What a remarkable piece of writing in Putin's Editorial at the NYT

[go west young man]

43. I tend to very much agree with you.

I don't think you'll find much understanding amongst posters here. I've been to Russia 7 times and fully understand your comment in regards to a strong leader for Russia. Yeltsin gave away the farm, hence the reason Cheney liked him so much, and hence the reason Cheney despised Putin. In Russia they have a saying, "Eta Russia", which means, it's fucked up, but what can you one do? Nothing.

Russians know that if they had a different leader it could obviously be worse, most likely, very much worse. They also know that Russia's economy is growing. They see the new malls and new cars and they are liking new Russia. Every time I visit there are more and more new cars and amazing new restaurants and coffee shops. Granted there is still a lot that can be done to improve the country but Russia is definitely on the upswing.

Paradoxically, I see the opposite happening here. The U.S. is on the downswing. You see it everywhere. Having studied a bit on Russian employment laws (I do some translation work), one thing I notice for sure in Russia, is that the government is very pro labor/employee when it comes to workers rights versus those of the corporations. Once again a complete paradox as workers rights in the US have practically evaporated.

Russians also like the way Putin has positioned Russia on the world stage. They have national pride, as all countries tend to do, and feel that strength is important (ah, the Russian psyche) globally. They like Putin because he's a brilliant chess player in the Great Game. They understand he's ex-KGB and can't be totally trusted but that worry is diminished by his ability to get the job done (most of the time) for Russia.

Sadly, the country of Russia as a whole, is a touch homophobic. C'est la vie. Psychologically, Russia has a long way to go in many areas. Personally I would rather see Putin addressing crime and racism rather than arresting youthful happy people who want to express themselves freely or letting police close down art galleries. He isn't perfect. I know you know that. I just figured I'd point it out so you don't get disillusioned with the black or white simplistic views being expressed here on DU.

I enjoy your writing. Thanks for doing what you do. And indeed it is a very interesting moment in the history of the world when the President of Russia speaks directly to the American people. I too would like to see Obama reply.