29 May 2024
How to explain why a former British Prime Minister and someone still active in political affairs, should attend a meeting in Washington and canvas for weapons to attack the Russian hinterland; and call the Azov Brigade, a well known neo-jazzy outfit, "heroes" And get the support of local political leaderships?
If Russia is such a threat and the potential for nuclear escalation is real, wouldn't it make sense for Europe to build its own defences, rather than encourage Ukraine to attack "the Beast"?
How to explain the appeal of the demagogue? The leader who takes power for himself by appealing to popular desires and prejudices, rather than through rational argument? The guy (for it is usually a man) exploits nationalistic, xenophobic or religious sentiments, he focuses on perceived threats from outside the group, in order to rally support for his often murderous policies, he unites the weak-headed (which is about 90% of the population) against a supposed common enemy, he creates a sense of unity and purpose based on hatred and fear.
All for his own personal gain, oblivious of the cost, and the damage, he does to the country's real interests.
The effect of an emotional-only appeal, a case built on false beliefs and values, is to further stir up the emotions of the crowd. This is pure demagoguery, by definition.
So this is just the demagogue, stirring up the madness of the crowd. Churchill was a great speaker like this, but he had a point. Can the same be said of 88 or Muscleleeni and the others like them, playing the crowd, like that evil Boris Johnson, or Bin Netanyaho.
All our leaders have their fingers in the pie in some way or another. All we can hope for is that "as we navigate through these crazy times", the people will come to realise how they've been had. And they will string up these guys, starting with the easiest, which is zollenski.... if they can catch him at the airport!
