"Coup in Russia?" Topic

link

As much as we might wish it, it's doubtful. We'll wait and see.

Plus, the assumption is that whoever would take over from Putin would be reasonable.

Not enough confirmation from non- tabloid sources for me. Wait and see,I think.

Yes, let's hope … that and the new "boss" is not looking to recreate the former Russian Empire. And leaves the Ukraine, probably only holding the Donbas and Crimea ? But right now it is wait & see for me ..🤞🤞

I think this is mostly wishful thinking along with talk of Putin being assassinated. It is more likely he is in declining health which could end his reign.

I'll be getting my resume together, there will probably be some openings for oligarch positions soon. I wonder if I should mail it to the embassy or is there a specific government agency I should apply to.

Not a word on the Ukrainian news sources. Skeptical.

Damon.

As much as I'd love it, I wouldn't bet on it. Cancer is our best shot now.

Could also result in a period of anarchy if such a coup didn't have a wide basis of support among the various elements of the Russian security apparatus. Would seem unlikely to be sustained or turn into a full blown civil war, but not great in a country with nuclear, biological and chemical weapon stockpiles.

Seems unlikely but could be Ukrainian intelligence attempting to tug on Putin's paranoia (and maybe delay treatment if he is ill)?

It seems that he is just saying that it is "in the works," nothing imminent.

What's that old curse?

"May you live in interesting times."

If it does happen the trick would be to support the liberal Russian politicians and bring Russia fully into the West.

I don't have much hope for Russia. After the commies were thrown out there seemed to be a pretty decent government for a while. I am certainly weak on my knowledge of Russian history, but other than that government, I don't know when they ever had any government that was decent by western standards.

One has to remember that the Russian people chose to put a former KGB person in power for the rest of his life. Admittedly, from what I have read, voting for that also gave the voters some financial incentives. Putin did pick that up from the west. "Buying" votes is very popular and successful in the U.S.

Tom

I am not that strong on Russian history either. Has Russia ever had a legitimate election, other than maybe in the 90s? Strongman rule starts by devaluing the election process.

We don't buy votes in the U.S. And Putin did not get that from us. Look at their 20th century leaders. They are Putin's obvious models as he tries to role back the clock. He seems to have had some recent admirers here, however.

TBH Yeltsin's government was just milder weaker kleptocracy with seemingly less autocracy… Putin just dialled it all up to 11!

analysis of Putin's control of the Russian state link

Unlikely, however a good move by the Ukrainians to sew discord amongst the Russian hierarchy, might see more "suspects" in the FSB and Military end up on holiday in a nice gulag,

Tally Ho!

Tortorella said: "We don't buy votes in the U.S"

And just what is Congress doing when it spends Voters'
taxes on programs to 'help the people?'

Remember this: "A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury."

Alexander Fraser Tytler

Ed you are right in a way, but at least the votes are not purchased – or simply fabricated. As I recall, it the 19th century it was common for candidates to supply free whiskey on Election Day.

I don't know what you or Tyler think the public treasury is for, but democracy is as much about elected officials making money from their positions as it is about the electorate voting themselves goodies. Since half the people don't even vote, this must not be a well known ploy!

"We don't buy votes in the U.S"

I to have to disagree with this statement. I had a friend whose father was fairly high up in the Democrat party in West Virginia. During elections he went to the polls with his father and would give each voter either a dime or a shot of whiskey to vote Democrat.

Things haven't changed that much today, just slightly more subtle. Instead of a shot of whiskey, we get the Big Dig in Boston, the Bridge to Nowhere in Alaska, 'forgiveness' of student loans, etc.

I won't argue this point too much, I guess you are essentially right. But it's the people running for office who start the ball rolling. And a lot of times, voters only think they will get something based on what they are told.

I guess maybe I meant we are a little more subtle and indirect about how we "buy" votes than we used to be. I never though of the Big Dig as a bribe. And MA often pays more in taxes than it gets back in Federal funds, I believe. Not much of a bribe. I think Kentucky gets back about four times more in Federal aid
than it pays in taxes. That sounds like more of a deal.

These inducements still only work on half the population in the US. While Putin and the other strongmen rack up 95% approvals – they say.

From my observations over the years. You throw enough $ at campaign that certainly helps that candidate. In some cases, helps a lot.

Can't say more or site names, etc. or will get DH'd.

at this point it wishful thinking, but I do think it will happen.