Political ornithology

People ask me all the time how I feel about the elections of the Opposition Coordination Council and whether I am going to run for membership.

My answer is short: I treat you well; I won't run for office.

Now long, with explanations.

I'll start with a lyrical and poetic digression. Not for beauty, but for clarity.

I’m not the first to think of Gorky’s ornithological sketch of the early 20th century in connection with the current state of our political mood. The two social turbulences, then and now, are similar in many ways. The lower classes no longer want it, the upper classes can no longer do it, and so on.

There is, however, one significant difference: in Gorky’s head “the wind howls, thunder rumbles” and even “the sea catches the arrows of lightning,” but our situation rather corresponds to the weather conditions of another poetic text: “the restless blue sea” (it has not even “turned black” yet) ). The storm has not yet struck. Because of this, for example, the Limonov petrel looks rather stupid. Rushing like black lightning, it showers the entire bird market with copious droppings, but in the bold cry of this bird one hears not joy, but only resentment.

Fuck him, the petrel. He is lonely and out of touch. Now, if a storm comes, then maybe his time will come. I'm more interested in the other birds.

Let me remind you that Gorky features the following social groups.

1. “Seagulls” (moaning, rushing over the sea).
2. “Loons” (they also moan - they, the loons, cannot enjoy the battle of life: the thunder of blows frightens them).
3. “Stupid penguin” (timidly hides his fat body in the rocks).

Let's figure out who is who in the realities of today.

With the “penguin” it is clear: this is the main part of the population. As long as the average person has something to nourish his body, he will sit quietly in his cliffs. We do not need this bird to discuss the elections of the Coordination Council.

"Seagulls" are, of course, political activists. They not only moan, but, importantly, rush about. Because they are activists. Unlike Gorky’s, our “gulls” do not show any fear of a storm, because the clouds are not yet blazing with a blue flame. Our "seagulls" are beautiful birds, I like them.

The mainstream of civil society belongs to the category of “loons” who do not rush about, but simply moan. I'm also from the Loons. Yes, we are not silent, we are “groaning too.” The pleasure of the battle of life is completely inaccessible to us, the thunder of blows frightens us terribly.

About the elections of the Coordination Council, you need to understand a very simple thing: these are elections not of “loons”, but of “seagulls”. And immediately everything falls into place.

The “loons” have one main complaint about the election procedure: we do not like preferential quotas for liberals, leftists and nationalists. But for the “seagulls” who developed this model, it is absolutely reasonable. It was very difficult for them, being so different, to agree with each other. The fact that they came to a consensus is a great achievement. I'm happy for the Seagulls. Let them finally choose their “tea” governing body.

Of course, it would be much better if representatives of the “loons” were among the candidates. Then the elections would become an important event not only for the “political” oppositionists, but also for the entire civil society. You just need to understand very well that every “loon” vying for a place in the Coordination Council automatically goes into the category of “seagulls”. If you not only express your views, but (excuse the wording devalued by Putin’s elections) are invested with the trust of voters, you will have to engage in social and political work to the fullest. This activity should become your main one - or don’t meddle, don’t take someone else’s place.

I firmly know for myself that the main thing for me will always be the book I am currently working on. After sitting in the organizing committee and the “League of Voters”, I realized: no, I’m not a “seagull”. I’m not going to the Coordination Council because I don’t want to pretend to be a bird that I’m not. I am ready to provide public support, donate money, go to rallies (on September 15, for example, I will definitely go). But I’m not ready to engage in daily political work, and it’s unlikely that I would be able to do it.

I will have all the more respect for the “loons” who are ready to shoulder this burden. Fly high!

Markus Varesvuo

I want to appeal to birds of my own breed.

Dear “loons”, what you and I can definitely do is become voters of the Coordination Council. The seagulls must not be allowed to remain alone. There are few of them throughout the country - at best, several tens of thousands. Without our support, they will be caught and transferred.

There are many times more of us “loons”. Nobody demands from us that we unstick ourselves from our monitors and rush into the thick of the political struggle. But let's demonstrate that at least we are not penguins.

Among other things, these elections are also a very interesting experiment in the use of the online mechanism of “direct democracy.” The registration process is not easy , but we are educated people, we will manage somehow.

If you and I are incapable of even this small effort, then maybe to hell with us all? Let's then sit quietly, like a penguin, and not moan.

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