds of change will they begin their transormation. you are an integral part of that change and i for one am really anxious to read your views. i know you are not looking for approval or accolades. if i felt that i would not be writing this. ron.
Ali@112 - Google Kasparov's "Other Russia" coalition and tell me that it doesn't include the National Bolshevist Party. Then go visit the NBP's web site (Russian or English) or do some more Googling on the NBP and come back and tell us that they are not virulent ultra-nationalist neo-fascists. Then explain to us why such an apparently reasonable Jewish intellectual is making common cause with this group?
Could it be: "The enemy of my enemy is my friend?" I'm no apologist for Putin but one should not fall into the practice, so common among liberals and the MSM, of assuming that anyone calling themselves the "democratic opposition" to Putin is not compromised in all sorts of other nefarious ways.
Here's another thing to think about, Ali: Why would Zionist groups enter into negotiations with the Nazis before WWII to support the creation of a Zionist state in Palestine? Could it be that they both had overlapping agendas?
Anyway, history is filled with examples of people and governments making common cause with those who, on the face of it, would be considered their ideological enemies. The Soviet Union and Germany, the Soviet Union and the United States, the United States and the Afghan Mujahadeen, the United States and Saudi Arabia, and so forth and so on.
Is that enough thinking before posting for you?
I find it... telling... that all some crazy has to do is throw a bomb ("He said 'JEW'! Get 'em! String him up!!") and otherwise very reasonable, intelligent people will instantly give credit to the crazy bomb thrower and cast doubt on Kasparov.
That P.C. liberal guilt is really holding your party back, Dems. We are all adults here; it is time to put ALL sacred cows to pasture. Don't be so easily manipulated. Hey, I occasionally get suckered to, but Dems have made a party out of it. Makes me sad. And makes it sooo easy to derail any important discussion by playing a race or religion card.
If Kasparov is a self-hating Jew, maybe he's just following in the footsteps of another famous Jewish chess wiz.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbtWuwQX8Is
Bryan @ 120:
He isn't, and Bobby Fischer is a sick man that needs medication. It is a tragedy, yes, but really doesn't have anything to do with the Jewish people or their religion.
Mentally ill people can construct a fantasy out of anything around them in society. But they will usually latch on to some propaganda that has gotten some amount of press. Nazi propaganda, Bill O'Reilly & Rush, etc. Fischer could have just as easily been a "self-hating" Austrian. You can find thousands of other paranoid schizophrenics homeless on the streets of America that can't play chess. Other than promoting "random chess" along with others, Bobby is irrelevant.
JustSickOfIt @ 113:
Absolutly. Matthews show is one of the worst offenders in the very thing he complains about. And his response to getting caught in this blatant hypocrisy? Laughter. No pledge to rectify it. He's passionate about the problem one moment, making a very good point, then the next he's laughing like a child about how he's part of the problem and offering up no hope that he wants to be part of the solution.
no longer a proud american @ 117:
thanx ron,im to old and to earthy to give a crap what the highbrows think of me ,or my spelling , i call it the way i see it , ive felt like giveing up a long time ago but i just cant , not untill the horseshit and hipocracy of brain dead vannishes from america ,or im dead! wich ever comes first!
@121
There is a whiff of a story there, true. But to give any credence to the "ZOMG 911 BIG CONSPIRACY BUSH ATTACKED MERICA!!!11" crowd at this point is silly, and self-defeating. They exist only rob credibility from those that really do want this president investigated.
Just like building any case, you have to start with the more mundane, easily provable crimes or wrongs. As you investigate those things, you are able to build a far better case for the wrongs that, on their face, might seem preposterously fantastical to the average, unprepared person. Just like a jury, you can't just blurt out one sentence counter to common sense and expect that to do all of your work for you. You HAVE to lay the ground work first. There really is no other choice, if you hope to succeed.
