Mr. Putin’s campaign against lesbian, gay and bisexual people is one of distraction, a strategy of demonizing a minority for political gain taken straight from the Nazi playbook. Can we allow this war against human rights to go unanswered? Although Mr. Putin may think he can control his creation, history proves he cannot: his condemnations are permission to commit violence against gays and lesbians….
Nevertheless, the rest of the world remains almost completely ignorant of Mr. Putin’s agenda…This must change. With Russia about to hold the Winter Games in Sochi, the country is open to pressure. American and world leaders must speak out against Mr. Putin’s attacks and the violence they foster. The Olympic Committee must demand the retraction of these laws under threat of boycott.
In 1936 the world attended the Olympics in Germany. Few participants said a word about Hitler’s campaign against the Jews. Supporters of that decision point proudly to the triumph of Jesse Owens, while I point with dread to the Holocaust and world war. There is a price for tolerating intolerance.”
— Tony Award-winning actor, playwright and national treasure Harvey Fierstein calling for action against Russia’s anti-gay laws in a New York Times Op-Ed.
TheMarc
Someone has finally appropriately compared a person/organization/country to the Nazis!! Putin is a hypocritical fascist who would throw the Berlin Wall back up in a heart beat and have tanks rolling through all of the former Soviet states to reclaim them today if it would not spark international outrage and World War 3. The Russians are doing what they can get away with. It’s going to take heaps of international pressure to get them to change course.
andy_d
As usual, Mr. Fierstein’s comments are well thought out and hit the mark precisely.
Shadeaux
Brilliantly stated. (BTW.., his name is Arnold!)
NateB79
@TheMarc: Totally. People are throwing around the Nazi comparison very loosely and too often these days.
Stache1
“There is a price for tolerating intolerance.” Well, put and always.
fredhotman
Russia is a country steeped in Gods given traditions of progroms.(murdering of minorities)
A land where oppression, suppression, repression is the norm and order of the day. Show trials are still popular. Lessee majeste( Putin ) can put you there. The church married to the state enforces every reactionary move. Russian LGBT persons are brave & courageous enduring a fascist dictatorship. Boycott Sochi!!!!!
Lcocci
Cannot agree more. I wish there was something more to do to stop it Now.