It is only under freedom that men can assert their natural, God-given male proclivities. I think that's part of the problem we're having in Iraq. People who have lived under oppression for a generation or more lack the skills to master independence, decisiveness and self-reliance after the yoke of tyranny has been shed.
It will take a full generation or more for Russians (and Iraqis) to begin to advance their potential and, if they keep electing people like Putin, they will revert back to the old system before they get that far. There are solid reasons to prop up emerging democracies with economic and political assistance. We take independence and opportunity for granted. It is second nature to us - it's who we are - and constitutes the governing philosophy of our country. We were raised to understand that we can be anything and as successful as we want to be, but that it's up to us as individuals to make the choices and do the hard work that take us where we want to go. It's the second part of that equation that is the stumbling block for those whose only life experiences have been dominated by socialism and dictatorial rule.
Very thoughtful reply. We do take for granted that people will take risks to make a better live for themselves when their society chopped off many of the heads who tried.