History was likely not his strong point, especially Eastern Europe history and he isn’t alone. Probably even worse for people younger than Rota. Long term pollies have good handlers who know stuff.
While I agree with this point and others saying it was an unintentional “blunder” and so on, I just can’t believe it actually happened. I don’t think I can express my feelings in any coherent way.
There was at least one politician on the floor who must have all kinds of lights going on in her mind when the Speaker was talking. I take it as a given that she didn’t participate and was not asked about what was to come. You well know the lady behind Justin:
For those who do not, she is our Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland. She is a very smart lady. I am not going to go on the trip here writing an essay, but just copy and paste the following from Wikipedia:
Born in Peace River, Alberta, Freeland completed a bachelor's degree at Harvard University, studying Russian history and literature before earning a master's degree in Slavonic studies from the University of Oxford.
I just don’t see how she wouldn’t have been catching on as the Speaker spoke. Like I said, all kinds of lights must have been turning on in that mind and I just don’t see how they wouldn’t. However, look at that big happy smile as she is giving a standing ovation to the old man. I have been thinking about it for a good part of the day. Humiliating to no end. There is no excuse.
The best I can come up with is two stood up and clapped, then another, and another. Eventually, like a bunch of sheep, they all did (only took seconds, of course, if that). Mob mentality what they call it. I don’t know how else to explain it.
Side note, I wonder if Zelensky’s ancestors have turned in their graves when he was cheering on.
Oh yes, the Russian media and social media line is: look at those two-faced western pseudo-democracies applauding a Waffen-SS veteran. Absolute field day, realistically out of all proportion, but what do you expect?
Nothing less, to be honest. Kommersant seemed decent though (but usually is). I only read the headlines in other outlets. At least this one was well deserved, imo.
My Russian friend I mentioned a couple of times earlier usually sends me a “quirky” text when something happens in Canada that he considers to be bizarre, funny, etc. I was expecting him to send me one for a while now and even prepared a worthy (in my opinion) reply (for Feanor because he would probably understand, the reply would be a Lavrov’s “Дебилы, блять” meme). He never did send me a text. I then realized that he probably thought it would be a low blow. Pretty depressing, actually.
Anyway… I guess I should provide sources. Freeland’s Wikipedia page:
Chrystia Freeland - Wikipedia
And the photo was borrowed from a Politico article on the subject:
Nazi-linked veteran received ovation during Zelenskyy’s Canada visit