Thanks for highlighting facts that are inconvenient to Russia-apologists.
Are these the same people that parroted Lavrov "we have no plans to invade Ukraine", that this was "Western propaganda" and, after Russia had launched its invasion "Russia has not invaded Ukraine"? Are these the same people who'd say "never again" when it's Germany, but are OK if it's Russia? Austria and Germany were actually one nation, right? Well at least according to Germany's leader. Russia and Ukraine 1 nation? Sure, again according to the invader. Oh yes and lest we forget: "No one wants to fight for Ukraine!". How's that working out for you Vlad-the-would-be-impaler?
Is this, the Putin useful Western idiots, Trump, resurgent populism, the result of the West's lack of investment in education and critical thinking? Have we become such fodder for dangerous opportunistic populists, because we feel disempowered and lack the skills to differentiate between reason and emotional rants? To differentiate between complex reality and idiotic, destructive fairy-tales? Is this why a figure like Trump, who is such a caricature of a dumb, ranting idiot (but useful to a certain section of the ultra-rich elite) gets so much leeway?
The lack of widespread critical thinking is the perfect platform for the grandiose narcissistic leader who will lead us into catastrophe when their delusions finally and utterly clash with reality as the string between reality and delusion finally snaps and millions have died.
Why? Because people, like Mulder in the X-Files, "want to believe". And they want to believe in a strong, just, powerful, direct, man (mostly) of action. Critical thinking goes out the door (if it even was inside). Critical thinking, facts, logic, analysis, perspectives,....that just ain't inspiring, just hard work, and puts responsibility on my shoulders. Let's join the gang that makes me feel good instead.
The West not only ruined its military might by not investing, more importantly, it degraded its most important asset: the ability of its people to think clearly and thus make good decisions. This results in voters choosing bad leadership and bad leadership making bad decisions (at least for their voters, maybe not for themselves). NATO's current poor strategic position is a result of this under investment in its people. The elites fare well with it.
