What is most disturbing about some comments on the Bread and Puppet article is how Russian aggression against Ukraine is being accepted as the fault of the “war gods of capitalism”, instigated by the US and NATO, and part of CIA plots. What news sources are people getting their information from, Russia Today(RT)?
The myopic mindset of these comments shows a disconcerting ignorance of the history behind the conflict in Ukraine, and gives a pass to Putin’s genocidal and territorial ambitions. Putin is a 21st century Hitler. And it bears remembering that Hitler was not stopped through diplomatic efforts, but military defeat.
It is the hypocrisy of Bread and Puppet which I find most offensive. Claiming the high ground of concern for civilians killed in conflicts around the world as part of their political theater while ignoring massive war crimes in Ukraine. It is not just Schumann who is complicit in this silence but the entire troupe.
Yes, Bread and Puppet does not have to say anything about Ukraine. Their actions do.
I am reminded of the quote by Martin Niemöller:
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.
Barbara Felitti
Huntington