So while I see what you're saying, it would be far more productive if the 911 conspiracy loud mouths either shut the hell up, or first pitch in to help with the more obvious preliminaries of impeachment for offenses easily at hand. In the course of investigation, more evidence will emerge. We can't fight the image of being "lunatics" and the full weight of the Dempublican government at the same time.
And we're running out of time. People like Richard Clark and Ray McGovern won't live forever. Their good contacts on the inside are slowly either getting replaced by "Bushies" still, or retiring. Or dying. The distraction is unwelcome right now, in my opinion.
Hi. I'm Russian.
You guys kiss Kasparov's ass because you think he's some next Einstein and will bring good to big, bad corrupt Russia, but you really need to do your homework.
Kasparov is NOT Russian. He merely speaks Russian and played chess for the Soviet team. He is NOT an icon in Russia (regular Russians lost respect for him when he turned to politics-- see that incident where some kid hit smacks him upside the head with a chess board during autograph signing), and a lot of people these days couldn't give two shits about chess. He doesn't even live in Russia. He allied himself with communist and neo-nazi fascist parties, which is ironic because he himself is a jew. This guy will ally with anyone and will do anything just to get votes and funding. Read about Limonov and Berezovski, who are Kasparov's close friends.
People who claim Putin is evil don't know anything about Russia's past. Elections are coming in Russia, and a lot of people want to take the throne. Amongst these people are oligarchs, who control majority of Russia's wealth. When Putin took control of Russia, he promised the oligarchs that he will run the country Yeltsin's way (widespread corruption, poverty for average people, looting of state assets) so that these oligarchs could continue to prosper.
Unfortunately for the oligarchs, Putin didn't want to be a puppet and started cracking down on these criminals. He put some of them into prisons, but others escaped prosecution and fled abroad to places like London. These oligarchs in exile are extremely rich and play extremely dirty, and I personally wouldn't be surprised if they were the ones behind Litvinenko and Polikovskaya killings.
As far as Putin goes, the guy may not be an angel or anything, but he has done a lot to fight corruption, provide stability, and bring a lot of investment to the country. Thanks to him Russia is growing against, and it's a VERY good change from Yeltsin. You guys can't appreciate this because you don't know what went on during Yeltsin's era.
Finally, Russia is not a police state. These idiots are flat-out lying. Seeing as how this is the "crooks and liars" site, I figured I'd share this all with you before you go and stick your noses up Kasparov's asshole.
Kasparov for President!
********************
Matthews, " can you imagine our guys talking to that level of sophistication?"
Maher, " Not on your show." (Take that Tweety, you slime ball.) ;-)
Kasparov provided some much needed misdirection in order for the Z-Team plans for war with Iran to continue unabated. Even Joel Stein chimed in with , "Bush has sold me. We need to fear Iran."
Kasparov: "It went wrong for Bush at the very beginning because at their first summit Bush tried to play psychiatrist and look at Putin’s eyes searching for his soul....Instead of looking at his record"
Funny, this could very easily be the most accurate characterization of those who still support the Republican Party.
Without praising either major political party as being particularly great, the historic record has been crystal clear administration after administration that Democratic leadership and policies preside over better results economically, in reducing our tax burden (yes, reducing our tax burden), in foreign affairs and domestic issues than Republican leadership and policies. And yet, election year after election year, GOP supporters still think it's all about who appears to be more patriotic, who is most aggressively against flag-burning, who is more "pro-life", who most shamefully wears his religion on his sleeve and who pretends to be the bravest.
And those are issues that are stressed by the GOP specifically to deflect attention away from their abysmal record on the former, far more significant issues, particularly in comparison to Democratic leadership.
Bryan @ 133:
{deleted--9/11 theories are NOT the topic of this thread. Please respect the site owner's wishes and keep your posts on topic.}
Ask any Russian old enough to think and they can certify that America is asleep at the wheel. My Ex-wife is Russian and she and her mom and dad were always quick to tell me where our political leaders were ignorant and cowed by the media and polls. It's so clear that jobs, paychecks and prestige are so far above everything else in life here in our capitalistic society that Americans can do no more than grasp at straws on the political front and believe without proof in the 24 hour news propaganda.
