Hi Foxy,
Ah, I see you found it, I don't know how I missed that link earlier.

"But Russian lives have been sacrificed by their leaders for centuries."

I'm not in any way trying to defend the Soviets.
But I think in WWII they probably did the world a service with the Nazis.
This is one of the reasons Russia are very sensitive about the thought of Nazis and enemies on their doorstep.
They've paid a huge price several times before.

Hi AC,

I have a very close connection both to the Russian and
German people.

My beloved Gran was Russian. She taught me the language,
Taught me the old songs, myths, legends, instilled in
me the love of literature and Russian authors. One of my
daughters-in-law is of Russian ancestry. (The other
of German). My grandfather
was in the Tsar's army. My mum spoke Russian. My father
was fluent in German. So there's
a very deep connection with both.

It's the regimes that sucked. And for their own people.

There's an interesting link from The Sydney Morning Herald
discussing what banning neo-Nazi symbols would mean.
According to the author banning the symbols would give
them a platform, attract publicity, give them strength,
and the ability to attract more recruits. In other words
it would give them what they want. Including the headlines
they're after.

Whereas, leaving them alone would be the equivalent of
not paying attention to people carrying placards that read
"I'm a Moron!" No one would take them seriously.

Here's the link:

http://smh.com.au/national/banning-neo-nazis-will-give-them-exactly-what-they-want-20230607-p5deqx.html

Armchair Critic

"But I think in WWII they probably did the world a service with the Nazis. This is one of the reasons Russia are very sensitive about the thought of Nazis and enemies on their doorstep. They've paid a huge price several times before."

The Russian people suffered two catastrophic world wars with Germany in a little over 20 years. Millions upon millions of Russians died on home soil, the country was decimated, in WWII I think 20 million Russians perished. The Soviet regime had no option other than to create a buffer zone of vanquished enemies between themselves and the West, the Russian people demanded it. There was no way the Russians could trust the West, Russia can't trust the West today, look at Ukraine.

Hey Foxy,

Since we're talking about symbols

How about I put these 'Z's' into the thread

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Now, my question -
Would you support the government banning my display of Pro-Russian symbolism?

If so, (assuming you support banning Soviet symbolism) - why?
What would be the aim of banning my 'Z's'?

And how do you expect this all to work?
Police come and arrest me for posting a 'Z'?
Is this the world you want?

Also does anyone know the answer to this.
Lets say NAZI and Hamas flags are banned.
Is it also against the law to display them at home, for arguments sake not in a window where the public could see it?
(Not planning on doing it, just curious)

Hi Soap Box

"...in WWII I think 20 million Russians perished."
- might've been a few more...

"There was no way the Russians could trust the West, Russia can't trust the West today, look at Ukraine."
- The US going back on their word after the fall of the USSR to not expand NATO eastwards was a huge breach of trust.
What message did it send to Russia other than that it is still viewed by the West as an enemy?

Stephen F. Cohen: NATO expansion and Russia
http://youtu.be/mciLyG9iexE

Alastair Crooke: Does the West Believe it is Morally Superior?
http://www.youtube.com/live/nW_vxfYqURI

People need to go back and listen to what 'Old School' diplomats say.

I'm the only person who openly supports Russia on the forum.
I think it frustrates and annoys many of the others.
But we're a democracy and the others probably need to be reminded now and again that it means it's ok for people to hold differing opinions.