poliphilo

You do know why LJ is acting up, don't you? It's not because the goat's got it in for you. Really it's not. It's because LJ acts as a forum for political dissent in Russia and the bad guys are attacking it.

So it's not your fight. That's true. Or is it? "A quarrel in a far away place between people of whom we know nothing" Where have I heard that phrase before? Who said it?

Actually, I'm joshing you. I know perfectly well who said it and in what context. Someone who went on to become one of history's great jokes. If you don't know who it was, look it up. That's what your computer's for.

To educate yourself about the world. To make connections.

I'm not saying the Russian dissidents need you to stand shoulder to shoulder with them but mightn't you feel a little better about yourself if you did?

And while they don't exactly need you (but would be grateful for your company) it could be you need them. They're fighting to defend the liberties you so very cavalierly take for granted. You reckon those liberties are safe in the country where you happen to hang your hat? In the USA? in Britain? I wouldn't be too sure. No government- no matter how supposedly liberal or libertarian- ever did more than tolerate free speech.

The enemies are free speech are everywhere. And you're giving them encouragement. They'll be noticing the way you're behaving here and thinking how very, very soft you are.

Ripe for the taking.

I'm choosing my words very, very carefully- I don't want to cause unnecessary offence- but you may have gathered I'm actually more than a little disappointed in you.

Because, sheesh, no-one's asking you to man the barricades or risk a term in the gulag or anything like that, just hoping you'll stick around in friendly solidarity and put up with there being days when you'll find it difficult to post.

But, forgive me, I'm forgetting just how important your blogging is. God forbid the world should be denied regular briefings about your ever so important life. And your cat. Or was it a dog? Damn, I've already forgotten

I'll miss you.....

Now fuck off.