The following quote from the late Russian dissident Alexei Navalny refers, of course, to his own country, and specifically to Vladimir Putin. But I have chosen it today because it is so clearly applicable to every authoritarian leader, anywhere in the world. Take from it what you will:

“A serious political leader cannot simply decide to turn his back on a huge number of his fellow citizens because he personally dislikes their views. That is why we must create a situation where everybody is able to participate on an equal footing in fair and free elections, competing with each other. . . . Without question, those who organize pogroms should be called to account, but people need to be given the opportunity to demonstrate legally and express their opinions, however much you may dislike them.”

– Alexey Navalny, “Patriot: A Memoir”

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
6/5/26