In Russia, the Score Is 0

The Wall Street Journal ^ | November 4, 2003 | GEORGE MELLOAN

[OESY]

Long ago in Leningrad, my wife and I were enjoying a gala dinner laid on by the local soviet for visiting trade center representatives from around the world. The band was playing "Tie a Yellow Ribbon," perhaps to remind us of how recently Americans had been prisoners in Vietnam. But then a fight broke out on the dance floor. A burly Russian, well lubricated with vodka, tried to cut in on another man's date.

[OESY]

Developmental economics allows that a strong leader may be necessary to compel changes in business and cultural customs to advance national interests. The mark of a statesman who would be revered by his people for centuries is whether his/her reforms strengthen democratic impulses, the rule of law and property rights in a manner that will attract investment capital that might flow elsewhere. Vladimir Putin appears to understand this. Time will tell.

[OldPossum]

Your post seems to be stating that you think Putin understands how democracy and capitalism works. His actions suggest otherwise. It seems to me that the man has no concept of the rule of law and property rights. He is soon going to find out about how investment capital flows.

[headsonpikes]

But because the Russian revolution of 1991 was bloodless, many of the old attitudes and procedures still exist at ground level.

The Russians should have bloodied a few thousand of their more prominent tormentors.

At least a few thousand!

[GingisK]

Clearly, Russia hasn't changed as much as I had thought.

There were, undoubtedly, folks who muttered that the "New Russia" was just as dangerous as the old. These are the same folks who observe that there isn't much to the "Islam is Peace" incantenation.

I think wishful thinking tends to override assesment of reality.

In other words, when are people of the left going to realize that there really are those who are out to "get" us; and, that there are some of us who already know what is going on?

[OldPossum]

Yes, the old guard is still in control. It has been said that there is no such thing as a "former KGB agent."

[Lazamataz]

With his treatment of Mr. Khodorkovsky, Mr. Putin again warned the oligarchs: I don't care how advanced and modern you are -- don't disobey my order.

This, of course, sounds a lot like the old days, when property rights didn't exist and the law was whatever the Communist Party chieftains decreed. Russia acquired capitalism but did so in a very messy way, and its version of capitalism remains very messy today. Departing from the free and easy ways of the Yeltsin administration, Mr. Putin has packed his government with his former colleagues in the KGB, now the FSB. Known as the siloviki (meaning "strong ones") they are reasserting the power of the state.

Not good.

RussianConservative, I leave it to you to personally oppose and bring down Mr. Putin. It is in your hands to take the country over and run it as you see fit. I, of course, will aid you by providing any American military hardware you may require.

[RusIvan]

What resulted was a class of wealthy Russian "oligarchs." Mr. Khodorkovsky was one of the best and brightest. ===

Best and brightest to rob state property right. Now he has to pay for that.
Except the bother oligarkhs and liberal press no one in Russia gives a damn about him.

Those press who attacking Putin attacks Bush. Same libaral there and here.

[headsonpikes]

I'm afraid there is 'bad bizness' ahead.

[RussianConservative]

Ahh Wall Street Urinal, mouth piece of Borozovsky's monies, overflow again.

[RussianConservative]

You absolutely right, when US release political prisoner Kenneth Lay and reenstate his company? Why evil DC prosecute Martha Stewart and Tyco?

[RussianConservative]

Yes, Russia should allow all assets to own by foreigners, give away all land, continue have drunk bribable leaders. Back stab friends like Serbs for DC checks. Disarm and be broken up like US political advisors Kissenger and Brzewski (?sp Carter's) want so rest of life can be sucked out...then Russia must readapt abortion and all rest immorality and make sure it get fat and stupid too....right?

[RussianConservative]

Actually I like Putin. I see no problem going after criminal element, even one who has Washington as lap dog to bark on command...what is pathetic is level of corruption in DC that it ready to throw away years of hard Foreign policy work so Exxon and Shevron get richer. Shame on West. As for EU and British in particular...when Islamics finally exterminate majority, we Orthodox will come to reChristianize.

[RussianConservative]

Funny how some so called conservatives of FR quickly forget that Oligarchs support Gore and Sores....not mention Chechins and Russian Communist party...but they in hurry, hurry to attack Russia so not matter who they share mattress with in whore house.

[smith288]

You absolutely right, when US release political prisoner Kenneth Lay and reenstate his company? Why evil DC prosecute Martha Stewart and Tyco?

Duh, because Americans top their ice cream and steaks with Oil... < /sarcasm>

[george wythe]

You absolutely right, when US release political prisoner Kenneth Lay and reenstate his company?

Is Kenneth Lay in prison according to Putin-controlled news sources?

Apparently, not having freedom of the press is taking a toll on your hold of reality.

According to google, this article was posted 9 hours ago:

"Jeff Skilling and Ken Lay, nothing's happened to these guys," he said. "These guys are walking around Houston.

[RussianConservative]

Ok, I guess I'm wrong, in US financial criminals not prosecuted.

[george wythe]

In America, we have a weird tradition called "the rule of law."

Unless it can be proven otherwise in a court of law, a person is innocent until proven guilty.

Suspicions, innuendos, unlikability, ugliness and ideology are not reasons for putting people in jail.

If the law enforcement agencies ever get hold of sufficient evidence against Ken Lay, he will be charged.

Otherwise, President Bush has no power to send the FBI to pick Kenneth Lay because Lay is unpopular and considered a crook by most of us.

[RussianConservative]

Oh, I gets it...so according to your theory, Russian law which charge Khodorhovsky with 6 counts not good enough...other wise how explain that it ok to charge and detain US criminal but Russia not allowed same? But maybe you not consider tax evasion, embezzlement, bribery and fraud criminal act?

[george wythe]

My point was that you are not as informed about American jurisprudence as you think you are. Watching Hollywood movies does not make you an expert in American economics or politics.

America is a republic, not a pure democracy. The American republic is composed of many separate entities that fight each other continuously. Our Founding Fathers did not want any popular faction to supress the basic rights of unpopular individuals.

The American republic has both separation of power [executive, legislative, and judicial branches] and division of power [federal, state, and local governments]. On top of that, the US Constitution does not allow certain inalienable rights to be taken away from unpopular citizens, even if the majority of Americans want those citizens put in jail.

It seems that Russia has little provisions to safeguards the rights of unpopular individuals and unpopular minorities.

If there are 10 crooked oligarchs in Russia, and only the one who speaks against Putin is charged with crimes, then Russian law enforcement is being involved in selective prosecution and political witch hunts.

Putin needs a viable political opposition; this constant struggle to keep his power will keep him honest and sharp, making it possible to be a great Russian leader.

It seems that these "oligarchs" were the only counterbalancing force against Putin.

Since you are in Russia, you probably know better than me Russian politics; therefore, I always read your comments about Russian developments and appreciate them.

On the other hand, when you seem to misrepresent American politics, you will be challenged. It's typical American dialogue.

[RusIvan]

Putin needs a viable political opposition; this constant struggle to keep his power will keep him honest and sharp, making it possible to be a great Russian leader.
===

Putin has political opposition. It is Yubloko party, Communist Party (accually they are socialists but keep that name for votes of some people) and some small organizations.
His approval rate is sometinng near 70% (not 100) now even higher then it was 2 month ago (was near 55%).
It is clear answer of russian public on his crack on criminal rob barons. Those rob barons are russian mafia which everyone despises.

If you think that rob barons are opposition to him then thank god he can win over them. It is fight between mafia gained power during criminal privatization and legitimate power.
Only western liberal press as always doesn't understand nothing. Or just get paied from dirty money of russian rob barons.