25 February 2008
Shades of Communism
Posted by Roy Bischoff under: World Affairs .
While reading the following article, remember the warning in the Introduction about people becoming tired of being responsible for their own free government and handing it over to a king-figure, big government.
Putin’s Iron Grip on Russia Suffocates Opponents
NIZHNY NOVGOROD,
Shortly before parliamentary elections in December, foremen fanned out across the sprawling GAZ vehicle factory here, pulling aside assembly-line workers and giving them an order: vote for President Vladimir V. Putin’s party or else.
They were instructed to phone in after they left their polling places. Names would be tallied, defiance punished.
The city’s children, too, were pressed into service. At schools, teachers gave them pamphlets promoting “Putin’s Plan” and told them to lobby their parents. Some were threatened with bad grades if they failed to attend “Children’s Referendums” at polling places, a ploy to ensure that their parents would show up and vote for the ruling party.
Around the same time, volunteers for an opposition party here, the Union of Right Forces, received hundreds of calls at all hours, warning them to stop working for their candidates. Otherwise, you will be hurt, the callers said, along with the rest of your family.
Over the past eight years, in the name of reviving Russia after the tumult of the 1990s, Mr. Putin has waged an unforgiving campaign to clamp down on democracy and extend control over the government and large swaths of the economy. He has suppressed the independent news media, nationalized important industries, smothered the political opposition and readily deployed the security services to carry out the Kremlin’s wishes.
… Behind a facade of democracy lies a centralized authority that has deployed a nationwide cadre of loyalists that is not reluctant to swat down those who challenge the ruling party. Fearing such retribution, many of the people interviewed for this article asked not to be identified.The government has closed newspapers in St. Petersburg and raided political party offices in Siberia. It was hardly unusual when in Samara, in the nation’s center, organized crime officers charged an opposition campaign official with financial crimes shortly before the December parliamentary elections and froze the party’s bank accounts.
Here in this historic region on the Volga River, Mr. Putin’s allies now control nearly all the offices, and elections have become a formality. And that is just as it should be, they said.
“In my opinion, at a certain stage, like now, it is not only useful, it is even necessary — we are tired of democratic twists and turns,” said the leader of Mr. Putin’s party in Nizhny Novgorod, Sergei G. Nekrasov. “It may sound sacrilegious, but I would propose to suspend all this election business for the time being, at least for managerial positions.”
Mr. Putin, who intends to remain in power by becoming prime minister under Mr. Medvedev, has in recent days declared that Russia has a healthy democracy, a renewed sense of national pride and a prominent role on the world stage. His supporters in Nizhny Novgorod point to his high approval ratings as evidence that his policies work.
A refrain often heard here and across Russia is that the distressing years right after Communism’s collapse left people craving stability and a sturdy economy far more than Western-style democracy. These days, they care little if elections are basically uncontested as long as a strong leader is in charge.
42 Comments so far...
Mac Says:
25 February 2008 at 9:26 am.
as long as a strong leader is in charge. I guess they lived under communism so long that they don’t have the same love of freedom as we do. It looks like it is natural for people to want a king.
jobob911 Says:
25 February 2008 at 10:48 am.
I am glad I live in the U.S. I am always appreciating it more when I watch the news or read about the things going on in the world. Freedom is priceless.
Terrie Soberg Says:
25 February 2008 at 11:56 am.
Tired of democratic twists and turns–that I can relate to very well. Nekrasov is “proposing” that all election business is suspended. Gee, that almost sounds like they have a choice.
Chuck C Says:
25 February 2008 at 12:35 pm.
Not to offend people of other beliefs, but in the Book of Mormon, King Mosiah did not believe the people should continue to have kings…
Book of Mormon, Mosiah chapter 29
5 Behold, O ye my people, or my brethren, for I esteem you as such, I desire that ye should consider the cause which ye are called to consider—for ye are desirous to have a king.
11 Therefore I will be your king the remainder of my days; nevertheless, let us appoint judges, to judge this people according to our law; and we will newly arrange the affairs of this people, for we will appoint wise men to be judges, that will judge this people according to the commandments of God.
