The probability is that you are correct
Russian government lives on secrecy — and abuse of the commoners — and murder of the inconvenient. They have since the times of the Tsars.
Funny thing about reading old memoirs by foreigners who lived there in the 1800s, and novels and memoirs by Russians — one gets a sense of the Russian character that forms the basis of the kinds of government they end up with, whether Tsarist or Soviet or oligarchical.
Kick in to the DU tip jar?
This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.
As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.