Russia’s so-called “oligarchs” have been driven into exile, frightened into cooperation or arrested. The Kremlin has “cemented its control” over the Russian energy sector. The old Soviet anthem is back. Soviet battle flags have been restored. The founder of the Soviet secret police, whose birthday is Sept. 11, is now openly celebrated. The old KGB has taken Russia by the throat. The West’s alarm, however, is muted by hope. Nobody wants to admit that America’s Cold War victory was equivocal; that step-by-step it is coming undone.Some of this is true and some lies, just enough truth to be disarming. The oligarchs have good reason to run, as they are criminals and mafia who are finally having to face the music. Under Yeltsin they did not.
Nonetheless, an important element is missing from Mr. Nyquist's paranoid rant.
Christianity is flourishing.
Churches are being restored, not destroyed. Prayer and Christianity are being used and taught in public schools.
Hardly the work of the new soviets, who went first and foremost after the church and Christianity, knowing it to be their greatest enemy.
As usual, meds are suggested for all paranoias and inabilities to recognize that not every country is going to be America the second and happily step in line as a carbon copy image.
Look after what the people in Russia have been through I do not wish for them to return to the rule of communism.
This nation has had liberalism/socialism/communism/ (or whatever the new name they pluck out of thin air to call themselves) stick their finger in our eyes day in and day out, year after year and their methods are subtle.
Some of us have watched the in your face and oh so very hidden players of the mind of "communism". The method used is what we have learned. Putting up Christians churches is good but do not use that as your guide post. We have churches on every corner in most of our US cities and that did not prevent a perverted man and his in-name-only wife from being elected twice.
These are the same that vote for "Patriot Act" and when it gets close to them they squeal like pigs.
I do not know what path Putin will take, but lying to those people about what was going on has sent the latest "RED" flag up.
A point of caution regarding the churches...the Russian Orthodox have been very aggressive...with active government support in suppressing other forms of Christian worship not inimical to its own style. They argue that only "Russian historical cultural" styles of Russian Christianity (ie Russian Orthodox) should be allowed to hold sway in Russia. Baptists get a bit of a pass, but protestant groups in general find it tough going in terms of being licensed or allowing their literature in country.