Remove all impossibilities and whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth!
Sorry, I'm not with the whole neo-White Russian movement, supported by the West and an adoring media machine, with Kasparov at the head. The drumbeat of paranoia has already started merely because Russia has the audacity to look after its own self-interest ahead of that of the United States - an emerging theocracy and threat to world stability.
#131 hits it on the mark. Educate yourself as you do on other topics, you're out of your depth here.
Kasparov will never make it......he'll get in a very unfortunate accident.Putins problem solved.
The constant lies about Putin, regurgitated from the relentless stream of talking heads, are disagreeable to me. Tell me why a head of state of a powerful country with a security apparatus would choose to kill someone with a substance that is easily traceable? Even an amateur group would just strangle or shoot, or poison with a common industrial substance. Far be it from me to suggest that perhaps the killers intended suspicion to fall apon Putin - or to point out that Berezovsky is still receiving sanctuary from Russian prosecution...in London. Funny coincidence, that.
Critical thinking skills seem to be in short supply.
justabill @ 33:
Awesome!
On behalf of myself, A Pen Warmed In Hell, and a Grateful Nation, we thank you.
One thing was nice to hear Tweety admit was the fact that Kasparov did the entire interview in a language that was not native to him, and that is something that practically no American politician can do.
I spend a lot of time on Skype talking with people in China and the amazing thing is is that 90% of everybody I talk to speaks better English than my fellow Americans.
~nwa
lolwut @ 131:
I don't know about kissing Kasparov's ass. But I can't figure out his angle. Why is he in politics, again? He could make a vast fortune in the West by concentrating there instead, so why does he bother with Russia? What is in it for him? I don't get it. Maybe he really is an idealist that wants to help? I mean, pretty unlikely, but absent other evidence...
But I CAN say that you are completely wrong about us not seeing Yeltsin. It was fucking tragic, and we did have some coverage of the decline here in the West. A lot of American citizens wanted to help, without knowing how. But I don't think America intervening so soon would have been welcomed, or have helped. So we just watched (actually I think there were a lot of adoptions from Russia during that time for some reason. an odd response.). I actually thought that Gorbachev was really finally going to make it (before the coup). It seemed to me is that all he needed was another few years of support, and everything would be fine, the old hard-liners would finally die off. I wonder what he is doing now? (Besides surely cursing Bush, Putin, and Yeltsin's vodka-soaked ghost). At least when he spoke I understood him, and usually agreed. Whatever Putin says, I get the feeling he is really saying, "Fuck you. I'll do whatever I want to. Maybe I kill your family, just for fun?" Nice guy.
Certainly, things would have been better than Yeltsin with Gorby. But then, I'm not tied to Russia, so my perspective is from a considerable distance.
But Putin.... Sure Putin cleaned up the oligarchs that aren't HIS oligarchs. If the mafia takes over your country the trains may run on time, but it is not an ideal situation. And these little games he plays with Hezbollah, and Iran. Too fucking dangerous. This isn't the old days of the USSR and America. The game is not so much in control now. Things are looser, sloppier, and could easily spiral out of control. To think he is immune from this, he is a fool.
Putin is a lot like Bush, only with a little more finesse and much further along in his plans for dictatorship. He is not quite the demon that the propaganda here makes him out to be, but neither is he an angel, as you say. He is dangerous to Russia, yet he does provide stability. Something I'm sure has so long been needed there.
If I were really to imagine myself in Russia right now? Hell, I'd probably just want to live life without being harassed for once. I still hear some pretty scary things about kidnappings of dissenters, and the courts in Russia. I don't see Putin taking much interest in resolving these problems, or the 'media' problems there.
Still I was raised in the middle of nowhere in the Rock Mountains, so what do I know of Russia... ;) Sometimes I think that Russia is trying to catch up to the U.S., but lately I've wondered if Bush's administration is trying to imitate Putin. Corporate Mafias, our new Kings!
