[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.

[bdfromlv]

Your thoughts about george would be correct if in the later part of his govt. service he was trying to bring back the king. Putin seems to be more from the old Commies for peace crowd. JMV