I'm assuming you haven't been there. I've spent a lot of time in Russia and that couldn't be further from the truth. If you're a Russian citizen, you need an internal passport to move around your own country. You need permission from the government to live in Moscow. Other cities are effectively closed. I've seen common people beaten by armed government affiliated gangs in small towns for minor offenses. I don't know what TSA has put you through, but I assure you Russia is still a hell of a lot less free.
Never been there.
Did have the urge to visit after the USSR fell apart but forced retirement nixed my plans and desires.
I was a long haul trucker for many years.
Worked with a guy that called himself the Mad Hungarian.
He clued me in to what life was like under the Soviet Union.
We both agreed that the US was headed into a socialist cesspool because of the slow and steady death of our liberties.
Last time I talked to him was right after Obama was elected.
He saw right through the shyster Hussein because he had dealt with that type most of his life.
If what you describe of Russia is true, I have no reason to doubt you, then the leftists here will try to impose the same on us.
It’s a pity the Russian people have never experienced real freedom.
Straight from the Czars to Lenin to Stalin. From bad to worse to worst.