[Susannah]

In November 1987, when Reagan's influence was at its peak and the USSR was straining at the seams from sanctions, Mikhail Gorbachev went before the Politburo and told them this:

"Gentlemen, comrades, do not be concerned about all you hear about glasnost and perestroika and democracy in the coming years. These are primarily for outward consumption. There will be no significant internal change within the Soviet Union, other than for cosmetic purposes.Our purpose is to disarm the Americans and let them fall asleep."

[votelife]

bump to your statement. I have wondered recently just how much of a "friend" Russia is of the US...