Jimmy Garlic wrote: » I don't think many Russians would agree with you. All things considered the place is far better off now than it was 16 years ago. The IMF was kicked out. The oligarchs were put in their place. Energy was nationalised. The standard of living has improved for most people.
Elmer Blooker wrote: » ....... and theres no dirtier word than "nationalisation" on Wall Street!
Jimmy Garlic wrote: » Absolutely. The usual suspects thought they had the colossal Russian energy sector in the bag, then Putin snatched it away from them. Meanwhile all of our resources have been gifted to those same vultures, and this country will get next to nothing in return. But at least we have "freedom" and "democracy".
Eugene Norman wrote: » Energy resources should be in part owned by the State for sure.
BoJack Horseman wrote: » ESB?
Eugene Norman wrote: » I said energy resources not providers, but I think the ESB should be part owned by the State.
DarkyHughes wrote: » I don't like the homophobic stuff but other than that he's great.
nelly17 wrote: » I would tend to agree I also think the western media like to paint a picture of an egomaniac but if you look at whether or not he has been good for Russia I think he has.
nelly17 wrote: » I also think the western media like to paint a picture of an egomaniac
blatantrereg wrote: » I bet the trains run on time too. Move to Russia. Experience the wonderful quality of life there. Or stay here and enjoy your ability to criticise the government as loudly as you want without fear of arrest.
Streetwalker wrote: » I wonder if they lock people up for 6 years in Russia for importing the deadly substance that is garlic?
Jimmy Garlic wrote: » Are there not people in jail here in Ireland for protesting on public property?
Guy:Incognito wrote: » Possibly. But they don't do that here either. Large scale tax evasion on the other hand......
fergus1001 wrote: » Clearly you haven't heard about the water protest people being thrown in mountjoy.
B_Wayne wrote: » But seriously, incredibly naive to compare Ireland and Russia....
B_Wayne wrote: » What about it you're a minority? Or they don't matter? What about the new recession they're entering? If you want to find a government that is free from criticism at home due to threats upon journalist's life, Russia is definitely the place to be!
nelly17 wrote: » If youre in a minority here do you matter?, take down syndrome kids not qualifying for medical cards as an example. There is a huge reliance on Oil and Gas prices but show me the perfect economy? As for journalisim, Two words Denis O'Brien. Are we really that much better off?
B_Wayne wrote: » . But seriously, incredibly naive to compare Ireland and Russia....
average hero wrote: » Putin has a number of serious flaws but I do think that the media go overboard with their reporting on him. He is always the bad guy one way or the other. Ukraine unfortunately is a pawn in the larger scheme of things. The US has been antagonising Russia since the end of the Cold War. Firstly it was moving NATO closer to Russian borders, which apparently NATO had promised NOT to do. After that it was placing missile defence shields on Russia's doorstep. I mean seriously, this was supposed to protect US against Iran or something? NATO fund groups in Russia and Ukraine under 'democracy' agendas and uses them to protest. The US etc congratulate these groups but clamp down harshly on 'Occupy Wall Street' or the 'Ferguson, Missouri' protests. With regards to China, carefully worded comments are released (a la the Hong Kong protests). There has been huge operations to stabilise / de-stabilise countries before. Look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Gladio in full. NATO don't like Putin's standing up to them and use every attempt to criticise him (winter olympics, etc etc). He is a strong leader for his country and is relatively well liked there, despite how much people want to say it is propoganda. With all of this being said, Putin seems to have delusions about the Soviet Union and is corrupt in a major way. I also do not like some of his social policies and on merit, some of his decisions/actions are odd to say the least. I don't think it is a dichotomy of NATO=good, Russia/Putin= bad. It definitely isn't Putin/Russia=good, NATO=bad either because Putin needs to shape up and get with the times. Kind of like two big guys havin' a go at each other over a woman at a bar.
JacquesDeLad wrote: » NATO wouldn't have any reason to exist if Russia wasn't going round threatening and invading it's neighbours.
I used to think the US, through NATO, was the aggressor during the Cold War and long hoped it would disband.
InTheTrees wrote: » He's a dictator. Thats why he can be equated to the other russian dictators. He's trampled on the russian constitution to the point where he can stay in power indefinitely, jumping between Prime Minister and President every few "elections".