Paul McCartney in Red Square

[David S]

I just happened to catch “Paul McCartney in Red Square” on the A&E channel. It was taped in 2003 so probably some of you have seen it before but it was the first time for me. McCartney’s face has aged but his talent hasn’t. He was just as good as he was four decades ago. But I was surprised at the sight of Red Square filled with thousands of young and middle aged Russians all moving and clapping to the beat of the old Beatles tunes. They were just as excited to be there as any American audience would be. And yes they really went nuts for “Back in the USSR”.

What really amazed me were the interviews with middle aged Russians about the influence of the Beatles on the Soviet youth of the 60s. Although the communists discouraged listening to Rock and Roll they couldn’t stop it. And it seems the Beatles had the same effect on the Russian kids that they had on young people everywhere. Every one of the Russians interviewed felt that the Beatles sparked a cultural revolution and created a desire for freedom that played a role in the downfall of communism in the USSR. Even Putin said that when he was young the Beatles music was like an open window to the world.

Did the Beatles really help to bring down communism in the USSR? Could it be that the Soviet people were influenced more by Lennon than by Lenin? What do you think?

[Cubby]

I voted yes. Better that the Beatles get credit then that octogenarian Fascist who usually gets undue credit for defeating communism.

[Hatman 🍁]

I voted yes. Better that the Beatles get credit then that octogenarian Fascist who usually gets undue credit for defeating communism.

My sentiments exactly Besides, the Beatles were "bigger than Jesus"

[David S]

Until I saw that video I would have said no, but after listening to the Middle aged Russians talk about it I would have to say that it might have been a factor.

By the way , are you calling Reagan a fascist? My definition of facist would be a dictator who rules by brutal force. Maybe you don't agree with his politics but I see no evidence of fascism, by my definition.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

The U.S.S.R collapsed because it was always going to

[David S]

The U.S.S.R collapsed because it was always going to

I think that's true. As you know I believe that communism is fundamentally flawed and will always collapse but at the same time I think maybe the Beatles offered the Soviet people a glimpse of life in a free country which was very appealing to them.

[A18]

I think the USSR was brought down by that first S.

[Machiavelli]

I think the USSR was brought down by that first S.

Soviet?

[J. J.]

You mean McCartney was in a group before Wings?

[A18]

I think the USSR was brought down by that first S.

Soviet?

I thought it was Union of Socialist Soviet Republics. Make it second S, then.

[Alcon]

I think the USSR was brought down by that first S.

Soviet?

I thought it was Union of Socialist Soviet Republics. Make it second S, then.

It's the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, so yes.

[Cubby]

Until I saw that video I would have said no, but after listening to the Middle aged Russians talk about it I would have to say that it might have been a factor.

By the way , are you calling Reagan a fascist? My definition of facist would be a dictator who rules by brutal force. Maybe you don't agree with his politics but I see no evidence of fascism, by my definition.

His economic policies were fascist, in that they were for further corporate control and a weakening of state control. I wish conservatives would stop associating the word fascist with the Nazis, there are other examples of that system. Reagan's presidency, while officially a democracy, resulted in a massive shift towards the right on the political spectrum on all issues he confronted, and that means a move towards fascist economics.

[patrick1]

Until I saw that video I would have said no, but after listening to the Middle aged Russians talk about it I would have to say that it might have been a factor.

By the way , are you calling Reagan a fascist? My definition of facist would be a dictator who rules by brutal force. Maybe you don't agree with his politics but I see no evidence of fascism, by my definition.

His economic policies were fascist, in that they were for further corporate control and a weakening of state control. I wish conservatives would stop associating the word fascist with the Nazis, there are other examples of that system. Reagan's presidency, while officially a democracy, resulted in a massive shift towards the right on the political spectrum on all issues he confronted, and that means a move towards fascist economics.

So your basic argument is that a fascist is a person on the right wing with whom you disagree.  How convenient.   Although I wish most people who bandied the term about would admit that they are taking the word outside of its proper historical framework.

[David S]

Until I saw that video I would have said no, but after listening to the Middle aged Russians talk about it I would have to say that it might have been a factor.

By the way , are you calling Reagan a fascist? My definition of facist would be a dictator who rules by brutal force. Maybe you don't agree with his politics but I see no evidence of fascism, by my definition.

His economic policies were fascist, in that they were for further corporate control and a weakening of state control. I wish conservatives would stop associating the word fascist with the Nazis, there are other examples of that system. Reagan's presidency, while officially a democracy, resulted in a massive shift towards the right on the political spectrum on all issues he confronted, and that means a move towards fascist economics.

Sounds to me like you equate fascism to anti-socialism.

[A18]

fascist

1.
a.  A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.
b.  A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.

2.
Oppressive, dictatorial control.

[David S]

You mean McCartney was in a group before Wings?

LOL  Judging by the age listed in your profile, I'm guessing that you're joking. But I was thinking of giving another choice; "Who is Paul McCartney?" for the benefit of the really young whippersnappers on the forum.