I usually don’t waste my time with babble but Daniel Silva’s “President Obama and a 3 am Phone Call about Russia” struck a cord. It’s just another example that Russia is one thing American liberals and conservatives can embrace over.
Silva’s argument is simple. “Russia is now a fascist country,” he writes. He hopes soon to be President Obama takes this assertion to heart and “uses his first meeting with Russia’s leader–whether it be Putin or the diminutive Dmitri Medvedev–to deliver a clear and sobering message. Russia can no longer have it both ways. If Russia wants to be a member of the club–that is to say, the civilized world–then it must act like a member of the club.” Oh, God.
I admit it. I read the HuffPost. I enjoy its entertainment reporting and links to newspaper articles. Plus, I kinda have a crush on political cougar Arriana Huffington. I rarely indulge in its political commentary, though. It’s Obama deification is downright annoying. So much so I sometimes feel my bowels struggling to keep my lunch down after even glancing at its gushing pro-Obama headlines. All the hoopla over the New Yorker Obama cover is just one example of how many liberals have forgotten how to laugh (if they ever knew how to) even when the joke is aimed at their political enemies. Get a clue people. This man is not the second coming. He’s not John Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy, MLK or any other American liberal folk hero. He’s a Democrat and history has shown that the Democrats are pretty damn good, some say even better than the Republicans, at managing American empire.
A telling sign of this is the fact that once again the American presidential debate is not about dismantling the empire but a contest over who will manage it better. Given how the HuffPost is flaunting Obama’s Mideast voyage and how Arab leaders are flocking to speak with the prez hopeful, you’d think that people actually believe all of the Bush Administration’s dirty deeds will simply vanish as soon as Obama sets the imperial crown on his head. I’m not one to make predictions, but I will stick my neck out and predict this: It’s not gonna happen. After all, its not like the Democrats have clean hands in all this. . .
I know, I know, I’m digressing. But I needed to say it, especially to those who might consider me an Obamamaniac.
As for Daniel Silva, he’s just kinda dumb and not even in a charming way. Silva, who is a novelist by trade, has a new book out called Moscow Rules, which according to a blurb on Amazon is an espionage novel and “searing cautionary tale about the new threats rising to the East.” If his storytelling skills are anything like his commentary, Moscow Rules will certainly be a fanciful tale chalk full of sneaky Russians hiding in shadowy alleys look to spring evil on unsuspecting defenders of the free world. I certainly won’t be running to the bookstore. I read enough pulp fiction about Russia from the academic presses.
So does Silva. Or so it seems. His main source of knowledge about Russian affairs comes from a recent “research” trip to Russia and Edward Lucas’ The New Cold War. As for the former, Silva clearly learned nothing. His impressions are sloppy regurgitations of often repeated Western commentary. Complete with observations like: The FSB/KGB “have infiltrated the top ranks of Russia’s government;” “the organization that oversaw the Great Terror, administered the Gulag Archipelago, and locked dissidents away in psychiatric hospitals, is now running Russia;” “Russia would like its empire back. Putin made that abundantly clear in 2005, when, in his state of the nation speech, he referred to the collapse of the Soviet Union as “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the twentieth century.” Russia is once more attempting to project power. It is using its new found energy muscle to bully and blackmail its weaker neighbors;” “The print media, lively during the Yeltsin years, has also been brought to heel;” and “Any Russian brave enough, or foolish enough, to confront the regime runs the risk of being arrested, beaten, or even killed.” You get the picture.
As for his second “source,” okay granted, I haven’t read Lucas’ book nor will I. His reporting in the Economist and elsewhere is far more bile than I can stomach. Silva apparently buys Lucas’ belief that danger is brewing in the East. Not the east-east, i.e. China, but the good old Cold War east, i.e. Russia. Perhaps even more scary is that Silva thinks that though Lucas’ “sky is falling” rants might be a bit premature, they nevertheless could serve as a Russia primer for Emperor Obama:
And though it would be alarmist for President Obama to start talking about a new Cold War, Edward Lucas, a reporter for the Economist, argues in a persuasive and passionate new book–titled, interestingly enough, The New Cold War–that Russia is already waging it. Lucas warns that the United States and Europe must set aside their differences over Iraq and resuscitate the old Atlantic alliance in order to confront the new threat rising in the East. The Kremlin will attempt to divide any such coalition with its oil and its money, Lucas predicts, but Western European countries must steadfastly resist the temptation to betray the alliance for thirty pieces of Russian silver. Good luck trying to sell that strategy to Russia’s special friends in Germany and Italy.
Ooooh! Good reference to the Axis Powers! All updated and repacked for a new generation! Germany-Italy-Russia! Where did you get that? The History Channel? I wonder if its in his book . . .
But that is not all. He concludes,
Better to challenge the bear now, while it is still a paper one. It might keep that White House telephone from ringing at three o’clock in the morning. And President Obama might be able to get some much-needed sleep.
What a boob. Well, Silva should be happy that Obama has Michael McFaul at his side to advise him in such affairs. His hopes just might come true.
