[FreedomNotSafety]

The young Russians know of the true brutalities suffered by their parents and grandparents under Communism. Russians know the possibilities of living in western style nation. They are free to travel and many of them do. The article stated “brutality” by Putin which is a big difference from “falling short” as you say.

What is it you think Putin is doing to ordinary Russians that qualifies as being “beaten”?

[Old Teufel Hunden]

"What is it you think Putin is doing to ordinary Russians that qualifies as being “beaten”?"

It's just a metaphor to say that under Putin they are not as bad off as the Russia of the 90's but still pretty bad off by our standards. Most Russians are very poor by western standards and do not travel that much outside the country. They don't know any better than what they have in their country. I daresay if they came to America and saw the abundance that is here, from grocery stores to shopping malls they would be amazed.