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> When compared to modern day Russia, it's hard to argue we have the unquestionable moral high ground. It's very easy. Putin is a dictator and the Russians hav

> When compared to modern day Russia, it's hard to argue we have the unquestionable moral high ground. It's very easy. Putin is a dictator and the Russians have no democracy, undermine others, poison people, etc. The U.S. doesn't have clean hands, but there is no comparison.

boomboomsubban 9y ago
Democracy does not mean moral, though you posted this on the day of the Russian election. And though they're obviously rigged, the US one isn't some glorious opportunity for the will of the people to be heard either. As for your other two issues, the US has had no issue undermining elections for years, and runs a public assassination program in addition to anything that remains secret. There is a comparison, and both sides are awful.
- forapurpose 9y ago
  > Democracy does not mean moral Yes it does. Democracy (the concept) is moral because it gives self-determination and liberty to people. Of course, everything, including democracy, is very imperfect in execution. > the Russian election. And though they're obviously rigged, the US one isn't some glorious opportunity for the will of the people to be heard either. Again, there is no comparison. It's like saying Hitler and the U.S. both used internment camps in WWII, therefore they are morally equal.
  - boomboomsubban 9y ago
    Self-determination and liberty are not necessarily moral either. There have been moral despots and immoral democracies, there is more involved than that. >Again, there is no comparison. Yes, there is. On basic principle, the choice between two is not far better than one choice. Beyond that, some of the things done to rig American elections are worse than what Putin does. For example, in 68 Nixon interfered in Vietnam peace talks to ensure election. What would have happened without that is unclear, but it potentially cost hundreds of thousands of lives.

boomboomsubban 9y ago

Democracy does not mean moral, though you posted this on the day of the Russian election. And though they're obviously rigged, the US one isn't some glorious opportunity for the will of the people to be heard either. As for your other two issues, the US has had no issue undermining elections for years, and runs a public assassination program in addition to anything that remains secret. There is a comparison, and both sides are awful.

forapurpose 9y ago
> Democracy does not mean moral Yes it does. Democracy (the concept) is moral because it gives self-determination and liberty to people. Of course, everything, including democracy, is very imperfect in execution. > the Russian election. And though they're obviously rigged, the US one isn't some glorious opportunity for the will of the people to be heard either. Again, there is no comparison. It's like saying Hitler and the U.S. both used internment camps in WWII, therefore they are morally equal.
- boomboomsubban 9y ago
  Self-determination and liberty are not necessarily moral either. There have been moral despots and immoral democracies, there is more involved than that. >Again, there is no comparison. Yes, there is. On basic principle, the choice between two is not far better than one choice. Beyond that, some of the things done to rig American elections are worse than what Putin does. For example, in 68 Nixon interfered in Vietnam peace talks to ensure election. What would have happened without that is unclear, but it potentially cost hundreds of thousands of lives.