[G. Stolyarov II]

With the Russian government's increasing share of control over the economy, I think that Cheney's statements are correct in the long run; government mismanagement and ownership will eventually stagnate and impoverish the economy-- especially as Putin continues to crack down on private enterprise. See Dr. Belew's blog at PanAsianBiz

[The Lion Roars]

we should change our policy towards russia. it is necessary that we court putin and pull russia away from china.

[dead]

If there's beans on the grocery shelf, some people see no need to complain.

Complaining could get you shot, and then you'd miss out on the beans.

[edpc]

Putin has a popularity rating of 70%, twice that of the US Prez.

BFD. When it comes to places people in which foreigners would like to move, the U.S. is exponentially more popular than Russia.

[G.Mason]

" ... Russians are a resilient bunch of people. They are also a pessimistic lot. Most people in Russia still feel they are know better off ..."

"What do you think?"

I think the good "doctor" Bill needs some grammar lessons before he begins to pontificate.

[paul51]

Dick Cheney warned President Putin that he has"unfairly and improperly restricted the rights of her people."

Private talk, good. In public, out of line IMHO.

[AmishDude]

I know somebody who visits Russia every year and is dismayed at the general state of decline. Emigration is huge and is underscoring a demographic crisis.

[MineralMan]

"Most people in Russia still feel they are know better off,"

This is a blog, not a news source. Worse, it's a blog that cannot even spell.