What is your perception of Russia?

I lived in West Hollywood, CA which has a very large Russian speaking population. So my observations are of the various people. Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia and Kazakhstan were where the people I knew were from. There were all great neighbors. I'd say most of the immigrants from the former Soviet Union were pretty apolitical. Some of the older people seemed to pine for the glory days of the USSR. They all appeared to get along well. Very social even though they could come off cold at first. They were very welcoming into their homes and generous. They pretty much drank to get drunk. Not much having a beer after work, glass of wine gif dinner. It was drink the cheapest vodka until they were passed out. lol. That being said, that was not an every day occurrence.

I hope Americans can separate people from their governments.