President Putin's Speech - The Student Becomes The Teacher

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or USSR (more commonly known as the Soviet Union), was a constitutionally communist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991. It was often referred to as Russia, (incorrectly) which was its largest and dominant constituent state. From 1945 until its dissolution in 1991, it was one of the world's two superpowers, along with the United States, that dominated the global agenda of economic policy, foreign affairs, and military operations; this period was known as the Cold War. For decades the Soviet Union was considered a threat to the free world. Reports of civilians being arrested, detained and disappearing were common. Great spy movies were made reflecting the harsh brutality of the KGB. ‘Roughly, the KGB's operational domain encompassed functions and powers like those exercised by the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the counter-intelligence (internal security) division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Security Agency, the Federal Protective Service, and the Secret Service.’ According to wikipedia.org. The Red Army was the most feared and ominous threat to the planet. We in the West, were treated to all kinds of stories, movies and themes which featured the ‘bad’ often Robotic Russian conquering the world, but alas at the last moment they were always overcome by a ‘good ol’ boy, heroic’ American. The two superpowers wielding the armor of battle while all of humanity held their collective breath, was so much a part of our reality, that when the Berlin Wall fell there was almost an audible sigh of relief and wonder throughout the world. No longer would we live with the trepidation of who might have access to the unholy button of nuclear war. The end of the Cold War had an incredible impact on the peoples’ dreams of peace. Apparently it had a valuable lesson for Vladimir Putin. The KGB is no more. Although Russia is still working through the path to a true democracy, where should they look for a living example? President Putin says in part, “We are seeing a greater and greater disdain for the basic principles of international law. And independent legal norms are, as a matter of fact, coming increasingly closer to one state’s legal system. One state and, of course, first and foremost the United States, has overstepped its national borders in every way. This is visible in the economic, political, cultural and educational policies it imposes on other nations. Well, who likes this? Who is happy about this? In international relations we increasingly see the desire to resolve a given question according to so- called issues of political expediency, based on the current political climate. And of course this is extremely dangerous. It results in the fact that no one feels safe. I want to emphasise this – no one feels safe! Because no one can feel that international law is like a stone wall that will protect them. Of course such a policy stimulates an arms race.” As with many teachers who find their student’s wisdom threatening to their position, the response to this students observations and wisdom echoing back, is met with hostility. I find no bravado in Mr. Putin’s speech. No cocky arrogance. No heroics or delusions. What is clearly evident is a man who has understood the dream of freedom, democracy, fairness and equality. His comprehension of the obstacles to reaching the dream of peace, ending poverty, homelessness and independence for every nation is clear, concise and passionate. If this speech was delivered by Robert or John Kennedy, Martin Luther King, or anyone born into a free nation the response would likely be quite different. These are interesting times. The ideals of democracy are flailing in the wind all around the so called, ‘free world’ and the leader of Russia is standing firmly with the tenets of democracy, fairness and freedom and reading the lessons back to the teachers. Mr. Putin is chastising the teachers, for their pursuit of World domination. They talk freedom and democracy for all, yet they hold dreams of a super-world-order, using tactics reminiscent of the old USSR. Have we flipped? Have we become what we feared? Is it reasonable to respond with anger, to a cautionary speech, reminding those of us who often brag about our democratic freedom, that we are off the path? Is it wise to not heed the warning of those who see and are brave enough to speak? The planet is on a path of destruction, of that there are few who doubt. What an incredible opportunity for the world to embrace a man with real vision! There may be others like him, but few with the opportunity to be heard. Shall we listen? I wonder if we shall see any Canadian politicians with the vision and the strength to stand with Mr. Putin in his commitment for all of the people of the world? All who stand for these ideals are encouraged to read this speech. The Universal, Indivisible Character of Global Security - Complete Transcript of Presentation to Munich Security Conferencehttp://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=PUT20070211&articleId=4741 -10- Contact info: http://web.mac.com/whelancosten Ph: 403-660-0449 [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on February 14, 2007]

Note: http://www.globalresear... http://web.mac.com/whel...