For me...that was amazing... I was somewhat shocked to read a transcript which would have taken place over the course of an hour and a half at a press conference where a President actually allows the press to ask him tough questions.

Not only get asked these questions... But have answers laced with sanity and intelligence! I almost laugh to think of Bush trying to sit through a question and answer period and actually attempt to not have scripted answers, but instead talk about his beliefs and what is is working toward...

I guess that could never happen... Because he would have to admit His evil... His corruption... His mistakes...

Putin talked a lot about the little things he is doing... Fucking Crab Meat Export for crying out loud... This guy knows the goings on of his country...or at least is willing to learn if he doesn't...

Sometimes I'm sad that I'm so ignorant to world affairs and only allow myself to be amused at the laughable ignorance of the US Gov...and its highest members... ignorant? or evil to the core? or insane in their beliefs? I don't know what is worse...

Lately I've been having nightmares my friends! I have a fucking sick feeling in my stomach over this shit today.... but who knows... maybe I'll forget about it tomorrow... ugh...

Not to smash my own post, but one thing should be clear: Putin is every bit as bad as GWB, if not worse, however he does have the benefit of being infinitely more competent

Mother Russia has always had a maternal interest in the Orthodox states of the Balkans.

From my limited understanding, this sentence makes sense only if you cross out 'maternal' and replace it with 'dictatorial'.

Also, isn't the distribution of wealth in brave new capitalist Russia disastrously retarded?

This article is pretty glowing about the virtues of being flawless Mr Putin, which puts me on guard. Ultimately, I'm not sure if evil should be effective or bungling. I guess they both suck.