Indeed. In fact, I believe I was arguing that “casual” dress was a signifier of American hegemony, and that by dressing well, we subvert it. I was talking about women wearing heels, but men in suits is comparable. Keep up the good work, Tim!
Tim, I respect the Brits for their stiff upper lips and non-functioning sweat glands, which I observed firsthand on the (un-air-conditioned) Tube last summer. I couldn’t understand how the guys could wear dress shirts w/no undershirts and not sweat through them in 30 seconds flat in that sauna. Must be something about growing up British.
But (“spot the Brit”) no American ever calls it “smart casual,” everyone in the Lower 48 knows it’s “business casual.” “Smart casual” is a London adaptation which has no doubt made it to other places with a preponderance of British expats.
BTW, just so that no one concludes I’m a casual-dressing hegemon, I wore a suit and tie to the office every day (even Fridays) for the whole time I worked in Moscow (3 1/2 years) and wouldn’t have dressed any other way. But the weather there makes it easy.
Isn’t “American hegemony” totally, like, 2003?
Apparently, instead of going to do research in Moscow (as ‘poemless’ suggested), Obama went to give a lecture in Berlin. Why Berlin? Did he want to resurrect the ghosts of Cold War? Or did he decide it his mission to bury those ghosts (even before assuming Presidency)? What was he thinking? He called “people of the world” to tear down all walls that “divide us” (Pink Floyd was not there to provide background). Seriously, what was that all about?
Hey, it’s perfectly fine if a man wants to wear a tie and a suit or a woman wants to walk with high heels and make up. What I don’t understand (even though I’m 53), is why obligate other people to do it? Or why comfortable but clean casual attire should convey “lack of seriousness” or “disrespect” as some people claim? If anything, although I have plenty of friends who are comfortable with such attire, suits and ties are more of a symbol of conservative bourgeois conventionality.
And my dislike of suits and ties have nothing to do with being American. That’s a silly idea. I probably caught the anti-tie bug from my father and he lived in the US only during the last nine years of his life. Just the way he wanted, he was buried without a tie. He didn’t have a tie even during the open casket service inside a Russian Orthodox Church. In addition, although I have never been to Israel, judging from the pictures I’ve seen, most of the first generation of Israeli leaders did most of their state business without wearing those silly things around their necks.
“Apparently, instead of going to do research in Moscow (as ‘poemless’ suggested), Obama went to give a lecture in Berlin. Why Berlin?”
Because Karl Marx was German, and Obama is a Marxist.
BTW, is it really depressing that I’ve been spending the first few hours of my birthday drinking beer and watching old Squeeze videos on youtube?
Damn they were a good band. I wish I lived in Britain in 1970.
1979. Pardon for the misspell.
Chris.
And drinking expensive pivo would raise you selfesteem …
You promised to spend your x-day in Iceland! What’s up? It’s cool here
db.
What is your rank, son?
Private Chris says he has no money and so must spend his birthday watching old Squeeze and Public Image Limited videos.
PS is it a sign of age that I think that postpunk was the best musical genre ever, or is it just true?
Who cares what Chavez said?
he did it in Venezuelian anyway. Someone translated it to Russian then all the mess happened. Same classical story of Khruschev and “мы вас переживем”.
Chavez is the president and has the right to waste his country’s money as he wishes (as any other presidents, right?).
I understand that Germany would be happy to sell him 10 U-boats. But can’t. France would be happy to sell him 100 Mirages but can’t. So US could blame only its own stupidity that all money go to…Russia!
As to US missile schit in Europe – this is pure US matter. As French and UK nuclear forces are not part of NATO’s structure.
PS. US doesn’t have any problem to intercept Iranian missiles right now. Not saying that Iranians are not idiots to use them (as they know how toothless their “strategic missiles” are and will be for a long time).
I don’t have musical taste and bear stepped on my ears when I was kid – so I have no idea, private Chris. Dismissed.
Sorry…
Congratulation!!!!
*is it a sign of age that I’ve started to forget everything?*
PS. I’ll drink Icelandic cool pivo for you, private!
I blame Pugacheva.
Thank you, corporal Ivanov! I and my postpunk legions will be at your service!
Happy birthday, Chris!!
“Who cares what Chavez said?”
A lot of Venezuelans do.
“he did it in Venezuelian anyway.”
??
“Chavez is the president and has the right to waste his country’s money as he wishes (as any other presidents, right?)”
No, definitely not.
In any event, Chavez has been a disaster for Venezuela, but, to be fair, he’s not a tyrant. At least not yet. And maybe never. He made the presidency much stronger and extended the number of years and terms someone can be president, but so far he has not managed to become a dictator.
Don’t give in to hate, Chrisius Maximus. That leads to the Dark Side.
Kolya.
)) Or don’t they?
Everyone knows that in Venezuela they speak Venezuelian
Venezuelans elected Chavez – thus they gave him the right to spend their money. This is called democracy.
)
But do you think (as US citizen) that Russian weapons in Venezuelans hands are the threat to US?
PS. If you count very seriously everything Bush said – Chavez might look like philosopher.
