occasional reflections on culture & politics
The possibility of being wrong about the war in Ukraine is considered not as a sign of weakness, but as a moral and intellectual responsibility. The post explores the dangers of false equivalence and the temptation to retreat into neutrality. It argues that acknowledging uncertainty must not lead to passivity or moral relativism. Instead, it calls for clarity in confronting aggression, recognizing the stakes of the conflict, and maintaining a principled stance even amid complexity and doubt.
Commemorating the 1953 East German uprising, the post condemns the GDR as a repressive regime. It honors the courage of protestors and warns against nostalgia for authoritarian systems. The reflection affirms the importance of historical truth and democratic memory.
Political engagement is presented as a moral and civic duty. The post critiques apathy and argues that being “unpolitical” enables authoritarianism. Drawing on Pericles, Kant, and liberation theology, it calls for critical thinking, public discourse, and active participation in shaping society. Citizenship is framed as both a right and a responsibility.
Russia’s Victory Day celebrations are exposed as glorifications of authoritarianism and historical distortion. The regime weaponizes memory to justify aggression and suppress dissent. True antifascism requires rejecting Putin’s imperial narrative and defending democratic truth.
A direct appeal to Russian citizens to reject the war and reclaim their dignity. The regime’s brutality is not inevitable—it’s a choice. Resistance is possible, and silence is no longer defensible.
Contrary to Putin’s claims, the collapse of the Soviet Union ended a brutal, imperial regime. The USSR was built on repression, genocide, and ideological tyranny. Its fall liberated millions and opened paths to democracy. Nostalgia for it insults the victims of its violence.
Extremism is no longer confined to fringe ideologies—it has entered mainstream discourse. The post critiques absolutism, conspiracy thinking, and moral tribalism on both left and right. True political engagement requires nuance, humility, and a commitment to democratic principles.
Free thought is essential, but so is self-reflection. The post defends skepticism as a civic virtue while warning against paranoia and solipsism. True intellectual freedom includes the ability to admit error, engage others, and remain open to correction.
Free speech must be protected without exception—even offensive speech. The post argues that truth emerges through peaceful, respectful, and equal exchange, not censorship. Suppressing speech leads to authoritarianism. Democracy depends on allowing disagreement, not silencing it.
Erratic Attempts 