[Odyssey-x]

A good measure of a society is how it treats its talented citizens who are without political or family connections.

[x5452]

1000/yr isn't exactly a show of force.

[jdm]

"So, thanks to Putin, his salary will rise over the next four years ... by $200."

Don't spoil him, Putin. [\sarcasm] Hey, you got me a football? And it's two colors! Look! [ Urghhh ]\

[kingu]

Umm, Putin? How about sticking that $200 into cutting down the culture of corruption and violence that is chasing away more people from the nation than simple economics. Much better method of attracting foreign investment and those same employers who would much rather hire the scientists in Russia than pay for them to move into a new country, pay them a much higher salary and the person in question not rising all that much further higher in economic status?

[lone star annie]

Hey did you see Yitzak Smirnoff?

No but I heard Vladimir Putin!!

Break out a Matchski