It’s fascinating how dictators and autocrats have a common trait when it comes to taking responsibility. When things go well, they are quick to take credit and bask in the glory of success. However, when things go awry, suddenly it’s not their fault. This narrative seems to repeat itself throughout history, with leaders always finding scapegoats to blame for their failings.
In the case of Putin and the Kursk submarine disaster, it’s astounding to see how he tried to deflect responsibility. The Russian Navy’s sluggish, inept response to the tragedy resulted in unnecessary delays and loss of lives. Instead of owning up to the failures and taking decisive action, Putin continued his vacation and only authorized foreign assistance after precious time had passed.… Continue reading
As an American citizen and a staunch advocate for democracy, the recent comments made by former President Donald Trump during the Turning Point Believers’ Summit in Florida have left me feeling deeply troubled and disheartened. Trump’s brazen statement that Americans ‘won’t have to vote anymore’ if he wins the presidency is nothing short of a direct assault on the core principles of democracy that our nation was founded upon. The idea that a major party’s presidential candidate would openly express a desire to render elections meaningless is a chilling reminder of the autocratic tendencies that threaten our democratic institutions.
It is bewildering to witness, in real-time, the unfolding of what appears to be a slow descent into delusion and megalomania on the part of Trump.… Continue reading
Trump’s recent post-shooting rant has once again exposed his true colors and shattered any illusions of a unity pivot that some may have had. From the beginning, it was clear that Trump’s version of unity meant complete submission to his authority. The man who capitalizes words like “Unite” is merely branding himself as a unifying figure while simultaneously dismissing any legal proceedings against him as illegitimate.
The notion of unity under Trump is a farce, as evident in his recent call to end all investigations against him and dismiss any charges as political attacks. This is not a leader striving for unity but a power-hungry individual seeking to escape accountability for his actions.… Continue reading
Trump’s recent claim that he has enough votes to “cancel” the 2024 Presidential Election is yet another alarming display of his disregard for democracy. The fact that he is willing to undermine the very foundation of our political system for his own gain is a clear indication of his autocratic tendencies. His repeated assertions of voter fraud, without evidence, only serve to further erode trust in the electoral process and sow division among the American people.
It is truly concerning that Trump is so desperate to hold onto power that he would resort to such desperate and undemocratic measures. His attempts to delegitimize the 2020 election results, despite all evidence to the contrary, were a clear sign of his willingness to put his own interests above the will of the American people.… Continue reading
The recent reports of the Kremlin threatening to let Alexei Navalny’s body rot unless he is buried in secret are truly unsettling. This blatant display of power and fear from an autocratic regime highlights the lengths to which some governments will go to suppress dissent and erase any symbols of hope or resistance.
The idea that they do not want Navalny’s grave to become a shrine speaks volumes about the impact that symbols can have on inspiring change and uniting people against oppressive regimes. It is a common tactic for autocracies to try and control the narrative, to prevent any form of resistance from gaining momentum.… Continue reading
Putin challenger says he is barred from election
I can’t say I’m surprised by the news that a challenger to Russian President Vladimir Putin has been barred from running in the upcoming election. As someone who has been following Russian politics closely, it’s becoming increasingly clear that these elections are nothing more than a facade, a charade to maintain the illusion of democracy.
The challenger, Mr. Nadezhdin, claims to have collected over 200,000 signatures across Russia in support of his candidacy. Yet, the Central Election Commission deemed more than 9,000 signatures invalid, leaving him just short of the required 100,000 to register as a candidate.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood