And yet, given the fact that Russians have shown no inclination to rise in support of the rule of law the way others rose to support King or Gandhi,
Hello? Hello? Gandhi and King succeeded with the strategies they used because they could rely on the law and centuries of English (and American) jurisprudence. Russia has nothing comparable – Putin can scoff at the “constitution” by appointing governors in direct contravention of it. Russian law is flexible at Putin’s will to say anything he wants.
Gandhi and King also had the support of a large free press, very influential on public opinion, and a citizenry which also recognized the the appeal of G & K to the legal system. Putin, immediately on attaining office, used crude and forceful means to shut down all independent media outlets, or to convert them into government flak offices. So what’s to inspire citizens to “rise in support of the rule of law”, when it’s a sure thing that Nemtsov’s position and aims will NOT be publicly aired?
Some folks take those centuries of English jurisprudence far too much for granted, particularly in writing articles that purport that other countries have the same sort of institutions. They don’t. In Russia, or Zimbabwe or Lebanon, it may be called “law” but it can be dealt with as if it were just a scrap of paper, and the biggest thug wins. Public opinion has dang little to do with it.
