xjwsforChrist

May you all have peace!

My current business contract involves interaction with a LOT of Russian Jews (immigrants), all of whom are over 60, most over 70. Most speak little or no English, but they're pretty cool (especially the little couples - LOLOL!). Yesterday, I had to do paperwork for an elderly (91 years old) man with Parkinson's, so his 60-something year old son, who speaks pretty good English helped. And, of COURSE, I wasn't going to take advantage of the opportunity to ask the gentleman HIS opinion/POV, not just because he is Russian... but also a JEW (in light of dear ANOMOS' recent posts about the Nazi-led Israeli troops in the Ukraine, etc.). Here is what the gentlemen, who was VERY astute, intelligent, and kindly, told me:

1. There is NOTHING BAD going on over there. NOTHING. For MOST, what is occurring is GOOD. Hence, the recent Crimean vote (where most Crimeans WANT to return to Russian possession).

2. The Ukraine is in a MESS... due to the last four "presidents"... and they ARE asking for Putin's intervention, as is Crimea. Unfortunately, certain factions... the Facists... took advantage of the recent ousting to jump in and take over. BUT... NO ONE in the Ukraine, save the FEW Facists/Nazis there (as they are everywhere)... wants them in power. Even SO... given the death toll the LAST time Facists were in power (upwards of 30 million), not only Putin, but NO Russian will allow Facists to remain in power... and THAT is why Putin is getting involved: neither the Ukraine, the Crimea, OR Russian want... or will tolerate... a Facist leadership.

3. He (and many Jews like him) believe Mr. Putin is doing a GREAT job, that he knows what he's doing and, unlike the US, just doesn't go around announcing it beforehand. Not that he took issue with the US; they LOVE the US, although they don't under its (way of doing) politics.

He said that "in the end," what is happening over there now is GOOD: the Ukraine will come out independent, but stronger, BECAUSE of Russia's help, and the Crimea will blossom as part of Russia (which they all hope for).

I asked if, as a Jew, he felt stronger toward Russia or Israel (given the alliance between the US and Israel/animosity between US and Russia). He said the US animosity is nothing more than leftovers from the Cold War, that Russia is NOTHING like it was but that the US can't seem to move forward in their thinking about that. They still harbor feelings of "KGB-ism", etc. Even so, he said that while he is a Jew... Russian Jews are Russians FIRST, as American Jews are Americans first, Israeli Jews are Israelis first, Polish Jews are Polish, etc. He said no one really pays attention to Israel - it's not as formidable/powerful over there as it appears to be HERE... because over there, it's actually considered a very tiny (government, as well as piece of real estate).

He did NOT think it was "bad" that the US was opining/might interfere over there; he felt that the US HAVING an opinion, etc., opens the way to dialogue which might not otherwise occur.

His bottom line? He is hoping that the U.S. AND Russia take over the world, that the two "very dynamic and intelligent superpowers would be GOOD for the world, not bad."

Wait... maybe THAT's the "beast" thingy the WTBTS means! NOT the "Anglo-American"... but a "Ruso-American" one! That certainly would explain where that other "wind" went... and why! LOT of Jews in Russia/that area!

I like to get information from those who (might) know regarding these things, just so's to have a different facet to look at. Not that this gentleman (or any I speak with) was right or anything, but it was kinda nice to get some input from someone actually FROM the region. I did the same with a taxi drive from Afghanistan, a ballerina friend from Iran, and a resident from Iraq. One of the gentlemen I recently met in my work is former KGB. Man, you shoulda SEEN his face when, after reviewing his papers, I asked him: "Are you former KGB?" He looked at me as if he KNEW I was going to deride him - not scared, just sorta "C'mon, get it over with - spit on me already!" He looked me straight in the eye and reluctantly nodded. When I said, "COOL!"... his whole demeanor changed! He blushed and laughed... and we finished the review - LOLOLOL!

Ennywho, just wanted to share. I'm sure I missed something (we discussed so much) but if I remember, I'll add it.

Peace!

A slave of Christ,

Shellamar

Hello Shel

Thank you for sharing your conversations with older people from different backgrounds. It was very enjoyable to read. It reminded me of how I use to enjoy talking to older people. Didn't realize I had stopped until now.

Thanks

Your brother in Christ

But you missed China.

Thanks for info, very cool interview.

Ohhh, China's on my radar, dear ANOMOS (peace to you, and pun totally intended - LOLOL!). Several of my client's clients are elderly Chinese, both Mandarin and Cantonese. Just haven't run into one that speaks English well enough for an in-depth discussion. Once I do, though...

And HOLA to you, too, dear FC (peace to you, my dear brother!). I cannot say that it was about speaking to someone older - the gentleman just happened to BE older... but he was SO easy to talk to about the things I was curious about I couldn't help it. I was a COMMS major and learned, in one of my journalism classes (taught by a regular contributor to the New Yorker and Atlantic Weekly, that due to the "clear and present danger" laws, the government controls the media during wartime. Since we are still in Afghanistan, etc., it is still "wartime." Even so, the US media isn't always forthcoming... accurate... or, under certain circumstances, even TRYING to be truthful - LOLOL! So, I like my information from "horses' mouths" if I can get it that way. Then I compare it to what I hear on cable news/read in the paper/online, etc.

Peace, my bruthas!

Your servant and a slave of Christ,

Shellamar