[COEXERJ145]

Uh, just what the heck is your problem? You obviously missed the point of what I was saying and instead decided to open your mouth and spout out hot air.

[JasonC]

Russia was unfree, now it isn't, big improvement. Status and attention and big militaries aren't worth a tuppenny damn on their own. They are means. If you are already free and they help keep you that way, fine they are nice to have. If you aren't and they keep you *that* way, they are a curse.