[bdfromlv]

At the time he was a British officer it was the only game in town. Putin has never been a liberator of the russian people just a govt wonk following and now making policy.

[BubbaTheRocketScientist]

At the time he was a British officer it was the only game in town. Putin has never been a liberator of the russian people just a govt wonk following and now making policy.

I think you made my point for me. What other "game in town" was there when Putin was younger? The real test will come when it's time for him to retire - if he goes peacefully and ensures an orderly transition to his successor in a few years, he will be seen as the Russian equivalent of George Washington.