Meet the Journalist Fired for ‘Defending Hitler’ - David Volodzko

Added: Mar 21, 2024

Column on Lenin Statue

In his column, David discusses the history of the Lenin statue and the emotional impact it has on Russian-Americans, including one woman who broke down in tears upon seeing it. He questions the selective outrage on the left, pointing out the hypocrisy of tearing down Confederate statues while allowing a statue of Lenin to remain standing. David emphasizes that he does not advocate for the statue to be torn down by force but suggests a deeper reflection on its significance to the community.

Psychological Analysis of Lenin and Hitler

David delves into a comparison between Lenin and Hitler, highlighting the psychological differences between the two dictators. He describes Hitler as a type 2 psychopath, impulsive and hot-headed, while Lenin is portrayed as a type 1 psychopath, methodical and manipulative. David argues that Lenin's brilliance and calculated nature make him more psychologically terrifying than Hitler, who had a warped moral architecture but believed he was acting for the greater good.

Hitler's Dehumanization and Anti-Semitism

David explores Hitler's dehumanization tactics and anti-Semitic beliefs, drawing parallels to the current cultural climate. He references Jordan Peterson's idea that there is a bit of Hitler in everyone, suggesting that Hitler's descent into anti-Semitism was influenced by the culture of Vienna at the time. David emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural context that allowed Hitler to rise to power and the role of rampant anti-Semitism in shaping his beliefs.

Reflection on Hitler's Psychopathy

David reflects on Hitler's psychopathy, noting his awkward and abusive behavior in personal relationships. He contrasts Hitler's image as a tyrannical figure with his more nuanced personality traits, such as insecurity and social awkwardness. He suggests that Hitler's success in convincing Germans to adopt his anti-Semitic beliefs was due to pre-existing sentiments in the culture, rather than his own persuasive abilities.

Getting Fired

David recounts how he wrote an article comparing Lenin to Hitler, emphasizing Lenin's deliberate targeting of innocent people for death. He received backlash on social media, including death threats, and was eventually fired from his job.

The official reason given for his termination was that he engaged with a Seattle journalist who accused his ancestors of being Nazis. However, David argues that his only engagement was to correct the journalist's false claim. He also believes that his criticism of Lenin and political extremism played a significant role in his firing. Despite receiving initial support from his employer, he was abruptly let go after a few hours, leaving him puzzled about the sudden change in decision.

Background to Lenin's Statue in Seattle

The presence of Lenin's statue in Seattle is attributed to a man who brought it over with the intention of using it for an Eastern European restaurant. The statue was saved from being melted down and turned into park benches, but the original owner's sympathies towards Lenin raise questions about the statue's purpose. Seattle's history of communist sympathies and progressive ideologies contribute to the acceptance of the statue in the city.

Seattle's Tolerance for Communist Ideologies

Seattle has a long history of labor union movements and communist sympathizers, leading to a culture that tolerates Lenin's statue and the presence of Leninists in the city. The influence of woke progressivism and leftist ideologies in Seattle is evident through the support for Lenin and communist ideals. David's encounters with individuals who openly express admiration for Lenin reflect the city's acceptance of communist ideologies.

Comparison to Eastern Europe

In contrast to Seattle's tolerance for Lenin, Eastern European countries have strict laws against promoting communist ideologies due to their history of oppression under communist regimes. The memory of the atrocities committed by communist leaders like Lenin is still fresh in these countries, leading to a strong opposition to any glorification of communist figures.

Critique of Western University Students

David criticizes Western university students who support communist ideologies despite having access to education and resources that should inform them about the horrors of communism. He argues that cognizant support for oppressive regimes, like Lenin's, is more condemnable than delusional support from individuals who have been brainwashed from a young age. The moral responsibility of educated individuals to reject oppressive ideologies is emphasized in contrast to those who may be indoctrinated from childhood.

Impact on Future Employment

David acknowledges that being fired may impact his ability to secure future employment, as potential employers may see his termination as a red flag. He is concerned about how his firing will be perceived by others, especially when they search for his name online. However, he is taking steps to mitigate this impact by transitioning to independent journalism through a Substack newsletter and podcast focused on political extremism.

Transition to Independent Journalism

David's decision to start a Substack newsletter and podcast reflects a growing trend among journalists who have faced similar situations. He sees this as an opportunity to continue his work while also exploring new avenues for sharing his insights. While he is still looking for gainful employment, he is optimistic about the potential of independent journalism to provide a platform for his voice.

Challenges in the Media Landscape

David highlights the challenges in the current media landscape, where information overload and echo chambers contribute to polarization and misinformation. He emphasizes the need for media literacy and critical thinking skills to navigate the vast amount of information available. He warns against the dangers of being fed biased information and urges for a more informed and discerning public.

Call for Media Literacy Education

David calls for a greater focus on media literacy education in schools to equip the public with the skills needed to critically evaluate information. He believes that the ability to fact-check and verify information is essential in today's information wars. He points out the siloed nature of media consumption and the influence of biased sources on shaping public opinion. By promoting media literacy, he hopes to empower individuals to think critically and resist manipulation.