Vsevolod Chaplin: ''Revolt, ''senseless and merciless’’ should be suppressed''

'Change of the elites in Russia should be total''

What was that? People on dozens of websites and hundreds of blogs have asked that question while the federal TV channels are being silent. Some believe that it happened with the consent of Staraya Square in order to weaken current Prime Minister and make his resignation inevitable. Yes, such intrigue is quite possible. But it is no coincidence that the authors of the ''conspiracy theory'' remind us that in the early twentieth century, the authorities also tried to ''subtly'' flirting with the revolutionary movement — and they got what they got.

Whoever and whyever began the protests, it is obvious that many people, especially young people, participated in them quite sincerely. This means that they can start protesting again — without any regard to any intrigue, and even without an initiative of the Moscow ''stars'' such as Navalny. One can talk all they want about the exploitation of social problems by the protesters — but the problems still do take place.

''Whoever and whyever began the protests, it is obvious that many people, especially young people, participated in them quite sincerely. This means that they can start protesting again — without any regard to any intrigue, and even without an initiative of the Moscow ''stars'' such as Navalny.'' Photo: Maksim Platonov

Yes, the issue of corruption has repeatedly been exploited by external manipulators to foment ''colour revolutions''. But there should be only one respond to the danger of such manipulations: lancing of abscess. It should be decisive, unequivocal, unrelenting to ''own people'', indifferent to any merit and agreement. People's trials are needed – moral ones, — which would be followed by formal trials. Every major statesman should declare openly their income and all property of their family, and they should officially, legally relinquish the right to possess or use by him, his family and friends any dubious objects of property, due to belonging of which they are suspected. As well as revenue from its sale. If a person refuses to answer directly difficult questions or lies — he should not be in public office a day longer.

This is just one of the mechanisms of change of the elites, and such change in Russia should be total. Perhaps, it would be wise to forbid to hold any leadership position (including in business and public organisations) to persons over 60 — those who ''come from the 90s'' (the only exception I would make to the president for three years). We should give young people an opportunity to act, those who do not know cynicism of those days and who are unrelated to the shadow arrangements of the shameful era of destruction and looting of the country.

''A Christian keenly feels injustice''

Young people are not seeing life prospects — here Boris Kagarlitsky is right. I will say more: more serious challenges are awaiting those who are now studying at school or university. Not only labour market is changing, its character is also changing. Economists, lawyers, managers, ''office planktons'' soon will not unnecessary in the same quantity or even in the present. They are increasingly being replaced by programs. Service sector and retail are also being virtualised. That is why the current ''crisis'' of employment is actually just a new reality, and it is just beginning. The ''bottom'' of mass dismissals and rise in unemployment is still very far away. But we will reach it rapidly.

It means that young people have only one option — to take power. On their own, without any prompting from the West or the East, on the basis of existing mass movements – fan, military-patriotic — but not invented by political strategists of new ''elite'' circles with their compromised and dubious leaders. Moreover, it is obvious that the current elites are unlikely to leave. That means that young people need to learn to overcome the fear of death and get used to victims.

''A Christian keenly feels injustice. He should love personal enemies — but it may displace the undesired rulers, if they violate the higher law of God's truth. Finally, he not only can but must kill the enemy of the Fatherland — if he is a man and a secular.'' Photo: Oleg Tikhonov

It is curious that Mr. Kagarlitsky has noticed a historical fact, but he did not pay enough attention to it. ''A significant part of the radical revolutionaries, and especially terrorists,'' he says, ''was formed by the ecclesiastical schools and seminaries. <...> This environment creates people who are willing to kill those people whom they are supposed to love.'' Yes, the majority of higher clergy of the last century was not at the height of their calling. These people continued to engage in primitive conservatism, they were unable to offer instead of ''left'' revolution ''right-wing'' reforms — with the replacement of bourgeoisie and ministers with, for example, the Union of the Russian People, from which the Synod fearfully distanced itself.

However, ties of some revolutionaries with the Orthodox spiritual heritage is not accidental. A Christian keenly feels injustice. He can love personal enemies but they also can displace undesired rulers if they violate the higher law of God's truth. Besides, he not only can but must kill an enemy of the Fatherland — if he is a man and a layman. The corresponding decree of the Holy Tradition is no less important for the Orthodox person than any words of Scripture, where the commandment ''thou shalt not kill'' is also not completely absolute.

''Authorities should listen to legitimate concerns of people''

We just need to understand and to say loudly: the current elites are sinful, and their preservation in power is out of the question. It is better to leave in peace — but they will have to leave anyway. So youth public organisations, including Orthodox and Muslim ones, should raise that question. It is not for nothing your humble servant in 2015, speaking to young people, including in Tatarstan, told them: ''You will respect yourself and achieve respect for yourself only if you are able to force ministers and governors to resign.''

It is with such positions we should start a dialogue with the authorities. Insisting that no issue has been ''solved'' and no topic is ''off the table''. The state should cease to identify itself with corrupt and hiding from direct questions elites — otherwise, they will be swept away, replaced by anti-national manipulators, or simply anarchy. So, it will repeat the shameful scenario of February and October 1917. Believers also should be ready for such scenarios, remembering that in such cases the winner is one who starts the battle first and forgetting all about the crafty preaching of ''religious pacifism'' brought to us from the West and which has nothing to do with genuine traditions of Christianity, Islam, Judaism.

For example, father Georgy Mitrofanov repeats the old liberal mantra: ''Murder is one of the worst manifestations of the imperfections of the apostate world. The commandment ''thou shalt not kill'' remains unchanged, now and forever. Every time you commit murder is a sin, under whatever circumstances it may happen.'' Photo: pravmir.ru

For example, father Georgy Mitrofanov repeats the old liberal mantra: ''Murder is one of the worst manifestations of the imperfections of the apostate world. The commandment ''thou shalt not kill'' remains unchanged, now and forever. Every time committed murder is a sin, under whatever circumstances it may happen.''

As if God Himself did not kill some people. As if He will not inflict deadly scourge on people by His command, as described in the Apocalypse. As if God Himself and the saints did not strike with death certain categories of people. As if our Church did not recognise the struggle against Nazi invaders not a sinful act but worthy and righteous. As if it is not written in the catechism that killing the enemy in war and conviction to death is not a sin at all.

Yes, revolt, ''senseless and merciless'' should be suppressed. Remembering that only those countries successfully suppressed it that did not hesitate to use fatal force. It is no coincidence that I've recently suggested to equate the attacks on police and soldiers for political reasons a terrorist attack — at least in the case of injury, use of weapons or dangerous objects. But authorities should listen to legitimate concerns of people, and it should change. Including personally. Including on the basis of the arguments of the opposition — both ''right'' and ''left'', conservative and liberal.