Harvey Firestein calls Putin out on Russia’s Anti-Gay Crackdown (politicians, support)

[sickofnyc]

Mr. Putin’s true motives lie elsewhere. Historically this kind of scapegoating is used by politicians to solidify their bases and draw attention away from their failing policies, and no doubt this is what’s happening in Russia. Counting on the natural backlash against the success of marriage equality around the world and recruiting support from conservative religious organizations, Mr. Putin has sallied forth into this battle, figuring that the only opposition he will face will come from the left, his favorite boogeyman.

Mr. Putin’s campaign against lesbian, gay and bisexual people is one of distraction, a strategy of demonizing a minority for political gain taken straight from the Nazi playbook. Can we allow this war against human rights to go unanswered? Although Mr. Putin may think he can control his creation, history proves he cannot: his condemnations are permission to commit violence against gays and lesbians. In May a young gay man was murdered in the city of Volgograd. He was beaten, his body violated with beer bottles, his clothing set on fire, his head crushed with a rock. This is most likely just the beginning.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/22/op...down.html?_r=0

Putin is a pig...plain and simple.

[MrClose]

Originally Posted by sickofnyc

Putin is a pig...plain and simple.

Maybe you and Harvey Firestein can get together, book a flight and tell Putin to his face how you feel?

Somehow, I believe that it is much safer behind the keyboard?