13 Therefore, if it were possible that you could have just men to be your kings, who would establish the laws of God, and judge this people according to his commandments… if this could always be the case then it would be expedient that ye should always have kings to rule over you….
17 For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction!…
23 And he enacteth laws, and sendeth them forth among his people, yea, laws after the manner of his own wickedness; and whosoever doth not obey his laws he causeth to be destroyed; and whosoever doth rebel against him he will send his armies against them to war, and if he can he will destroy them; and thus an unrighteous king doth pervert the ways of all righteousness.
——–
It would be nice if our friends in Russia could understand this.
Carrie Says:
25 February 2008 at 12:44 pm.
Right Chuck. Then when they had judges that were elected then the people that were elitists wanted a king again and the kingsmen started a war with the rest of the people that wanted freedom. It reminds me of what is going on with liberals and conservatives.
E.E. Says:
25 February 2008 at 2:00 pm.
And when the kingmen wanted to overthrow the government and couldn’t, they betrayed their people and joined with the Lamanites to bring their own people into submission.
Alma 51:5-8
5 And it came to pass that those who were desirous that Pahoran should be dethroned from the judgment-seat were called king-men, for they were desirous that the law should be altered in a manner to overthrow the free government and to establish a king over the land.
6 And those who were desirous that Pahoran should remain chief judge over the land took upon them the name of freemen; and thus was the division among them, for the freemen had sworn or covenanted to maintain their rights and the privileges of their religion by a free government.
7 And it came to pass that this matter of their contention was settled by the voice of the people. And it came to pass that the voice of the people came in favor of the freemen, and Pahoran retained the judgment-seat, which caused much rejoicing among the brethren of Pahoran and also many of the people of liberty, who also put the king-men to silence, that they durst not oppose but were obliged to maintain the cause of freedom.
8 Now those who were in favor of kings were those of high birth, and they sought to be kings; and they were supported by those who sought power and authority over the people.
Here is a part of the Introduction that Roy mentioned above.
A wheel does not roll without a circle surrounding a hub. It is our natural instinct to connect to a center point; a hub. Dictators and kings succeed because we look to a standard to join, a leader to love. With a free society, we must look to ourselves as the source of power, lifting leaders from our ranks to represent us. Then what is the hub that holds us together? Belief in a set of timeless principles that embody our hopes and reflect our deepest values. The source of these values gives us courage to declare that there are some absolutes. We believe God is the author of those values, thus the center of the wheel. Therefore, in our daily lives and in our politics, In God We Trust.
Those who reject the principles upon which our Constitution is founded, have no center point to reach out to. No spoke that keeps the circle stable. They are then easily pulled away by a strong force intent to usurp power and authority for the good of the weak populous. Government becomes big brother upon which to lean. We chose not to unify around the nanny state power of big government, we hold to our Creator, His gift of personal freedom, and to each other.
M.G. Says:
25 February 2008 at 2:49 pm.
Chuck,
I don’t get what your scripture means that says establish the claws of God.
Joy Bischoff Says:
25 February 2008 at 3:00 pm.
All fixed, M.G. I think the computer program puts in letters sometimes. It is “the laws of God”.
Chuck C Says:
25 February 2008 at 3:43 pm.
In God We Trust…
When the Constitutional Convention looked like it would end in failure Benjamin Franklin proposed that the convention should be opened each day with prayer and said, “The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see that God governs in the affairs of men. I firmly believe that ‘except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.’ Without His concurring aid, we shall be divided by little interests, succeed no better than the builders of Babel, and become a reproach and by-word to future ages. What is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despare of establishing government by human wisdom, and leave it to chance and war.”
Daniel Webster said, in 1806, of the Constitution: “When we speak of preserving the constitution, we mean not the paper on which it is written, but the spirit which dwells in it. Government may lose all its real character, its genius, its temper, without losing its appearance. Rebublicanism, unless you guard it, will creep out of its case of parchment, like a snake out of its skin. You may have a despotism under the name of a republic. You may look on a government, and see it possess all the external modes of freedom, and yet finding nothing of the essence, the vitality, of freedom in it; just as you may contemplate an embalmed body, where art hath preserved proportion and form, amid nerves without motion, and veins void of blood.” (Life of Daniel Webster, Tefft, 1854)
Good words from these old sages.