Maher is correct that there are zealots distracting the left and I understand his frustration and refusal to accommodate conspiracy theorist protesters. His show is not a public forum, but a private panel where there's no lack of diversity in the ideas discussed, and he is exceedingly respectful of panel members who voice alternative views. The protesters created a disturbance and were properly removed, although security was initially slow and ineffective in their response, as anyone who saw security benignly standing there while the protester shouted with a placard in both hands.
I understand Media Matters has it out for Chris Mathews, and many --but not all-- C&L goers are Media Matters advocates, so it doesn't surprise that Maher didn't make many friends here, but ideologues need to remember that those in the mainstream do not serve to advance every idea that comes along. C&L goers were pretty happy with the Ken Burns The War series on PBS a couple weeks ago, but many seem to have forgotten the primary point that to be a better nation we need to work together in the middle. Nurture your pet projects, but work in the mainstream to accomplish objectives bigger than your self-image.
Bill Kristol (right) made an instructive point a couple weeks ago when he said that the left was incorporating a mirror image (i.e., negative or inverse) of American exceptionalism. I would follow up with that for the left to earn a leadership position they must stop being the alternative and build a comprehensive and coherent policy platform with an overarching theme and legitimate bases (pl. of basis). Even with successive strategic failures and tragic blunders, the right is decimating the left, and the left is coming back with nothing enduring. It may not be as exciting as surfing the net, but bone up on history and policy in some area of interest and share your ideas with someone, preferably face to face. Elevate discourse. More than that, set an example.
Our future depends on it.
Maher has put himself in a litigeous spot by pushing the miscreant out of the audience even while the security creeps were escorting said miscreant out the doors. I'm no lawyer, but it seems to me that pushing the miscreant at that point was an unlawful assault.
Machinator @ 143:
I wouldn't say so at all.
Putin critic tells of her mental hospital ordeal
"Larisa Arap has just emerged from a 46-day imprisonment in two Russian psychiatric hospitals. Pills were forced down her throat and she received injection after injection. She doesn't know what medications they were, or whether they will cause permanent damage.
"I don't feel very well, but I have a fighting spirit," Mrs Arap said yesterday, adding that sometimes she was so drugged she could barely walk or speak. She was forcibly interned, not for health reasons, but over her association with the opposition group led by former chess star Garry Kasparov, the United Civil Front. ...
http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article2883868.ece
Kasparov's aide badly beaten in Moscow
http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=2994
Political murders increase anxiety
Any critic of regime in Russia is now in the risk. Political murders in Russia today is normal instrument of political life and political struggle. And this is the main dangerous thing.
And I think that, if you take a list of victims, all of them are liberals, liberal critics of regime, so that means that violence mostly oriented against liberal flank of Russian politics.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/europe/july-dec06/russia_12-11.html
List of journalists killed in Russia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_journalists_killed_in_Russia
Putin critics keep turning up dead
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/03/11/Opinion/Putin_critics_keep_tu.shtml
And if you really want to know the truth about Putin, do read this book.
Darkness at Dawn: The Rise of the Russian Criminal State
http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Dawn-Russian-Criminal-State/dp/0300098928
Here's a partial thesis this book was based on.
The Shadow of Ryazan: Who Was Behind the Strange Russian Apartment Bombings in September 1999?
http://www.sais-jhu.edu/programs/res/papers/Satter_edited_final.pdf
Litveninko wrote about the Putin's being behind the Apartment bombings that let Putin rise to power and create an enemy of the Chechen rebels back in 2002 and became famous for it everywhere except so much here in the states, the same story Anna Politkovskay was working on when she was killed.
I put nothing beyond Putin. He is the godfather of all godfathers to the strongest mob on the planet today.
