It seems that many people have forgotten this, but at first and for years Putin was very pro-American, pro-Western, pro-EU, pro-modernization, and pro-NATO expansion into former Soviet Republics. He was positively glowing with approval when the Baltics joined. I have quotes if people have forgotten.
I don’t believe Putin himself as an individual cares about Ukraine, Georgia, Syria, the EU, the Western values, or anything of the kind. I think he cares about palaces, luxury, whores, and exotic animals.
He must have noticed, though, that unless he invaded, his ratings plummeted and an opposition movement grew. The moment he invaded somebody, the ratings soared and everybody, including the opposition, began to adore him. So he does whatever he needs to keep his palaces, exotic animals, and whores. The whatever happens to be invasions, so that’s what he does.
The largest country on the planet is populated by 120 million people, 88% of whom aren’t happy unless somebody is getting invaded in their name. Putin is just a symptom.
Clarissa's Blog 
Bush I’s ratings jumped to 89 fucking percent after he invaded Iraq in 1991. Bush II enjoyed similar ratings when he invaded Iraq in 2003. Newscasters were giddy with joy as they described the bombing, the composition of those bombs, and the magnitude of damage their death machines were capable of inflicting.
This country elected Trump. I think Americans have forever lost the right to critique any other country’s leaders and the terrible populace that supports them.
LikeLike
“I think Americans have forever lost the right to critique any other country’s leaders and the terrible populace that supports them.”
LikeLike
There must be a point hidden somewhere in your response. I just can’t find it.
LikeLike
The point is that it’s not only the conservative media where Russians spread their propaganda.
LikeLike
You said:
“The moment he invaded somebody, the ratings soared and everybody, including the opposition, began to adore him.”
I replied:
“Bush I’s ratings jumped to 89 fucking percent after he invaded Iraq in 1991. Bush II enjoyed similar ratings when he invaded Iraq in 2003. Newscasters were giddy with joy as they described the bombing, the composition of those bombs, and the magnitude of damage their death machines were capable of inflicting.”
Your reply: YOU’RE TALKING LIKE PUTIN!
LikeLike
The argument I was referring to is “Americans have forever lost the right to criticize, etc.” It is, indeed, the favorite talking point of the Putin regime. That’s how they greet every objection to everything they are doing.
LikeLike
What about the ratings argument?
And I don’t give a shit whose talking point it is.
LikeLike
Obliquely related: I was in a laundromat in rural South Carolina and there was the TV with news on, and the channel was RT, and everyone seemed to consider this normal. I was amazed, but is this common?
LikeLike