[jrhepfer]

I know that here are a lot of people out there that still cast a wary eye in the direction of the former U.S.S.R. and her politicians and patriots. I argue with my fellow right-wingers all the time in support of our relationships with Russia and Mr. Putin.

I am in favor of taking any opportunity, as I'm sure many Russians are, to warm relatinions between our countries. They are new to democracy, armed heavily, have little infrastructure, tremendous natural resources, and have taken a very important step forward during this crisis. I feel this needs to be taken very seriously as an olive branch! An open dialogue and consistant compromises on BOTH sides may very well restore Russia as an ally as they were during WWII.

Call me a fool, but I can easily see how it could be a very beneficial friendship to both parties.

[Barnacle]

Although you invited me to, I won't call you a fool - we're suppose to avoid personal attacks on the FR. There is a timeless bit of wisdom that says "Never trust the Russians." Maybe someone out there can identify its author.