James M. Martin @ 84:
So what??? Do you remember (apparently not) just why Japan attacked the USA? Because the USA cut off 90% of their oil, iron/ore supplies. So do you ever think, just maybe these guys know their history better than most in the US and before the USA does the same to them (after all, the USA is the sanction country of the universe) they're protecting themselves. Just like the Arabs may be trying to get 1 (ONE) nuke as a deterent to the 13,000 warheads the Israels have.
Boy, we in the west are all little saints...aren't we. It took 47 years to realize all the things the nuns told me were a bit distorted....you think, maybe our leaders might've done the same?
justabill @ 154:
The Russian Mafia is the absolute meanest group of murderers there is but if you don't think the CIA hasn't done their dirty deeds...then you must be still reading the Hardy Boys.
I challenge anyone to follow the trail of Mussaraf back to July 5th, 1977 when General Zia-ul-Hag (through a coup) became President of Pakistan. During his reign, he investigated the theiving politicials that made up parliament (which he dissolved). He was the force behind getting the Russians out of Aphganistan and most importantly, he also was on the verge of creating a peace treaty between Iran & Iraq when he and ALL his key military leaders went down in a plane crash.......which from various investigations, it is believed the USA was behind.
Simply google General Zia-ul-Hag and see let your bias's go...and you'll realize, all powerful governments are crooked and very scary.
razant @ 155:
Poor Imperial Japan? Poor oil-less Russia? Gosh, why not just say Germany invaded Poland because it just wanted to get back a tiny piece of land that was mistakenly allocated to Poland; they weren't such bad guys. Things simply got a little out of hand after that.
I don't buy that. Nor do I think, "yay -- everybody gets a nuke!" is a great policy for world peace. And Russia isn't protecting an emergency domestic supply of oil, they sell it! They want to grab as much oil as they can and sell it. Period.
Since they are arming Iran and Hezbollah, with explicitly the items we request they didn't perhaps we should have armed Chechnya so they could kill more Russians. It would make about as much sense and be about as ethical. Hell if Putin was running this country that is EXACTLY what he'd do. Then when they killed another 300 Russian children he'd laugh and laugh, and say, "What a clever boy am I!"
Regardless of the checkered past of America, Putin is far worse than any leader we've had -- don't kid yourself. Well, possibly Bush. We'll see, he has another year to really make the mark as the worst ever.
swarmofkillermonkeys @ 149:
Kasparov is not an idealist, he's an opportunist. He is not Russian, doesn't live in Russia, and thus couldn't care less about Russia. He also is not much liked in Russia these days, so he will never get far in Russian politics. This dude is obviously intelligent and knows these things. He's just using publicity to sell his books. My guess is that Berezovsky is paying him extra to take jabs at Putin.
Your description of life in Russia is rather bleak, but it's not so. Life in cities like Saint Petersburg or Moscow can easily be compared to that of major Western cities. Middle class is rapidly emerging, salaries are rising, and people are getting more accustomed to the free markets. Opportunities are plenty and everyone's rushing to Moscow to take advantage of them. As far as regions in conflict zones, life is different and anything is fair game there, although it's improving slightly, too. I can say that as a regular citizen you will not be hassled until it comes to conscription, but after that it's business as usual; that is University then work.
Kasparov paints a very gloomy picture of Russia. He claims that it's like Soviet Union during Stalin's era where every form of media was controlled, people are scared to discuss anything in fear of getting reported to KGB by their neighbors, and all opposition gets killed or thrown in gulags. That's not how Russia is at all. Unlike countries like China, there is zero censorship of the internet. People who really can't afford a computer and an internet connection use one of the million cheap internet cafes. Everyone and their dog has a cellphone and texting was probably made popular in Russia way before US. TV and radio aren't any more censored than your typical US channel. Rallies/protests for and against Putin, other politicians, and policies are allowed take place at reasonable places and are broadcast on TV and radio, and naturally on the internet. Nobody is walking around like a mindless drone with a chain and ball tied to his leg because Kasparov is not in power.
