[OldPossum]

Don't jump to conclusions. I do know a little about Russian characteristics. I have been in correspondence with a Russian for over 10 years and have visited your country twice. I also can read.

You admit in your post that they--and you, the way you worded it--like a strong man, a point that I made. I think it does not speak well of a people if they prefer to be controlled and told what to do. They accept this just so there can be "order."

Maybe I am prejudiced by my being an American, a group that generally prefers independence and self-reliance and most importantly, true democracy, even if the process can sometimes be messy and horrors! disorderly.

The thought of being controlled by a "strong man" is repugnant to us. And if you thought about it for any time, it should be to you, too.

[RussianConservative]

That funny, since last I read 20% of Americans work for government. Read here it grow all time and tell everyone what to do and think...so you right, you not have strong man rule, you have strong elite rule. Instead one bastard, many bastards, results same. Also, not all society the same and not all peoples want to be Americans or think same. Look at Chile, best economy of S.America...and why? One strong rational man, genius Pinoche.