Totalitarianism

As bad as I can imagine Totalitarianism to be, from what little I previously know about it, would suggest that everyone's common sense would agree that it is a bad thing. Yet it also seems to me that Russia is heading down that path again willingly. The book describes the Totalitarian movement as getting its power from the masses, which Russia has. Putin is pulling strings behind the scenes leading Russia down, what we would consider, a dark path. But the masses of Russia are OK with it, they know the hardship from the past decades and Putin has offered them relief so they are taking it. If history repeats itself Putin might very well lead like Stalin and the Russian people would go along with it. In fact Russians now see Stalin as a hero for the country despite all the horrible things he has done. Putin is breaking down the classes, like the book talks about, and the masses are responding by allowing him to keep expanding his power. Granted unlike Totalitarian leaders Putin cannot be readily replaced without his system and support falling apart, but his support is so great among the Russian people that his plans and ideals for the country are what is really bonding them all together. I just keep thinking of the Winter Olympics here. The Russians did pretty bad in all the areas they were expected to excel at so Putin fired the team management and coaches. With the next Winter Olympics being held in Russia Putin was worried about losing national pride in the team, which in turn means national loyalty. Totalitarian society is willingly accepted by those that live under those ideals whether we think they are right or wrong.