Feb 16

Feb 16 In Memoriam

Demonstrations, Protest, Public Declarations

“I find it hard to believe you don’t know
The beauty you are
But if you don’t, let me be your eyes
A hand to your darkness so you won’t be afraid”

— I'll Be Your Mirror, The Velvet Underground (1967)

“I woke up on the darkest night
I went out into the night
I went out to find some light

Cause nothing’s hid, from us kids
You ain’t foolin’ nobody with the lights out”

— Neighborhood #3 (Power Out), Arcade Fire, from Funeral (2004)

Max the Cat shoved his paws in my face at 5:55 AM, long before the first light of day. Time for breakfast. After he was fed, I picked up my iPad, only to find a New York Times news alert on the home screen: Russian patriot Alexei Navalny was dead. No autopsy was necessary. Nor were later pronouncements from President Biden or Vice-President Harris. Russian President Vladimir Putin was the cause of death.

Was the instrument used to execute Navalny physical mistreatment or malnutrition? A few hours after the initial reports from the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service came in, video surfaced showing Navalny joking with a Russian judge during a “judicial” hearing earlier in the day. Navalny had lost weight, but he looked surprisingly spright, so malnutrition or multiple bouts of physical abuse were most likely not the immediate cause of death.

Did another prisoner shank him in exchange for an early release from Polar Wolf, the penal colony north of the Arctic Circle that had been Navalny’s ‘home’ during the last two months? It’s possible, because prison officials claimed that Navalny had collapsed while taking a walk, but those officials said nothing about frozen blood covering the frozen tundra.

Perhaps autocrat Putin decided a second dose of the nerve agent Novichok would be his coup de grâce; serving as a warning to the German government that despite its best efforts, neither Germany nor any other country could stop Mad Vlad, particularly when he has compliant useful idiots in his employ, including Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump, thrice failed pundit Tucker Carlson, and out-of-his-league House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Once I settled into my seat aboard the 146 headed to the gym for my morning workout, I checked the Instagram feed for Chicago Russian America for Democracy (chicago-radr). The text over a monochrome portrait of Navalny proclaimed that he had been murdered, with a rally scheduled for 6:00 PM tonight in front of the Wrigley Building. I wasn’t going to miss that rally.

I arrived shortly before the 6:00 PM start time. Three police cars were parked in front of the Wrigley Building, with ten or so members of CPD’s bicycle brigade standing on the side walk dressed in their yellow winter gear. Although they were present to serve and protect, there was no need for them tonight. Past demonstrations on behalf of Navalny have been orderly and peaceful. If there is a march, the demonstrators remain on the sidewalk rather than blocking streets.

I looked for a crowd with banners, but only a dozen people milled about. I wondered whether this demonstration was going to be a bust. But I kept the faith. After all, these were Russians; they know how to deal with cold weather.

Slowly people descended on the plaza separating Michigan Avenue from the Wrigley Building. Then cameramen from WGN and ABC 7 set up their cameras. As time progressed, the demonstrators built two memorials, one on a concrete wall adjacent to the Chicago River and the other in the middle of the plaza. Candles, flowers, framed photographs of Navalny, and signs paid homage to their fallen hero. People bent over, with chalk in hand, writing slogans on the pavement.

The organizers did not bring a PA system. Eventually several people showed up with bullhorns. The two television cameramen had placed a ‘fork’ atop a stand to hold their mics. After twenty minutes, people approached the stand holding the two mics. At least 20 people would make remarks. Some spoke for a minute or two, while others found a single sentence sufficient.

Although many ended their remarks with a chant, the gathering was more memorial service than demonstration. People were somber and soft spoken. Many were tearful.

One of the organizers who I have gotten to know tapped me at one point, saying in Russian-accented English, “In case you can’t read Russian, that sign [in Russian] says ‘Fuck Putin.” I asked him how many in attendance were Russian émigrés. He told me that many had arrived during the last several years, which explained why several delivered their remarks in Russian rather than English.

Although each speech was heartfelt, most broke no new ground. I, however, was struck by the remarks from two people. The first, a young woman speaking in halting English, spoke directly to the MAGA base, although she did not explicitly refer to them. She noted that although the U.S. electoral system may not be perfect, America does have free elections, with clear choices. In her native country, there are no free elections, nor clear choices.

She then cautioned Americans about the consequences of throwing their freedoms away, which I took to be a swipe at the would-be autocrat Donald J. Trump. At one point, she noted that “We do have free speech, and this is an example of that.” This wise person was an outsider holding up a mirror, reminding native-born Americans, “That you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone; pave paradise, put up a parking lot.”

The second notable speaker was a young person who recounted his conversation with Alexei Navalny. Every person standing in the cold wished that they could have had a similar opportunity. All were distressed that there would be no more conversations with or words of wisdom from the courageous son of Russia.

Several speakers referenced the war in Ukraine, with at least one pointing out that by funding the Ukrainians, Americans could avoid sending American troops to reverse further incursions by Putin into Eastern Europe as part of his effort to reassemble the Soviet empire. Congress should empower the Ukrainians to do the heavy lifting.

After everyone had the opportunity to speak, people then assembled themselves into two groups, one surrounding each memorial. People gradually drifted off, presumably headed home. With just ten or so people remaining, the group decided to head to Daley Plaza so that they could leave flowers, presumably near the external flame.

The police had a brief discussion to decide who should accompany the diehards to Daley Plaza. Once that decision was made, I headed home. But before doing so, I asked the woman who handled press inquiries when the Russian Community would take to the streets again. Next Saturday, at 2:00 PM to commemorate the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They will gather again in proximity to the Wrigley Building, but check chicago-radr’s Instagram feed for the exact details. You can then join Chicago’s Ukrainian Community at 5:00 PM at 98 East Wacker for their commemoration of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion. There will be a march to Holy Name Cathedral, followed by a mass.

[I generally don’t take positions regarding the events I cover. I make an exception for Ukrainian and Russian demonstrations. There is only one correct viewpoint.]

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