If Kasparov really cared about Russia, he wouldn't go around foreign countries making Russians look like some clueless, brainwashed bumpkins.
swarmofkillermonkeys @ 119:
The US did exactly what you're talking about when it armed the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan and the Contras in Nicaragua, whom the UN considers a terrorist group. Furthermore, where Hitler succeeded at murdering two thirds of Europe's Jews between 1933 and 1945 (9,000,000 to 3,000,000), the US did far worse when it murdered 98% of North America's Native Americans between 1776 and 1890 (15,000,000 to 250,000) while violating 423 treaties.
"There is not a nation of the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of these United States at this very hour. Go search where you will, roam through all the monarchies and despotisms of the Old World, travel through South America, search out every abuse and when you have found the last, lay your facts by the side of the everyday practices of this nation, and you will say with me that, for revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival." - Frederick Douglas, July 4, 1852
Kasparov is incredibly intelligent.
swarmofkillermonkeys @ 119:
That's a poor comparison. Iran and Syria are sovereign countries whereas Chechnya is still Russia. That would be a fair comparison if Russia armed Confederates during Civil War or something. Also, Russia never armed Hezbollah. You're making it sound like Russia's arming Syria (who's supposedly leaking these weapons) and Iran in order to spite US, but you're forgetting that Russia's relationship with Syria and Iran goes way back.
It's kind of hypocritical of you to rag on Russia for arms dealings when US is building missiles at Russia's border to intercept non-existing Iranian nukes and non-functioning North Korean nukes. Don't forget those clusterbombs US sold to Israel which in turn were used all of those innocent civilians in Lebanon.
You also sound pretty upset over a guy who has no impact on your daily life. You advocated killing Russians and their kids. That's pretty harsh. Is it something personal against Russia?
Kasparov = neocon
The Wall Street Journal - Editorial page
Kasparov = jew
and so were most of the oligarchs that the big bad Putin kicked out of the country.
Baghdad,Damascus,Tehran,Riyadh = countries hostile to Israel.
Phil @ 126:
lolwut @ 105:
You're right, Russia is not a police state. It's a mob state, and the biggest mob is Putin's oil-garchy. Russia isn't sophisticated enough to know how to police itself anymore and thats exactly how Putin wants it. It allows him to go around killing any dissident he likes, in whatever hideous fassion strikes him that day.
Because the USSR was even more inept than the current Russian government, today Russia has one thing to offer the world, energy. That will be exploited and squandered by the oil-garchs at the top of the mob, and the country will continue to be a lawless backwater of little note.
BTW, none of us give a shit about Kasparov. Most Americans don't even give a shit about their own country let alone yours. So stop thinking you are important enough to even register on our radar screen.
Bryan @ 126:
I think Frederick Douglas forgot about Spain. From 1492 until 1834 it was illegal to be anything other than Catholic in Spain. That included all of the territory that Spain oversaw. So imprisonment, land seizure, torture and execution were pretty much the tools used to depose of Jews, Muslims, Atheists, Pagans, non-Catholic Christians, and anyone that wasn't politically favored. Oh, and they kind of exterminated entire populations in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, the Philippines and Mexico. They also enslaved all the people they didn't kill. They didn't break any treaties because they never signed any, just killed.
That doesn't excuse or exempt the US from disdain, just kind of puts things into perspective. We are about as bad as Imperial Spain and Nazi Germany. Give GW and his goons another decade, and we'll make all that shit look like child's play.
First, I have a lot of family in Russia, Putin is very, very popular. Its not some state controlled polls.
Kasparov is not very popular. He has no backing from within Russia.
Kasparov is seen as an agent of the NeoCons because of his past dealings with Conservative Think Tanks in America. Most people don't know it but Kasparov has been a member of the Center for Security Policy along with such neocon luminaries as Richard Perle, Douglas Feith, and James Woolsey. If you don't know it the Center for Security Policy is a major neocon propaganda outfit.
