“What a bunch of garbage. Putin is fine. He has excellent popular support and continues to move Russia forward.”
Abusurd. There economy GDP is the size of Spain. He’s moving forward is as forward as Clinton and Obama moving us forward. Not.
“The idea of Russia invading Poland, or Lithuania, or anywhere else in Prebaltika is absolutely absurd.”
They invaded Georgia, Crimea and Eastern Ukraine...and let’s not forget Afghanistan. You may also recall a Russian incursion into the Baltics and taking their communications networks by force.
This is fair, but doesn't effectively capture cost of living concerns. The GDP in dollar terms is low because much production is for internal consumption and valued in RUB. As exports grow, this will correct. Quality of life in Russia can be quite good if you don't have a millennial defeatist mindset. I know this for a fact.
They invaded Georgia, Crimea and Eastern Ukraine...
I addressed this in a previous post. Georgia was 100% justified in response to a Georgian attack. Crimea was a geopolitical necessity because the US pushed the Maidan government to try to pull the Sevastopol lease. Crimea did indeed vote 90+% to join Russia. If you don't believe me, go there yourself and ask everyone you see their opinion. I've done it.
and let’s not forget Afghanistan.
If you are not aware of it, you should read about the history of this, and how its been openly admitted that Brzezinski intentionally created a scenario where the USSR would feel it didn't have a choice but to go into Afghanistan. The US wanted this to happen, and intentionally made it so.