For a political activist in the US, what's a good guide to focusing 2024 efforts? Is there a way to crosscheck most Putin-friendly GOP congresspeople against their vulnerability?
I recently read with interest your 2023 Year in Review. As there was no mention of the arrest by the Russians of WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich in March of 2023 I wanted to ask you to share your views on that 2023 event. Evan is an excellent journalist known for bravely poking the Russian bear. Although most press coverage of his arrest would have one believe that he was somewhat randomly selected to be “traded” by the Russians at some future date there is clearly a great deal more going on here. Evan’s Oct 26, 2020 Moscow Times article [In Russia, ‘There’s Nothing to Hide’: A Phone Call With One of Putin’s Closest Friends] certainly did not escape the personal attention of Vladimir Putin or Swiss banking regulators. The article engagingly presents the money laundering operation of Putin confident Sergei Roldugin, the man known in some circles as “Putin’s wallet”. Somewhat amusingly, Roldugin’s operation involved the purchase of overpriced musical instruments. Among them was a violin which may be the most expensive Stradivarius ever purchased. I highly recommend Evan’s article.
The sentencing of the Russian money launderers last March by the Swiss (Roldugin’s name was on the account but he was safely ensconced in Russia) was followed mere minutes later by Evan’s arrest. Putin is reported to have personally “monitored” the entire operation. This was revenge served cold.
The wall of silence surrounding the true reason for Evan’s arrest will not serve to protect Evan. It will only protect Putin and encourage more of the same. The news media and the US Government should not be standing by silently as Tucker Carlson brings Putin into our living rooms. They should be loudly presenting Evan’s true story in the hope that Putin prefers not to have his money laundering operation constantly in the spotlight.
Silence will only insure that Evan spends many more years in Russian custody while the American public remains dreadfully uninformed. We should be making noise. Lots of noise. That is what Evan would do.
What's with the equivocation here? Why not place the blame Republicans who deserve it? I don't get you.
"Note to Congress: Ukraine aid is not charity but serves critical U.S. interests.” I was disappointed that Congress did not approve a new assistance package last fall. I hope they get it done right away in the new year."
For a political activist in the US, what's a good guide to focusing 2024 efforts? Is there a way to crosscheck most Putin-friendly GOP congresspeople against their vulnerability?
Good question. Let me do some research
I recently read with interest your 2023 Year in Review. As there was no mention of the arrest by the Russians of WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich in March of 2023 I wanted to ask you to share your views on that 2023 event. Evan is an excellent journalist known for bravely poking the Russian bear. Although most press coverage of his arrest would have one believe that he was somewhat randomly selected to be “traded” by the Russians at some future date there is clearly a great deal more going on here. Evan’s Oct 26, 2020 Moscow Times article [In Russia, ‘There’s Nothing to Hide’: A Phone Call With One of Putin’s Closest Friends] certainly did not escape the personal attention of Vladimir Putin or Swiss banking regulators. The article engagingly presents the money laundering operation of Putin confident Sergei Roldugin, the man known in some circles as “Putin’s wallet”. Somewhat amusingly, Roldugin’s operation involved the purchase of overpriced musical instruments. Among them was a violin which may be the most expensive Stradivarius ever purchased. I highly recommend Evan’s article.
The sentencing of the Russian money launderers last March by the Swiss (Roldugin’s name was on the account but he was safely ensconced in Russia) was followed mere minutes later by Evan’s arrest. Putin is reported to have personally “monitored” the entire operation. This was revenge served cold.
The wall of silence surrounding the true reason for Evan’s arrest will not serve to protect Evan. It will only protect Putin and encourage more of the same. The news media and the US Government should not be standing by silently as Tucker Carlson brings Putin into our living rooms. They should be loudly presenting Evan’s true story in the hope that Putin prefers not to have his money laundering operation constantly in the spotlight.
Silence will only insure that Evan spends many more years in Russian custody while the American public remains dreadfully uninformed. We should be making noise. Lots of noise. That is what Evan would do.
Your thoughts?
What's with the equivocation here? Why not place the blame Republicans who deserve it? I don't get you.
"Note to Congress: Ukraine aid is not charity but serves critical U.S. interests.” I was disappointed that Congress did not approve a new assistance package last fall. I hope they get it done right away in the new year."
fair point
Thanks for replying. That means a lot.