Chuck C Says:
25 February 2008 at 3:45 pm.
Sorry M.G. these old fingers make lots of mistakes. But the “Claws of God” has a ring to it.
T. Fan Says:
25 February 2008 at 3:56 pm.
I’ve done a lot thinking since yesterday and have been a little confused. But I have to admit that it is a lot easier for me to swallow the words of the founders than anyone now. I do trust their wisdom. I’m afraid some of our modern political veins are void of blood. It is frightening to think that despotism has gotten such a strong hold. It’s easier to ignore it but that is the cowards way out. I never thought of myself as a coward so I’d better not start now.
Chuck C Says:
25 February 2008 at 4:01 pm.
There were cowards during Revolutionary times too T. Fan. Robert Morris wrote, “Our people knew not the hardships and calamities of war when they so boldly dared Britain to arms; every man was then a bold patriot, felt himself equal to the contest, and seemed to wish for an opportunity of evincing his prowess; but now, when we are fairly engaged, when death and ruin stare us in the face, and when nothing but the most intrepid courage can rescue us from contempt and disgrace, sorry I am to say it, many of those who were foremost in noise shrink coward-like from the danger, and are begging pardon without striking a blow.” (The American Revolution, Lecky, 1898)
Cameron Says:
25 February 2008 at 4:10 pm.
Careful there Chuck. Kind of sounds like you are implying that Benjamin Franklin was religious. You need to read more revisionist history. Most of them were suppose to be Diests, I don’t remember how to spell that. But I do know that they were suppose to believe that God created the universe and then went away somewhere to watch and never interfered. So if you go and do something radical like read the original words of the founders then you find out they believed God had an active hand in what they did and in creating this country.
Joy Bischoff Says:
25 February 2008 at 4:14 pm.
Lots of great information. Chuck, I think we should keep you.
Chuck C Says:
25 February 2008 at 4:27 pm.
I think it is interesting people, that Daniel Webster said “Rebublicanism, unless you guard it, will creep out of its case of parchment, like a snake out of its skin.” He could have used the term “Democracy”, but chose Republicanism instead. Applies better to today’s situation, don’t you think. Has the GOP creeped out of its case like a snake out of its skin?
Cameron Says:
25 February 2008 at 4:47 pm.
I definitely noticed that point. Very descriptive simile.
Cavetrollhead Says:
25 February 2008 at 4:47 pm.
Sounds like Sadaam’s self proclaimed position “The Claws of God”
Looking at Russian history, it sometimes seems that they are cursed to always get it wrong. I wonder why. Could they be the children of a lost tribe that has a curse that follows it? Well that is kind of way out there. More likely, there is just too much land and diversity of culture for one government to handle without a heavy hand. (A case against one world government.) But I really don’t know too much about it- just random thoughts.
At any rate, my heart goes out to the people there.
Actually Cameron, wasn’t it Franklyn who suggested they pray during the constitutional convention? The story that I got was that the convention ran smoother after that. There may have been come deists but most of the Fathers were deeply religious and given to prayer. Washington embodied that and, therefore, was a figure head well admired by his contemporaries. I am not a historian but those are my take on the facts.
Cavetrollhead Says:
25 February 2008 at 4:50 pm.
Roy, (Joy or anyone,)
Doesn’t this blog and the state of things in Russia under Putin look as though what has happened is that Socialism went to capitalism and then to Fascism. Wouldn’t Putin’s Government be classified a Fascist?
Cameron Says:
25 February 2008 at 4:59 pm.
I was being sarcastic. I know the founders were religious but that isn’t what is being taught now.
It does seem to me that they have arrived at fascism in Russia.
Cavetrollhead Says:
25 February 2008 at 5:04 pm.
OK I know I am getting wordy, but one observation about why Russians choose one bad Government after another, since the Czars. Maybe they have never been patient enough for a representative democracy to form.
Perestroika, which means ‘rebuilding’ was supposed to take a while to happen. It was supposed to be a slow and stable change. But Gobechov couldn’t stop the dike from breaking. The (former ) soviet people were impatient for freedom and couldn’t bare to wait for a stable change. There economic system became unraveled and was replaced with a form of capitalism that was just social Darwinism - survival of the fittest, where organized crime formed an Oligarchy. Then because their impatience, they have abandoned capitalism for fascism like Grermany did after the great depression.
