It must get difficult to constantly think of new ways for Russia to demonstrate its new strength and independence internationally - one can run out of noses to thumb. As noted in today's news blast, the latest gesture sure to test the sensibilities of Western diplomats and provoke knee-jerk criticism from the international media is Vladimir Putin's nomination of Dmitry Rogozin of the controversial nationalist (and, as some say, xenophobic) party Rodina as Ambassador to NATO.
But is that really the case? Despite Rodina's rather odious and unsavoury anti-immigration policies and occasional hateful public comments, they could be arguably considered a persecuted political party, no matter how much many of us may disagree with their platform. Even before Yabloko's Andrei Piontkovsky was put on this absurd trial for his government critical books, the new Law on Extremism was first put to its innovative repressive use against Rodina, banning them from participation in the 2006 Moscow City elections. Freedom of expression NGO Article 19 issued a statement saying "Although the broadcast [of Rodina] was certainly offensive, the total exclusion of this party from the normal political processes was a disproportionate response."
Isn't it interesting that Russia's new Ambassador to NATO once dropped the following devastating quote on the condition of the country's democracy?
Dmitry Rogozin: "The people now in charge of the Kremlin administration are rubbing out the results of 15 years of the new, democratic Russia. Russia is ceasing to be democratic."
The simple fact of the matter is that, for now, Russia is an "odious and unsavoury" country, so it's only natural that its dissidents too will be somewhat "odious and unsavoury" as well. Beggars can't be choosers. A review of the conduct of Kasparov and Yavlinsky will show they leave much to be desired, but compared to the mass population that sits idly by at best, collaborates at worst, with the rise of a neo-Soviet state, they are heroic figures in Russian history.
After all, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson owned slaves. Anyone, even the likes of a Limonov, who is willing to stand up against the malignant KGB forces that seek to choke the last bits of life out of Russia is not to be lightly dismissed. Viewing the Stalin legacy, there could well come a day when we might think Russia lucky to have been governed by Mr. Rogozin.
That's the sorrow and the pity of Russia. But it's also the reality.
Hmmm... I don't think that any rational minded person would want to throw their support behind Rogozin.
He was given this job to be a hammer - much like John Bolton's appointment to the UN. A total joke, only a role to express the country's ongoing disdain for the for the organization.
His criticism of the government has also totally evaporated with his new post. The following is from an interfax article:
"I am calling on my comrades, fellow party members and supporters to audaciously integrate in governmental bodies, including and primarily in the executive branch, and to impact on its evolution from within," Rogozin said in his appeal to supporters and voters, released in Moscow on Thursday.
"At this turning point for our country, when it is being decided which way Russia will go and whether our country will be able to regain its status of a great power, patriots cannot stay aloof," Rogozin said.