2005 State Department Report on Russian Human Rights

[sgould72]

Because I feel some of our violations may have valid justification.

I'm sure the Russians feel exactly the same way. They are just as wrong as you are.

[Veilan]

You can say what you want Nek, but at least Russia isn't pretending to sit on any high horses.

No, they're just pretending to sit on the high energy supply.

Oh, and they're not just pretending to, too .

[ayergo]

Exactly why it worries me Zak, I see what could eventually become the rekindling of the cold war, because Vladamir Putin is a nutty former KGB agent who doesn't want his people to have any freedom.

Putin is a lot of things, but he's not nutty. He is exceptionally intelligent, hard working, driven, and an excellent tactician. He's also authored books on martial arts.

I don't want to play the game of "who is more moral", but i think the fact that he is a ruler of a large powerful country and has these qualities is scary (and admirable at the same time).

[Lusipher]

Putin could very well be one hell of a dictator if he wished to be. Hes ex KGB and he isnt afraid to step on anyones toes to get what he wants. If China and Russia ever really wanted to just go nuts on everyone else they would no doubt win hands down. Then again, if you read the Bible you will no doubt know that Israel will defeat them both in the final battle.

[Nekulor]

I think he is at least testing the dictatorial waters, if nothing else.

[ayergo]

I think he is at least testing the dictatorial waters, if nothing else.

If he had gone with the law change to allow his term to continue, i'd agree.

But he's stepping down, so i don't.

There's always the "behind the curtain" argument, but why would he do that when he would easily get a mandate to continue to rule from the throne?