Here’s a rational argument against his position from someone living very near to Russia. You might even visit here if you choose to attend the next Nostr Unconference :)

What riles me up the most is his gripe about “NATO expanding and encroaching on Russian interests”. Here’s the thing. We worked very hard to get into NATO for more than a decade. Look up Vaira Vike Freiberga NATO speech. We wanted to get in because we never wanted the repeat of Russian occupation. We barely survived the last one as a nation.

He can’t wrap his mind around the idea that people might have a will of their own that they exercise through action.

From our point of view it was us who wanted out of the Soviet Union , we took action to achieve that (see Baltic Way, barricades). We wanted to get into EU and NATO. We took action and achieved that. It’s not Soviet Union breaking apart, and NATO expanding. We did it, even though nobody apart from us was very keen on either idea.

From this perspective, we understand Ukrainians. They wanted to rid themselves from corrupt pro-Moscow president who wanted to nix the EU association agreement. They took action, and achieved it.

To punish them, Russia annexed Crimea, and invaded the country. Then launched a full scale invasion 8 years later to destroy Ukrainians as people and as a nation.

He can’t stomach the fact that people can have a will that they express through action. He can’t stomach the fact that people would want the freedom to choose their own government.

I've had a couple days to reflect on the Putin interview and watch how others have reacted to it.

This post may trigger some, but I have no control over how people choose to interpret what they read.

First, I will say Putin and Russia's military actions are reprehensible. I will never be an advocate for big government, war, or any sort of violence.

That being said I have not found a major point from the conversation that I disagree with. I am not an expert in European history so I can't comment on the accuracy of the first thirty minutes, but regarding the current global state of affairs, it seems Putin has a grasp on the reality of the situation. He seems to be exclusively focused on Russia's best interest and he resisted several opportunities to trash his opponents.

In comparison, the US has been screaming about Russia interfering in elections and blaming them for our inflation. Neither of these claims have been proven and the latter is completely ridiculous from a monetary policy perspective.

The arguments I have heard against Putin's position have largely been character attacks or appeals to emotion. Both are worth considering, but lack logos. So far I have not heard a logical rebuttal of his claims.

I would like to hear rational arguments against his position if anyone has some points to share.

I have no desire to argue Russia's position or any other nation. My primary interest has always been in fostering peace and a greater understanding of the world we live in.

Wasn’t my photo.

“Meshing” around.

#meshtastic #freedomtech

New iPhone ad just…dropped. ✈️📲

Interpretation is everything though. Apart from that, he very conveniently forgets facts that don't fit his narrative. Such as Soviets collaborating with the Nazis on the attack on Poland.

It was a very weird pseudo-historical diatribe.

Fair points 🔥

Now you made me curious about your diet / nutrition?!

Same „principles“ of avoiding „drugs“/stimulants?

Fair points 🔥

Now you made me curious about your diet / nutrition?!

Same „principles“ of avoiding „drugs“/stimulants?

wONDERFUL. I think my ancer power bank is bricked. it was working yesterday then it ust quit, in fact none of the ports are working.

Just checked my #BitWarden - I have over 1,000 passwords stored in there 😱

Should I go through and delete the ones I never use?

Or should I just ignore the obsolete ones?

Can't use Mastodon no more because is full of libtards and pronouns turds.

During World War II, Russians used dogs strapped with explosives to blow up German tanks. They trained the dogs to associate the tanks with food and ended up destroying about 25 German tanks using this method

- #zap this if you like to see more. #Fact

did you have a bad experience at one point?

did you have a bad experience at one point?

wow ok

Did that for a long time - but then felt a „push“ from listening to my own music and some disconnect from the surroundings