Among my many real and imagined faults, there is one accusation that I partially accept: I approach politics with “white gloves.” In other words, I don’t fully grasp how dirty politics can be, and I try to interpret it using some incomprehensible standards.
This accusation would undoubtedly be true if I were involved in the political struggle, campaigned for someone, or even had some sympathy for any of the current political figures or parties. But since none of that is the case, allow me to remain in my “ideal world.” In that world, there is a quality best described by a very apt Russian word: “брезгливость” (“disgust” doesn’t fully capture the meaning).
Recently, the leader of the “Tavush for the Motherland” movement, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, responding to the harsh and, let’s admit, unethical accusations of a pro-government figure, described him as someone who “goes to the bath with everyone who offers.”
I would not like to hear such an expression not only from a clergyman but also from a public figure, politician, publicist, or journalist. Even from bloggers and Facebook “status writers.”
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This is typical of Pashinyan’s style—turning political debate into a field of personal attacks, “overcoming” all kinds of moral inhibitions. This is how the Prime Minister behaves both in and out of parliament, and this behavior is mirrored by the prominent members of the KP.
I can’t imagine who could “defeat” Pashinyan using such a tongue-lashing style. Perhaps only Vardan Ghukasyan, who lives in the USA. But, living far from Armenia, he cannot fully participate in our country’s politics.
…Chesterton once said, “The thing I hate about an argument is that it always interrupts the discussion.” In other words, once the insults begin, the debate ends.
…Suppose an opposition figure appears in Armenia who can “cut down,” “skewer,” and “put in their place” any official in Pashinyan’s style, and even better than him (though, I repeat, I find this hard to believe). Let’s also suppose this person becomes a favorite of the masses, with hundreds of thousands of people “dying for his spirit.” Continuing this speculation, let’s assume he becomes a “king” thanks to his talent for insults. Tell me, please, why do we need a second Pashinyan?
Aram Abrahamyan
