occasional reflections on culture & politics
Gorbachev’s reforms exposed the failures of Soviet socialism and enabled democratic movements across Eastern Europe. His legacy contrasts sharply with Putin’s authoritarianism. Though imperfect, Gorbachev’s openness and vision helped liberate millions and remains a symbol of humane leadership.
Putin’s praise of Russian endurance masks his own responsibility for their suffering. True leadership should foster happiness, not hardship. Russia’s future lies in reclaiming democracy and dignity, not glorifying pain. Endurance under oppression is not virtue—it’s a call for change.
Monuments celebrating Soviet power are symbols of imperialism and totalitarianism, not liberation. Their presence in public spaces perpetuates historical falsehoods and glorifies organized evil. Like Nazi or Confederate memorials, they belong in museums, not city squares. Latvia’s decision to dismantle one is praised as morally necessary.
The concept of “the West” is exposed as a shifting, often incoherent construct. Through maps and institutional analysis, the post argues that alliances, development, and democratic values—not geography or culture—define modernity. The term “West” ultimately collapses under scrutiny, revealing global interdependence and the need for cooperation over division.
Equating speech with violence undermines both free expression and the clarity of moral judgment. Verbal offense is not physical harm, and disproportionate responses—like Will Smith’s slap—reflect a failure to distinguish registers. Art and critique must provoke; censorship breeds resentment and stifles growth.
Free speech must be defended absolutely, regardless of content or offense. The attack on Rushdie echoes historical efforts to silence dissent, from Giordano Bruno to modern authoritarian regimes. Without free expression, democracy, culture, and progress collapse. The choice is stark: liberty or repression.
A quiet lament on the futility of speech in a world deafened by noise and indifference. The speaker wrestles with the impulse to scream, the burden of awareness, and the fear of reminding others of their own helplessness. Silence becomes both refuge and resistance.
Anecdotes distort public understanding of science and policy. The post critiques emotional reasoning in debates about religion, health, and governance, arguing for evidence-based thinking. While stories can inspire, they must not replace rigorous analysis in shaping collective decisions.
Erratic Attempts 