Kasparov Speaks, Again

[peggysue2]

When we inquire about the Trump/Putin connection or think about what the Russians hoped to achieve through The Donald’s installation into the WH, I can think of no one better to give an opinion than Garry Kasparov. Why? Because Kasparov lived this—from inside Russia—and managed to survive. Certainly his celebrity status as a Chess Master gave him a protective shield for a number of years, but when he became an active dissident, life took a turn into unpleasant territory.

Kasparov was recently interviewed at WBUR’s Here & Now: link for the podcast and summary provided below.

Kasparov says a number of interesting things, issues we’ve been discussing here on DU: the internal attack on democratic institutions, how America is existing in a gray area at the moment where the sowing of doubt about the country, elections and institutions is quite deliberate, the preface to every dictator’s playbook.

He’s also quite clear that to beat the budding autocrat/authoritarian, a populace must have a long-term strategy, not simply a sharp tactical fix if citizens want democratic ideals to prevail. And that we should always choose democratic institutions over any particular personality. He feels this is where his fellow Russians went wrong, choosing Yeltsin over institutional integrity.

In addition, he said something elsewhere that made my ears prick. This is with the whole Roy Moore/evangelical stuff in mind:

When religion is in service to power, it’s always about the power, not the religion.

After reading some of Moore’s comments this morning, Kasparov’s comment really jumped out

Btw, another good podcast was an interview led by Phreet Bharara with Kasparov, Putin, Pawns and Propaganda. Link also provided.



http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2017/12/20/trump-white-house-garry-kasparov

https://www.wnycstudios.org/story/putin-pawns-and-propaganda-garry-kasparov/

[SWBTATTReg]

1. thanks for links! very informative...

[peggysue2]

2. You're welcome

Last edited Thu Dec 21, 2017, 05:08 PM - Edit history (1)

I found both these podcasts interesting from someone who has had a front row seat to the craziness.

Btw, Kasparov's book Winter Is Coming is an excellent read as well, a very detailed look at Putin and the mafia state he's managed to establish.

The Trumpster is no doubt green with envy.

[Caliman73]

3. On Moore and religion

I think Kasparov is a profound thinker, but I did not find this particular quote to be profound

When religion is in service to power, it’s always about the power, not the religion.

That to me is a given. Religion is about structure and rules. It has always been that way since the Pharaohs and high priests likened themselves to god and his emissaries, to the structure of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions today. Spirituality is about connection to a higher power but religion is about control. Thomas the apostle, who was the one called out for doubting Christ's return, supposedly penned a gospel wherein he stated that all people have the presence of Christ inside them and that structure was not necessary. Needless to say, his gospel did not make it into the canon of the Bible.

We have seen it clearly with evangelicals supporting Trump, Moore, and other candidates who do not espouse any actual teachings of Christ, but promise the dominion of Christianity in US society. They turn a blind eye and are all in. Power not piety.

[peggysue2]

4. I agree

The quote coincidentally turned up shortly after I'd read Moore's ongoing whining about the Alabama results. Kasparov's quote simply underscores what most of us already know. Yet Moore's supporters do not appear to "get it." In fact, I caught that televised focus group shortly before the election with Moore supporters, led by Frank Luntz. The comments made by this overwhelmingly Christian/evangelical group were stunning in their excuses and pretzel-like logic. Even Luntz looked stunned. Which said a lot!

That being said, I think you're right: this exemplifies the dominionist's point of view (Christian Nationalism) rather than the teachings of Christ or anything of a spiritual nature. There is a difference.

[byronius]

5. Great Post.

[peggysue2]

6. Thanks, byronius!