That should be a lesson for us Americans who respond so well to the word “Change.”
I notice the same impatience in America today if not more. When something appears that we don’t like, Americans want it fixed -not now but RIGHT NOW. The economy takes a dip, and those hurt by it push immediately for the redistribution of wealth though raised taxes and entitlements.
Any thoughts.
Joy Bischoff Says:
25 February 2008 at 5:10 pm.
Yes, I agree. Remembering the spectrum as a circle, socialism and fascism join at the top. Actually, fascism is a form of socialism. Left believes power should be in people but by forcing all things in common. On the far, far right they believe the state should have all power. But in the end, even the left have to have people enforce the laws and it ends up all about those in power using force.
I like what you just wrote, Cave. I agree.
Carrie Says:
25 February 2008 at 5:31 pm.
Dang, now I am going to be nervous when I hear Barak talk about change.
Chuck C Says:
25 February 2008 at 7:41 pm.
One thing about Franklin’s suggestion for prayer… the motion made on Thursday, June 28, 1787 was seconded by Roger Sherman, but some expressed they were afraid Franklin’s suggestion came too late in the convention, and that they were then in a state of desperation. Some said it was a mistake they had overlooked the need for prayer and it was never too late. Then Hugh Williamson of North Carolina mentioned they had NO MONEY TO PAY FOR A CLERGYMAN to offer the prayers. The session was ended thereafter with no vote taken. Nevertheless, Franklin’s plea had a sobering effect on the delegates and they worked with renewed determination.
Ghost Says:
25 February 2008 at 8:11 pm.
So now that our nation is in crisis again, you have to wonder how well we will do if our leaders aren’t praying men and women…if in fact, prayer has been taken out of the public domain.
Cavetrollhead Says:
25 February 2008 at 9:08 pm.
Very good Cameron. I suckered for it.
Cavetrollhead Says:
25 February 2008 at 9:17 pm.
Ghost,
We don’t have to rely on public prayer. We have to pray in private. I believe that our heritage of faith in this great country has deep and hard-to-kill roots. We are many who have private, strong faith in God. We can pray in private as well as in public. God will honor our prayers. I know this. God hears us and honors the humble, righteous prayer of faith. That is why it is way too early to despair.
Ghost Says:
25 February 2008 at 9:46 pm.
True about the private prayer. I just hope it is enough to keep our government from bungling things too much when the judicial system is supporting secularism. I’m feeling like the cup is almost full. Just a hunch I have.
Cavetrollhead Says:
25 February 2008 at 10:32 pm.
I don’t think so Ghost. I think we are in a pivotal point in our history for sure but I am optimistic.
I think we could make this our code. Every time we feel that this country is drifting away from God, or every time we see that people of Faith are being marginalized, we drop to our knees, if possible, and pray. If we can’t drop to our knees or show our customary reverence to God, then say a prayer nonetheless-if only in our minds.
I am sure Joy or Roy or Chuck or E.E. can remember this better than I but I remember a Bible story about a prophet praying to preserve the city where his loved ones dwelt. He wanted to know if the Lord would spare the city if a certain amount of righteous were in the city. I am sure this rings a bell with someone who could tell you the rest of the story. Maybe you know it yourself. Anyway I think there may be a lesson in it for us. We are the people in the City and there are millions of us. We need to put our own lives in order and pray with faith, stay involved in the public good and not give up. I really believe that things will turn out OK over the next decade.
My hunch is that the only thing that can defeat the US is division among the Faithful. Romney being a Mormon was a good example. Instead of uniting behind a good candidate, people of Faith divided because of religion. (I think Fred T. was good too) But we ended up with McCain because the faithful were divided and conquered. It is the division among us believers that will sink us. We of faith have to find common ground and not reject each other because of points of doctrine. We really are the same on what we are seeking for the US and as for the Faithful- United we Stand. Divided we fall
Chuck C Says:
25 February 2008 at 10:52 pm.
This wasn’t a prophet, but there is the story about prayer during the Civil War. A company of troops was in the vicinity of Palmyra, MO, expecting to capture and destroy the town. Jacob Creath, a minister, had gone to a grove where it was his custom to pray, and while he was praying, the commander of the troops passed by, and stopped to listen. The old man prayed for his neighbors, his town, his country, and above all , for peace. The rough soldier was so impressed that he withdrew his troop and retired without attacking the town.
