[Prost1]

I strongly urge Europe to encourage Putin to withdraw his recommendation for Krelim appointed Governors.

This is a dangerous return to Tsarist times and nothing good can come from it.

[EagleUSA]

Darn, if he goes through with it, it will be very "similar" to what Clinton did to the Federal Judges when he took office......

Look what we got!!! Leftist, law-breaking activists on the bench....hey, Putin, is this your role model ???

[keats5]

"I strongly urge Europe to encourage Putin to withdraw his recommendation for Krelim appointed Governors."

I agree with your concern, but not with your method. I don't want Europe to start telling Putin what to do, because I don't trust Europe either.

Still, I also want Putin to reverse this power grabbing recommendation. The Governors have been elected before this. Now Putin wants to appoint them himself. This is a huge move away from democracy, and gives the central government the opportunity to do what Russian leaders have done so well in the past- take over the entire government.

I know the school slaughter was awful. But if we forget history and let Putin have his way, there will be more slaughters, not less. Putin can fight terrorism without denying the regional people their elelctions. We do./p>