What is your honest opinion of Vladimir Putin?

@kate21 do you ever look at the real news to see what he's really doing?

@Graciebaby Kindly tell us what he’s really doing?

Why would I do that, the freedom news will tell you all.
Don't be lazy n go read what he's about.

Then come back and tell us all what you think hes done wrong.

Then we'll chat if u like.

@Experienced33 Stalin was much more cruel to his own citizens. Putin is more of a threat to other nations.

@Experienced33 lmfao! even stalin had good PR until he died.

@Experienced33 Not even close

@hahaheheuhhaha lol good one

@BlueMetalChick I think part of this goes back to how they first tried to transition from a centrally planned economy; by the mid 1990s the place was chaos, and the criminal enterprises (well honed under the communist rule) were taking over. So after "glasnost" there was a pure led by the country's most capable man -- Putin, strong armed, ruthless, and connected (feared/respected) everywhere via is intelligence apparatus (KGB). Now they know no different. But rest assured Russians are MUST better off now than under communism -- but it remains to be seen how they can next transition to a vibrant state. Here I think we will see, again, the limits of a centrally planned economy, and one boxed in by sanctions resulting from their foreign policy and over-reliance on oil production.

As for Crimea -- the strategy there was pretty simple. The move of the Ukraine closer to NATO cut the distance from NATO's border to Moscow roughly in half -- not something Russians are keen about; the ghosts of WW2 persist. Also, the Crimea represented their access to to Black Sea, a vital strategic interest. I'm not saying it was right -- but I'm pretty sure the USA and most western nations would have acted the same if the shoe was on the other foot.

Anyway that's the end of my dissertation :)

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@BlueMetalChick i think he is in a world of hurt too. his economy and his reputation are suffering.

@TheOneyouwerewarnedabout The Russians, Chinese, and North Koreans have been engaged in aggressive and sustained cyber shenanigans. It was one of Obama's weaknesses. It really shouldn't be Trump's given the current shenanigans. I don't know how one makes peace in the middle of this aggression. It's like trying to make up with your old lady while you're punching her in the face.

@hahaheheuhhaha Well that would be a bit more reasonable.

@Cutefeetlover 😗😅😆🏳

@hunkalove well said!!

So you like him for all the things you’re not? @SW-User

@kate21 You know me how?🤔

@SW-User I like that kind of guy.

@MartinTheFirst 😒 you thnk I'm that cheap boi!!!! -smacks face-

@wakanda4eva 😂

@wakanda4eva 😂😂

@Cierzo If you can’t handle your claim being questioned, don’t make questionable claims.

@OggggO I can take being questioned, I am tired of self-righteousness. You have a vision of the world, I have a different one.

@Cierzo What's self-righteous about thinking the claim that Putin is "the only true leader in the world" is ludicrous?

@hahaheheuhhaha That's him!! Look at that lovely Windsor knot in his tie!! Impeccable!!

@Cutefeetlover Hahahah 😂😂😂 Yeah.

If Trump was a quick thinker he would have ducked under the table.

@Insomniac100 what ARE his "ambitions?"

@Fernie probably restore Russia into the same global power it was along with influencing China as the next world power. I’m pretty sure he even changed the national anthem back to the Soviet one years ago.

@BlueMetalChick I don't care about that category system. Much of the media is state owned and the state has to approve religions. Speak ill of Putin and you have to look over your shoulder, if for no other reason than to see the muzzle flash. I don't get the "mostly free" vibe.

@Xuan12 Having lived there for a short time I can tell you that the major infractions of personal freedoms mostly lie in religion and sexuality. And the press.

@BlueMetalChick Oh yeah, the sexuality thing too.

@TexasOutlawTrey hummm, thinks about that one a bit.... tries to imagine the whole embodiment with the dr. evil but putin in his place.

🤔

@patkaren1717 seek help

@kate21 It shows that you no nothing about the History of Russia. Look at what he started with and look at how far the country has come. When was the last time you were in Moscow to see how you say it The Russian Economy in the Crapper. You would be surprised at the Overhead Cranes in the air. In a few years he will have Siberia open with all its resourses. Try traveling to see for yourself and not just listening to the news. I will be back on Red Square in September. Were will you be.

@kate21 [quote]You mean he knows how to murder journalists?[/quote]

Funny how people connected to Hillary have a habit of dying under mysterious circumstances...🤔

@Fernie Yeah. What ever.

@hippyjoe1955 another brilliant response from joey

@Fernie Returning in kind.

@SW-User only the weak-minded

@Fernie exactly ( puppets) lol

@Cutefeetlover i dont know about that but perhaps

@MartinTheFirst generalizing but w/career politics that's all about what it is. no way otherwise, politics is a creature from the damned it all to hell.

@SStarfish then you'll be the first one they come for

@BlueMetalChick I know but he's very quiet but very strong

@Sarabee Regardless, I haven't met any Russians who like him.

@BlueMetalChick they were from the smaller countries but now back with their mother country and they love him