Prayer is alive and as vital today as ever. I visited a Mennonite community a few years ago in Ohio for a service on a Wednesday night, I think. The congregation was split, with the sisters on the left pews and the brethren on the right. Following a very good Bible sermon from a lay person, everyone on each pew turned and knelt with their hands folded on their pew. One after the other, each person in the pew fervently prayed, one after the other, for their families, their friends, those that were ailing - by name - and they prayed from their hearts. They encouraged me to participate as well, not treating me like an outsider. (I had met some members in a restaurant and had been invited to the service the next evening — it was sixty miles north of the city!) What a community, and what a humbling experience.
May I say something else. A lot of bad things have been said of Governor Huckabee… by me as well as others. I may not have liked some of his positions or attitudes, but I judged his heart, and in that I am wrong. I am guilty of the same with McCain. One thing about politics; it causes us to be judgmental if we are not careful… even if we are. Let us pray for our enemies, for they may someday be our leaders.
Cavetrollhead Says:
25 February 2008 at 10:58 pm.
Great points Chuck. You always have a great story. And I like it that you are always here late at night- like me. Everyone else is in bed and I get to just sit here and solve the worlds problems. 
Well you are probably right about the judgment thing. I feel you are judging me all the time.
JUST KIDDING! Actually I do get too judgmental about McCain and Huckabee too. Frustration can bring out the bad.
Chuck C Says:
25 February 2008 at 11:00 pm.
Say, what does Cavetrollhead mean?
Cavetrollhead Says:
25 February 2008 at 11:01 pm.
Where is stumpy? I hope nothing happened to Donkey or cat. Oh it is a weekend, he is probably out with Pickles or Carrie.
Cavetrollhead Says:
25 February 2008 at 11:06 pm.
CTH was a user name that I picked out when I was trying to find a memorable email address. I derived it from the cave troll in Lord of the Rings. He was really cool. I tried to get ‘cavetroll’ but it was taken so I added ‘head’. I love monsters in movies. It is original and l like it so I use it all the time. No personal relevance otherwise. I am not ugly.
Cavetrollhead Says:
25 February 2008 at 11:07 pm.
Wait a minute it is Monday? Have you been taken pain pills again Chuck. Cause I am getting a contact buzz!
Chuck C Says:
25 February 2008 at 11:08 pm.
Just did. Sorry.
Ghost Says:
25 February 2008 at 11:22 pm.
Being a ghost, I’ve been quietly lurking for a little while hoping to read an answer to Chuck’s question. I love Lord of the Rings too. Been wondering where that name came from.
Chuck C Says:
25 February 2008 at 11:42 pm.
Lurking… that’s what all good Ghosts do. I just had a chill run down my spine. What kind of Ghost are you?
Cavetrollhead Says:
25 February 2008 at 11:48 pm.
Too much pain meds Chuck.
Cavetrollhead Says:
25 February 2008 at 11:53 pm.
ooh I just got a feeling that one of the dead was standing still behind my chair with his arms dropped to his sides, and watching me type with a melancholy, blank look on his face. Oh, he just glanced down at me - I could feel his gaze on the nape of my neck. I need to turn on the light. Chucks meds are rubbing off on me.
Chuck C Says:
25 February 2008 at 11:58 pm.
Goodnight
Cavetrollhead Says:
26 February 2008 at 12:00 am.
BTW that was just said in fun. Please - no one take that seriously. I can just see joy emailing me and called my doctor to make sure I am OK.
This blog just turned into a spook-a-palooza and I started having too much fun, he in the dark in my dreary drafty basement.
Joy Bischoff Says:
26 February 2008 at 12:05 am.
Good grief you are funny sometimes, Cave. Maybe you have been reading too much Dean Koontz or Stephen King. Or maybe Ghost is a better lurker than we think.
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