Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

PurgedVoter

(2,650 posts)
Fri Nov 21, 2025, 07:26 AM Friday

Our Oligarchs need to look over at Russia and realize what the end game of their politics is.

It doesn't go well for anyone. But for Oligarchs it ends up being really, really special.

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Our Oligarchs need to look over at Russia and realize what the end game of their politics is. (Original Post) PurgedVoter Friday OP
Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg gab13by13 Friday #1
If those guys are going off to the joint, then TACO had to beat them there. marble falls Friday #2
It is a bit more nuanced PurgedVoter Friday #3

gab13by13

(30,735 posts)
1. Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg
Fri Nov 21, 2025, 07:30 AM
Friday

would not do well in a real prison. Krasnov would absolutely do it to take their money.

PurgedVoter

(2,650 posts)
3. It is a bit more nuanced
Fri Nov 21, 2025, 07:50 AM
Friday

When they get the King they want, The King will be in an even better position to shake them down for money.

Putin originally demonstrated the horrors he is capable of inflicting on an oligarch, and then demanded half of everything from all the oligarchs. Then he started replacing oligarchs with his friends. As his friendships changed and he expected more as they got less, lots more met windows. Those who escaped often ended up still meeting windows or drinking radioactive tea.

Now Putin is again demanding more while everyone feels the squeeze. Since everything is being spent on Putin's projects, investments and growth are a thing of the past. So now none of his oligarchs can show success. The cannot give the gifts showing loyalty in the way they used to.

There are always new fools that want to be near the throne. There are always replacements for the current oligarchs waiting in the wings.

An oligarch may be powerful compared to a peasant, but their dance has to be even more careful and in the long term the peasant has better odds.

Dealing with a dictator is much like dealing with a mafia boss. Maybe this one takes care of you. Maybe his son won't decide to take your business instead of "Protecting it." Maybe you won't be sacrificed like the pawn that everyone ends up being. But when the crunch comes, your resources are no longer yours to keep.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Our Oligarchs need to loo...