We keep hearing it from Vladimir Putin . . . and from Dmitry Medvedev . . . and Sergey Lavrov . . . and mad scientist Sergei Karaganov . . . and even madder philosopher Aleksandr Dugin . . . not to mention the irrepressible Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov:

It’s the none-too-subtle threat of a nuclear response if we dare to displease the man in the Kremlin.

And we think it all sounds too familiar because we keep hearing it, almost daily, from so many different voices — coming at us from all sides like a too-loud movie soundtrack in one of those shopping mall multiplex theaters.

But for those of us who have been around for a while, that’s not the only reason for the familiarity. Recognize this guy? . . .

Remember his famous quote? . . .

“We will bury you!”

For those of you under the age of 80 — which would undoubtedly be most of you — a little historical context might be in order:

On November 18, 1956, Khrushchev — then First Secretary of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) — was addressing a gathering of Western ambassadors at the Polish Embassy in Moscow. Part of his speech (as translated into English by his personal interpreter, Viktor Sukhodrev) has been quoted as follows:

“About the capitalist states, it doesn’t depend on you whether or not we exist. If you don’t like us, don’t accept our invitations, and don’t invite us to come to see you. Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you!” [Wikipedia]

Reportedly, the representatives from twelve NATO nations and Israel stood up and left the room.

Nearly 70 years later, the precise meaning of those words — “We will bury you” — is still being debated. Was it a threat of a nuclear attack? That was the most commonly accepted interpretation . . . as it is today, when considering the words of Putin and his henchmen.

*. *. *

And my point is . . . ?

Simply, that, in the sphere of international relations, some things never seem to change. After nearly 70 years, only the names on the doors are different.

You’d think we’d have learned by now.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
9/22/24