Vladimir Putin versus Pussy Riot

Vladimir Putin, one of the most powerful politicians in the world, is being driven up the wall — Gaslighted — by a female punk rock band.  Three members of Pussy Riot have an upcoming trial and will probably receive long prison sentences.  Their song lyrics are offensive to the Russian powers that be.

Several other band members (who aren’t on trial) told Reuters:

“Three wonderful girls who were an inspiration for this group are in prison right now.  It is hard for us without them. We feel it, but it means only one thing: We should be even stronger, maybe even bolder.  Please put your balaclavas on. I would like to urge other girls — put your balaclavas on, go out on to the street, to work, to your office, to the shop, go to the theatre in your balaclava, become a Pussy Riot. Stage your own riot.”

“We made our choice. Of course there is danger and we feel it. Obviously, we want to avoid any bad situations in the future but I'm afraid that every one of us - it is quite scary - is ready for such consequences.  It is really strange to talk about because until this wave of support formed, it wasn't prestigious but provocative, it was dangerous.  Now there are very many pussy riots all over the world, people who are donning balaclavas and giving us support.”

The more Putin tries to suppress this group, the more international support they get.  Madonna and Bjork have expressed public support for them.  The mayor of Reykjavik, Iceland, waved a banner that said “Free Pussy Riot” (while one of the band’s songs was playing) during a parade in Reykjavik.  And later this week, there will be supporting rallies in at least two dozen cities around the world.

No doubt Putin thinks he can use his immense power to just sweep this little problem under the rug.  The Shah of Iran probably thought the same thing in 1979 when those annoying Muslim protesters started gathering in the streets.