Apple, Google, Cowed By Putin, Remove Russian Protest Voting App As Election Begins - Rachel Maddow

[Rhiannon12866]

Rachel Maddow reports on a campaign by supporters of Alexei Navalny to expose corruption in Vladimir Putin's regime and to encourage votes against candidates in Putin's United Russia Party in the parliamentary election. Under pressure from Russian authorities, Google and Apple reportedly removed an app meant to coordinate those protest votes. Aired on 09/17/2021.

[RetiredRNIowa]

1. How can we protest

How can we protest? How can we tell Apple and google not to give in to autocrats?

[Rhiannon12866]

2. Rachel said they gave in because this was considered "election interference"

But there are times when it's important to espouse the "greater good." I visited the USSR in the late '80s with my grandmother and her peace group and under Gorbachev there was such hope. And then the USSR fell in 1991 - but KGB trained Putin is doing his best to reinstate it. The Russian people we met were just like us, want the same things, so I find what's going on now to be heartbreaking.

[ItsjustMe]

3. Most of the Russian people hate Putin

[Rhiannon12866]

4. With very good reason

Those who remember the new freedoms they experienced under Gorbachev had such hope. And now there's Putin who wants to return to the worst repressive days of the USSR.

[Duppers]

5. Switching to BING!

And we stopped buying Apple products sometime ago.

Rachel's the greatest!

Thanks, Rhiannon.

[Rhiannon12866]

6. Good for you!

And I certainly agree about Rachel. I usually follow the MSNBC lineup and I probably post too many of the segments that I think are particularly relevant. Sometimes it's Lawrence, Chris or Joy, but I always try to post Rachel.

[Duppers]

8. And good for you too?! 😁

[RVN VET71]

7. American oligarchs kissing Russian oligarchs!

A love affair for the ages, no?

I imagine the CEOs in bed with Putin who flutters his eyes and smiles winsomely, and both CEO’s just blush and say “Oh, Vladdy, we could never stay mad at you!”

While Russian dissidents are murdered and worse.

[Rhiannon12866]

10. It's horrific what is happening under Putin

And there was such hope in the late '80s under Gorbachev's efforts at reform and in 1991 when the USSR fell. Ex-KGB Putin has done everything he can to return to the days of oppression - and violence towards anyone who speaks out.

[wackadoo wabbit]

9. Thanks for posting this!

Everyone needs to see it.

[Rhiannon12866]

11. There is no pretense of "fair" elections in Russia

They have unfortunately returned to the worst oppressive days of the USSR. And they're back to attempting to add to their territory.