Lynne Stevens
There is some consensus that the strong-man authoritarianism embodied in Russian President Vladimir Putin is a superior way to run a country – and there is sadly some coalescence surrounding the idea in our country.
Not to disparage their opinions, but my curiosity drew me to investigate. After the “Great Patriotic War” in Ukraine – as Putin calls it – a free press is difficult to find. Ex-pats do speak out if they are safe.
The average Russian in 2023 earns about $731 a month in equivalent U.S. dollars. Since the 1993 strikes, pickets and rallies were banned by Putin in Russia. The national labor union is controlled by the ruling party, but workers and employers try not to get its attention over their issues.
Russia does have a national health system. The standard of care is far substandard to the United States for the working class. Typical housing for working folks are apartments, many of which were built in the 60s and 70s. The average apartment in Russia is two rooms kitchen and bath. The living room has a convertible couch for the adults; the room is for children.
The average, working-class apartment is about 645 square feet. Larger quarters are mostly for university-educated and government workers. University Education is highly competitive, and mostly available to the upper classes and high-achieving students.
Basic schooling is structured and indoctrinates Putin policies. Old history books are gone. Now they teach how Russia is saving Russian citizens and Ukraine from the demonized U.S. and European aggression. School history books are being rewritten since the war. Old history erased.
This should never sound familiar in any democracy – including ours.
Russia’s children will now grow into a new and false reality, and for most unable to access the truth or their factual past. High schools are becoming military-indoctrination centers, with younger children being taught that being Russian is to be invincible.
International fear is that Russian children are being taught not for University but to hate, kill and be prepped for future military operations. Obedience in the face of fear and retribution is the hallmark of most autocratic rulers throughout history. Citizen welfare is typically secondary to accumulated wealth: influence and power of the ruler whose policies are accepted by the inner circle who recognize the severe consequences of decent.
There is an old adage that has been quoted for decades: “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
It has been around for so long because it has proven to be a warning to citizens against current and future wanna-be dictators.
Perhaps it is cautionary to our human nature.
The divisions we see now are the result of apprehension of reprisal from family, friends, church members and co-workers. In an autocracy, the ruler does your thinking for you, and you give up the ability to to do much about it -- except keep your head down and comply.
It’s difficult to understand why any American would give up their civic autonomy to any government that resembles Russia or any President who admires autocratic regimes.
Lynne Stevens writes a bi-weekly column for The Graham Star. She can be reached via email, geminga@mailfence.com.