[Timedrifter]

Buchanan is correct here. Our current policy vis a vis Russia makes no long term sense. Most Freepers seem unaware that conservative monarchist Russia was one of Americas best friends for the entire 19th century. Putin has made mistakes of course, but all and all he has been a good leader for Russia and seems to have their support. Telling Russians they were better off under the drunk Yeltsin with a collapsing economy and chaos has to leave the average Russian questioning the motives of the West, and I am scratching my head along with them. I was in Russia during those days and have visited once again recently and the progress is remarkable. Many big problems remain but the general direction is one we should welcome.

Paleoconservatives like Buchanan and myself were against communist USSR, but not traditional Russian conservatism. The expansion of Nato and the constant nitpicking are slowly pushing Russia into the hands of China and other rogue states. Putin is a modern day Stolypin, a traditional Russian conservative which does have authoritarian elements. Confusing that with Stalinist communism and messianic world domination is intellectually dishonest and an insult to the millions of REAL victims.

[RusIvan]

Putin is a modern day Stolypin, a traditional Russian conservative which does have authoritarian elements. ==

I agree completely. I hope that Cheney and Taigunner Joe here on FR will understand that.
They do not understand one more thing. Russia becomes stronger each year. Her economy alredy surpassed USSR' in its best.

To pick up on such country with stupid pretensions like Cheney did is simply foolishness. I hope Cheney will b egone after 20088 and we will forget him.