No, Chavez’s weapon buying spree is not a threat to the US. In addition, the Venezuelan army being what it is, Colombia has nothing to worry about. It’s a waste of Venezuelan resources and, with all those Kalashnikovs, perhaps a threat to Venezuelan citizens.
Although Chavez is not a dictator, he would not have the free rein he has with all that oil money if Venezuela were to be a more or less normally functioning democracy (say, like the US, Canada, Western Europe, and even Chile and Argentina, among other nations.)
I couldn’t understand how the guys could wear dress shirts w/no undershirts and not sweat through them in 30 seconds flat in that sauna.
To be fair, I’ve taken to wearing an undershirt beneath an office shirt since I have lived in the Middle East. It is far cheaper sweating into and ruining undershirts than double-cuff Marks & Spencer cotton work shirts.
What I don’t understand (even though I’m 53), is why obligate other people to do it? Or why comfortable but clean casual attire should convey “lack of seriousness” or “disrespect” as some people claim?
I don’t understand why a bare-lipped British officer serving in Victoria’s armies would have been laughed out of the regiment, but the British have always judged people on their appearances. Which, incidentally, doesn’t stop the average Brit looking like a sack of shit tied about the middle.
Thank you, very much, James for enlightening me about that particular “Oligarch” and his relationship with both McCain and Putin. It is indeed a fascinating subject with many real life applications.
Tim Newman: “It is far cheaper sweating into and ruining undershirts than double-cuff Marks & Spencer cotton work shirts.”
Could somebody please explain to me how tank top undershirts work. It’s my pits that are sweating right now here in Krasnodar. How does a sleeveless undershirt help block the sweat from hitting my dressshirt (recently converted to short-sleeve at the local old lady tailor).
Somebody educate me please! (I’m only half joking here). Help please…….
BTW, I now wear linen exclusively on +90 days but I still need to spend some more time here before I go with the white patent leather perforated pointy-toed Adigeyan dress shoes.
Chrisius, put on a English Beat (Mirror in the bathroom) CD when you’re through with Squeeze.
“Chrisius, put on a English Beat (Mirror in the bathroom) CD when you’re through with Squeeze.”
Damn, Tim, I listened to the English Beat over and over when I was a teenager! How did you know?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGi21-Bq9y0
Chris,
Happy Birth-yesterday, I hope the hangover is not too bad. How old are you by the way?
We are very close to personal harassment, guys.
What is your age?
What do you wear under?
There is no rules for democracy. Even in the Bible.
I know one country that has been wasting trillions for last 5 years. And in a very democratic way by the way
Happy Birthday Chris!! Hope you had a good one. Did you get out for a few drinks?
”What do you wear under?”
Mate of mine (male) wears thongs. His wife makes him!:-)
Happy Birthday Chris!
How old are you? Considering you think post punk is the best genre ever, I’m guessing you’re too young to be worrying about your age.
Hey, what do you think about the anti-emo legislation?
I am 20, um, 38.
Ooooh, more great music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylOCIP54PIQ
This kids today and their Radiohead! Harrumph.
anti-emo legislation?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/jul/22/russian.emo
They should have done this with hippies.
OK, here’s my final bit of nostalgia-indulgence. God I love this song
: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNh-IAXaB7I
Three cheers for New England!
Chrisius:
I’m 39 years old so I guess that answers our youthful musical tastes. Don’t forget “Talking Heads” Stop Making Sense and Little Creatures.
Anybody ever hear of some guy named Daniel Silva…. he wrote something about Russia but I forget what he said?
I saw a Komsomol document from 1985 in which the Talking Heads were described as spreading “a lie about the Soviet military threat.” I suppose they were talking about “Life During Wartime.”
Chrisius:
”I’m 39 years old so I guess that answers our youthful musical tastes. Don’t forget “Talking Heads” Stop Making Sense and Little Creatures.
Anybody ever hear of some guy named Daniel Silva…. he wrote something about Russia but I forget what he said?”
Yes and its starting to show lads. Pair of cranky old bastards already! Unlike the youthful Guillory, Newman, Lyndon, Kolya and myself! Cheer up lads. Mike Averko is 44, unless I’m mistaken.
“Anybody ever hear of some guy named Daniel Silva…. he wrote something about Russia but I forget what he said?”
Something about Zemphira, I think… mostly positive, but with some reservations.
Speaking of feeling old, we’ve got a 19-year-old British girl staying with us (get your minds out of the gutter, people). She never heard of the Smiths. I couldn’t frackin’ believe it. How is this possible?
She likes them though, and is copying my CD.
Sean, I believe that David Remnick was genuinely surprised about how easily people misinterpreted the satire behind the New Yorker cover with Obama in the Oval Office. At the same time, his surprise struck me as naive. I love spoofs and jokes, but in my own life, time and again I’ve seen how easily people misinterpret my own humor (even people who otherwise have a great sense of humor). But I’m not The New Yorker. My jokes (whether they are successful, fall flat, or are misinterpreted) only affect a tiny circle of people.
Here is a brief article from a cognitive scientist precisely on this very topic (the New Yorker cover and satire):
http://chronicle.com/free/v54/i47/47b01301.htm