I understand Russia is far away from London, Amsterdam, and other places where most of our forumers reside. Nonetheless, please, care. Kasparov was not the only activist that was jailed, there were about 200 more that day. Never mind who was part of that march; the point is that nearly 3000 people with various views united to show their dislike towards Putin, and that was quite brave. Generally, arrests of similar nature are frequently shown on Russian television. In February last year, a man was arrested by Russia's Federal Security Service (ФСБ) for expressing his dislike of Russia's policies and attitudes on an internet forum; he was tried this September. Since Russian television is 100% controlled by the government and people see only those arrests which the government wants them to see, you can be certain that there are more arrests that go by quietly. Most of such news, however, never gets international news coverage either because such news don't seem important enough or because there's not enough information to form an objective article(duh). Because the media is government-controlled, only one party gets media exposure in Russia, and that's what the march which took place this month was about. There were also poisonings and murders of journalists that made a lot of noise. Recently, Putin accused U.S. of being behind OSCE's "boycott" of the upcoming elections. Never mind that it appears to be paranoia, it creates the illusion that the world is against Russia in front of the Russian people; consequently, there's apparent danger and basis for Putin to remain in power. Putin does intend to keep power in his own hands by installing a quiet politician as President, and returning to presidency himself very soon. Links: http://eng.maidanua.org/node/629 - About the arrest of the forumer. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7106970.stm What happens to candidates for presidency whom Putin doesn't like. Also recall that Kasparov is a candidate as well. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7114690.stm - About Russian media's coverage of politics http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7112904.stm - Putin's recent fit of paranoia If you've been reading up on Russia for the past year, I'm sure you've glimpsed more oddities. Believe me, it's only the tip of the iceberg. BBC strives for accuracy but they often miss a lot of information that the local news show. If you are a Russian patriot, if you currently reside there or used to live there, and if you think that what's happening there is wrong, you have an obligation to do something for the good of your people. If the above does not remind you of Stalin and the Bolsheviks, I don't know what will. =( Thanks for your attention.
:bawl: There was a program on CNN the other day where Putin and his methods were discussed. Apparently, most young people in Russia blame their country's troubles on U.S.
Russia is an empire, and always has been. Empire has to have an emperor. Putin is an emperor. Emperor can do whatever he wants. Russians want a strong emperor. Many young people in Russia are members of the Putin-jugend or Nashi (translated = Ours). Totally loyal nazis of the new regime. The country is changing and most people in it are happy about it. At the moment nothing can be done about it, Putin and his methods are supported by a great majority. Or maybe something can be done, but I'm not aware of it. Any way I'm not a Russian patriot although the situation worries me. p.s. An empire has to have an outer enemy in order to keep the empire together. Americans these days have their terrorists, Russians have Americans.
Last time there was a presidential election in Russia, a joke was going around: 90% of Russians don't like Putin, but they're sure that he'll win. From personal communication with Russians here and over there, at least 50% don't like Putin but you'll see that his appointee will win by a landslide. You can't know for certain who likes what over there because of the brain washing, the media that skews things, and the stomping out of any opposition or honest investigation. I am not sure what Russia needs, I have never lived in that country. However, Stalin's rule devastated all social classes from the basest peasants to intellectual elite to politicians. Nobody was safe. I see the same picture now.
A strong unbiased Russia is something we need in this world of tyrans and liars to bring back the balance and let the oppressed take some breath..
Un-Biased Russia? Russia is for Russia, plenty of Bias there, Russia oppressed half of Europe and when they were given the chance they fled the WARSAW Pact at a all out run, and opted for NATO, and the West. Even the Republics under Russia left the Russian Federation as fast as they could. Russia stripped Eastern Europe of everything is could squeeze out if it, they operated exactly like the Japanese Co-Prosperity Sphere, of the 1930, yes there was a co- and it was any under the oppression of the Japanese, and there was prosperity Japan, everything flowed to Japan, nothing was returned to the territory from Japan except for demands of more goods and resources to be sent to Japan, Russia operates in the exact same manner.
An "amazing President" would not jail is opposition. Do you know why? Because an "amazing President" should have nothing to fear from said opposition. An "amazing President" would not blame his thuggery or use Muslims as scapegoats for his own underhanded dealings. Putin's actions are not one of an "amazing President". They are one of a tyrant hell bent on retaining power and denying the people the right to choose their own candidates.
I never said that. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! I said Kasparov should be jailed.
It doesn't count if you edited it a few minutes later. Bad move calling for Putin to be arrested, draqon.
Anyway the reason Whitewolf...of all the people here posted her opposition to Russian government shows that she is from baltic countries and has a general tendency to follow the neo-nazi movement within those region and post anti-soviet hatred. It is all expressed here clearly and I can see my enemy from afar.
