Paul Roderick Gregory
Contributor
The website(click here) of the “President of Russia’s Council on Civil Society and Human Rights” posted a blog that was quickly taken down as if it were toxic radioactive waste. According to the Council’s report about the March referendum to annex Crimea, the turnout was a maximum 30%. And of these, only half voted for annexation – meaning only 15 percent of Crimean citizens voted for annexation.
The fate of Crimea, therefore, was decided by the 15 percent of Crimeans, who voted in favor of unification with Russia (under the watchful eye of Kalashnikov-toting soldiers)....
The people were faced with ridiculous outcomes. Vote for the annexation and face the family and hardship with job losses or worse. Vote against the annexation and face the potential of violence on one's life. Why vote at all?
Official Kremlin results: 97% for annexation, turnout 83 percent, and percent of Crimeans voting in favor 82%.
President’s Human Rights Council results: 50% for annexation, turnout 30%, percent of Crimeans voting in favor 15%.
They would have to be fools to vote in that election.
It begins. Where is the book burning?
Russian entertainers, (click here) filmmakers, and writers are going to have to find more polite ways of expressing themselves, thanks to a new law reportedly signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The bill, which Russian state news agency ITAR-Tass reports was signed into law Monday, outlaws cursing in public performances — which includes films, music, books, and plays.
If busted for swearing, individuals can face a fine up to $70, according to ITAR-Tass. And it’s worse for public officials, who will have to shell out $140 for every f-bomb or other cuss. Organizations or companies will pay $1,396 per swear, and face a suspension for repeated offenses.
The new law “bans the use of obscene language when ensuring the rights of Russian citizens to the use of the state language, and protecting and developing language culture,” according to a statement by the Russian government....
The Russian language is perfect, pure and better than a virgin. Russia will protect it whenever an imperfection exists.
Contributor
The website(click here) of the “President of Russia’s Council on Civil Society and Human Rights” posted a blog that was quickly taken down as if it were toxic radioactive waste. According to the Council’s report about the March referendum to annex Crimea, the turnout was a maximum 30%. And of these, only half voted for annexation – meaning only 15 percent of Crimean citizens voted for annexation.
The fate of Crimea, therefore, was decided by the 15 percent of Crimeans, who voted in favor of unification with Russia (under the watchful eye of Kalashnikov-toting soldiers)....
The people were faced with ridiculous outcomes. Vote for the annexation and face the family and hardship with job losses or worse. Vote against the annexation and face the potential of violence on one's life. Why vote at all?
Official Kremlin results: 97% for annexation, turnout 83 percent, and percent of Crimeans voting in favor 82%.
President’s Human Rights Council results: 50% for annexation, turnout 30%, percent of Crimeans voting in favor 15%.
They would have to be fools to vote in that election.
It begins. Where is the book burning?
Russian entertainers, (click here) filmmakers, and writers are going to have to find more polite ways of expressing themselves, thanks to a new law reportedly signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The bill, which Russian state news agency ITAR-Tass reports was signed into law Monday, outlaws cursing in public performances — which includes films, music, books, and plays.
If busted for swearing, individuals can face a fine up to $70, according to ITAR-Tass. And it’s worse for public officials, who will have to shell out $140 for every f-bomb or other cuss. Organizations or companies will pay $1,396 per swear, and face a suspension for repeated offenses.
The new law “bans the use of obscene language when ensuring the rights of Russian citizens to the use of the state language, and protecting and developing language culture,” according to a statement by the Russian government....
The Russian language is perfect, pure and better than a virgin. Russia will protect it whenever an imperfection exists.
