Invoking Vaclav Havel, he said it was time to stop pretending that what the western powers called a rules-based order was not a self-serving sham.

“Great powers can afford, for now, to go it alone. They have the market size, the military capacity and the leverage to dictate terms. Middle powers do not. But when we only negotiate bilaterally with a hegemon, we negotiate from weakness. We accept what’s offered. We compete with each other to be the most accommodating,” he said

“Being a happy vassal is one thing, being a miserable slave is something else,” he said.

“If you back down now, you’re going to lose your dignity, and that’s probably the most precious thing you can have in a democracy, it’s your dignity.”

  • Doomsider@lemmy.world
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    4 days ago

    To keep the status quo of ever widening income gaps and growing fascism a banker of course.

    Revolution requires people not invested in keeping a system that serves wealthy and their favorite proxy, the corporation, exclusively.

        • RaskolnikovsAxe@lemmy.ca
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          2 days ago

          It would properly express the respect I have for this conversation. Oh well, use your imagination.

              • Doomsider@lemmy.world
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                1 day ago

                I don’t know. I mean as a dismissive element using crude humor is certainly effective. I can respect that to for what it is.

                Was it funny in this context? I think you believe it was.

                My reply was humourous to me because I imaged you as some pig human corporate shill shitting themself when they hear the truth. Not because they actually care, of course, but just because they felt the need to evacuate their bowels at that moment. Also letting out a series of progressively louder grunts mixed with squeals while the business is conducted.

                • RaskolnikovsAxe@lemmy.ca
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                  1 day ago

                  You’re overthinking it buddy. It’s a fart, it’s funny.

                  If you feel like you need to understand me to make it funny, then fill yer boots.

                  Edit honestly if you don’t find farts funny then you’re a loser because you’re choosing to have less joy in your life but the exact same amount of farts.