Kasparov is mostly known as a great chess player, so the West loves the idea of him challenging Putin, but the truth is he is working with those that Crooks & Liars usually goes after. He is not some great dissident, but a political opportunist getting rich by being Anti-Putin.
Case in point he suddenly has a book that is being heavily purchased by the Heritage Foundation and the Center for Security Policy.
Ali @ 92:
Yes Mr.Kasparov was born in Baku and is Armenian with a Jewish background and yes he has aligned himself with the neo-fascists and ultra-nationalists of the National Bolshevik Party. Maybe you should do some research befor you attack another post.
Picture speak a thousand words
lolwut @ 128:
No, I have nothing personal against Russia, you misunderstand. Quite the opposite. I probably was not clear.
Regardless of his domestic policy, Putin is playing foreign policy as if it were still the old cold war. It just doesn't work that way anymore. Nor should it ever have worked that way. I honestly think if Putin was creating U.S. foreign policy, he would have armed the Chechin terrorists after the revolt. I don't advocate that; I think it is repulsive. This is an example of how I view Putin's thinking, and why I think (despite the progress internally) his foreign policy means big, big trouble with Iran, the Caspian, and Pakistan. I do understand Russia's historical ties with Iran (less so Syria), and the incentive to act as protector. But I think the actions from the Kremlin still speak of "profit" more than "protection".
Especially with someone just as stupid, macho, and trigger happy as Bush in the U.S. Very dangerous for the rest of us. They share the same smirk. And they enable each other to escalate to secure domestic power.
And yes, it IS hypocritical of the U.S. government to point and complain about Russia providing material support and explosives to Iranian agitators and militants in Iraq. Yep, the U.S. has been the bad guy before too. Does this justify Russia selling nuclear technology to Iran or the rest of the passive aggressive oil-fear policies? No. Hell, no.
But I do not personify the U.S. government. A LOT of our CIA ops these days are just plain idiotic, and certainly unethical. It is possible for both governments to be wrong, and on these issues they are. Well, unless you are one of the oligarchs in either country, of course. What Putin does, DOES impact me. What Bush DOES certainly impacts the Russian economy (lately, in a good way). Not to mention, in my own interest it is important for true democracy to spread. It should be clear by now, that at some point in the future, even the U.S. will need to "re-import" it.
Well, when you put it that way... it is hard not to completely sympathize! I see your point. I suppose a Canadian could tour Russia painting a picture of America as New Orleans immediately after the flood. Humiliating, and not necessarily accurate. But there are grains of truth from which Kasparov grows his stories.
@126, 132
Exactly. And I want things to get better, not worse... don't you? Honestly, holding on to things past a generation or two is how all these wars start in the first place. The sins of my great grandfather are not mine, no matter how gruesome. We walk forward in time. I just want to walk without shackles.
Damn he's smart. He should be our president.
Ryan @ 137:
Do we really need a neocon president at this point?
Phil @ #129 nailed it.
I am also Russian. The article from the Independent (UK) about the "Dirty Gary" interview was published in Russian on the site www.InoSmi.ru. There is about 22 pages of readers replies, and not a single one is in favor of Mr. Kasparov. As a matter of fact most of the Russian agree with your sentiment, Ryan: if the West likes "Dirty Gary", why don't they take him as THEIR President. They obviously have shortage of intelligent guys if they voted twice for Dubya, and "Dirty Gary" might look good in the White House. Just don't cram him down our throat!
Hey. We have intelligent guys (and gals).
We've just been failing in honest elections, however. Al Gore may not be brilliant, but he isn't an idiot. His election was stolen.
I promise, we are trying hard to do better this time around! At least with the Democrats.
Wow, you deleted my comment about being out of your depth? The well written and reasoned one? After I have been posting here for over two years? Wow, just wow.
Apparently dissenting opinions are not allowed. However, it does stand that your adoring media has a far better view of Kasparov than most Russians, and most Russians also like Putin.
Bye bye crooks and liars, you're becoming like Freepers.
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