Russo-Ukrainian War 2014-25

[Grey Fox]

It was a good one. I appreciated it.

[grumbler]

Americans knowing more than 1 language challenge: impossible.

Someone's been triggered!   

[grumbler]

You also don't have to participate in all conversations.

I reckon that, if it was a conversation they wanted me in on, they'd ensure that it was in a language in which I could effectively communicate.  I don't mind being left out if that's what they want.

I've always been of two minds when dealing with someone who is bilingual, while I am unilingual.

I've been there when I enter a group of people all speaking a second language (in this case French) who now all feel obligated to switch to English to talk to each other - even though their first language is all French.  And I feel bad that just one anglo has to affect a whole bunch of people.

But there's also the exchange above - I'm not going to complain that you're talking in French, but you're also clearly not trying to communicate with me so I just ignore it.

Jesus Christ guys. Duque was just asking me which link for the documentary Jacob posted worked. We weren't having some secret anti-rosbif convention.

You all get so triggered...

You are quoting the most un-triggered exchange possible, so I think we know who is triggered. 

[Zoupa]

ok boomer 

[Tamas]

Just to get a feel for the Russian elections: https://x.com/Tendar/status/1769045682415947923?s=20

[Josquius]

If I were a head of state, I'd have congratulated Putin on his election victory with 107% of the vote sometime yesterday.

One of many reasons I cant be a head of state I suppose.

[Solmyr]

If I were a head of state, I'd have congratulated Putin on his election victory with 107% of the vote sometime yesterday.

One of many reasons I cant be a head of state I suppose.

EU President Charles Michel did it on Friday. https://www.politico.eu/article/charles-michel-congratulate-vladimir-putin-landslide-win-voting-russia-election/

[Caliga]

I wonder why Putin bothers with the elections.  There can't be one person who seriously believes Russians had a choice here?  What's the point?

[Valmy]

I wonder why Putin bothers with the elections.  There can't be one person who seriously believes Russians had a choice here?  What's the point?

It is a legitimizing ritual.

[celedhring]

Yeah, dictatorships nearly always maintain some fig leaf of democratic legitimacy. Even Franco held elections.

[Caliga]

I wonder why Putin bothers with the elections.  There can't be one person who seriously believes Russians had a choice here?  What's the point?

It is a legitimizing ritual.

I understand that, I just don't see what the point is.  Just so if someone dares question his legitimacy, he can say 'Oh but we have elections, comrade!"

[Tamas]

I wonder why Putin bothers with the elections.  There can't be one person who seriously believes Russians had a choice here?  What's the point?

It is a legitimizing ritual.

I understand that, I just don't see what the point is.  Just so if someone dares question his legitimacy, he can say 'Oh but we have elections, comrade!"

We could also ask why medieval kings bothered with coronation ceremonies. (we could also ask why in 2023 there are coronation ceremonies but let's not go there)

[crazy canuck]

I wonder why Putin bothers with the elections.  There can't be one person who seriously believes Russians had a choice here?  What's the point?

It is a legitimizing ritual.

I understand that, I just don't see what the point is.  Just so if someone dares question his legitimacy, he can say 'Oh but we have elections, comrade!"

That is the whole point of a legitimizing ritual.

edit:  Tamas said it better.

[Barrister]

I wonder why Putin bothers with the elections.  There can't be one person who seriously believes Russians had a choice here?  What's the point?

It is a legitimizing ritual.

I understand that, I just don't see what the point is.  Just so if someone dares question his legitimacy, he can say 'Oh but we have elections, comrade!"

Exactly!  You westerners are in no position to complain about us - we both are elected governments.

[Valmy]

I wonder why Putin bothers with the elections.  There can't be one person who seriously believes Russians had a choice here?  What's the point?

It is a legitimizing ritual.

I understand that, I just don't see what the point is.  Just so if someone dares question his legitimacy, he can say 'Oh but we have elections, comrade!"

The same point having a coronation serves a Monarchy. It gives everybody a chance to show up and kiss the ring and demonstrate how much the people love Putin. All Russians, REAL Russians, support Putin. It also helps to convince his opponents that they are unpopular and alone.