Tuesday, February 04, 2025

What the US Can Learn from the Story of Russia's Oligarchs

Oligarchy means rule by the few, and the word oligarchs entered Russia's popular discourse beginning in the 1990s.

Posted by Corky at 10:32 PM | 9 COMMENTS | permalink

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Bernie Sanders: "We are living in an unprecedented moment in American history. We are looking at a rapid growth of oligarchy. We are looking at a rapid growth of authoritarianism. And I fear we're looking at a rapid growth of kleptocracy as well."

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-- Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) February 2, 2025 at 11:06 AM

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"The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 left state-owned industries open to privatization. Hoffman says a few men captured companies dealing in natural resources.

"Timber, diamonds, oil, you name it," Hoffman said. He added that the entrepreneurs were "these young hustlers, kids who had not been part of the Communist Party. And seven of them became prominent businessmen by glomming on to these big valuable assets."

'
"Putin's seemingly populist moves consolidated his own power.

Oligarchs who supported independent media were the first to go. The few who remained "were cowed into staying out of Putin's way.

Furthermore, as time went by, Putin didn't change the system. What he did was he installed his own people as oligarchs. He changed the guy sitting in this chairs, but he didn't change the chairs."

More at the link.... it's not a long article, but it's real history about Trump's mentor.

#1 | Posted by Corky at 2025-02-04 04:35 PM

1. Stay away from windows

2. Tie all billionaires to trees and gut them.

#2 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-02-04 10:19 PM

Americans don't learn from history.

So we are condemning ourselves to relive it.

#3 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-02-05 10:36 AM

Americans don't learn from history.

So we are condemning ourselves to relive it.

Posted by donnerboy at 2025-02-05 10:36 AM | Reply

Considering that about half of the population of the US reads at or below the 6th grade level. It's no wonder why we don't learn from history. Sad to say.

#4 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-02-05 10:48 AM

- half of the population of the US reads at or below the 6th grade level

Obviously that's not low enough, so say bye bye to the Department of Education.

#5 | Posted by Corky at 2025-02-05 10:58 AM

Putin brought Russia back from being reduced to Economic Vassalage.

He broke the Oligarchs. They were Raping the country for themselves and outside interests.

Like was done in Ukraine, later.

Putin saved Russia from becoming a Western Colony. He's not the boogie Man.

He's too Authoritarian, not liberal enough in policy or outlook.

Trump is just a Stupid.

Obsessed with his own brilliance, he's as dumb as they get.

Just canny enough to be Dangerous.

The Wars he Starts will make Ukraine look Small.

The US can learn that Stupid and Impunity don't mix.

#6 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2025-02-05 01:19 PM

- He broke the Oligarchs. They were Raping the country for themselves and outside interests.

Yes, and now they do the same, but for him.

Your Vlad love is pathetic.

#7 | Posted by Corky at 2025-02-05 01:28 PM

Russia is Not A Western Colony. Full Stop.

Putin is not a great leader. He is petty and has stayed in power for too long.

But the Western Assault on Russian Sovereignty was stopped and reversed.

Russia controls its own destiny. It's not a pathetic Vassal like Western Europe is to American interests. NATO is a Noose around their necks.

Ukraine was Broken to prevent a Bigger War later.

Europe should be more Powerful and Independent than they are.

They are like Children being told how to be.

NATO is a velvet shackle.

#8 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2025-02-05 01:37 PM

Nato had turned Ukraine down multiple times, and had said it would be years before they could even be considered again.

They only ever sought entry to Nato after Russia attacked them in 2014.

Facts are not your strong point.

#9 | Posted by Corky at 2025-02-05 02:26 PM

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