I have always admired Garrys effforts on behalf of Chess worldwide, but I have also always had a deep appreciation for his willingness to speak out on political issues {primarily} in Russia. ... #TeamKasparov ... _______________________ from Garry : Well, theres a first time for everything! The states last reserve of free speech in Russia, Echo of Moscow, has refused to publish my latest article (see link) due to unacceptability of language. The web editors reply said that fascist regime and fascist dictatorship were not appropriate. Unfortunately, they are entirely accurate today when referring to Putins Russia. As George Orwell explained so well in his fiction and his essays, controlling vocabulary is critical to controlling the minds of the citizens. If the correct words and phrases for describing a dictatorship are effectively banned, is it still a dictatorship? Echo of Moscows website was briefly blocked by authorities in Russia a few months ago, but was reinstated after they made some changes. The news site that bears my name and several other opposition blogs and news sites are still blocked. Google just announced it was closing a center in Moscow because of the dangerous environment created by the ongoing crackdown on personal and corporate activity on the internet. Putins regime increasingly relies on fascist rhetoric and ideology. Invading Ukraine on a plainly ethnic pretext -- to protect our Russian fellows -- was the end of pretending otherwise. Pointing this out may be inappropriate but it is also essential. You cant fight an enemy by pretending it doesnt exist. Giving things their correct names and making the correct diagnosis is a critical first step in treatment.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 11:54:06 +0000
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