Do you believe Putin is a dictator?

Let me clarify my question...I will just give one example. When he invaded Ukraine and annexed eastern part of that country, US imposed sanctions on russians. Their economy crumbled. But Putin is not suffering it's the ordinary people that do. How can he gamble with people's lives like this...

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hippyjoe1955 · 70-79, M

Interesting sideline to the story of the invasion of Ukraine. My family always invites a stranger to our holiday feasts and the year Russia invaded Ukraine we had a couple of young women from eastern Ukraine as guests. Of course we asked about the crisis and both of them said that they welcomed the Russians because the Ukrainian government was utterly corrupt. I was a bit surprised given the MSM spreading the news that the poor lady president was in jail etc etc etc.

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HoraceGreenley · 61-69, M

@Svarog: I agree.

wisepearls · 51-55, F

There was also a program on NPR and people from Ukraine want to be part of Russia.

HoraceGreenley · 61-69, M

@wisepearls: Some people but not the majority.

hippyjoe1955 · 70-79, M

@wisepearls: I think the important thing to remember is the media is a part of the power structure and is in charge of forming the 'right opinion' on international affairs. I remember meeting a man who escaped Iraq during the Iran/Iraq war. Of course our media was making Sadam out to be a saint that walked on water. My new friend set the record straight as the media pointed out during Desert Storm. Its one of the reasons I don't trust the information about Putin or Hillary or Trump. The media is not our friend.

wisepearls · 51-55, F

@hippyjoe1955: I also learned not to trust the media. I do my research, talk to the local people both sides, study the history, and then I build my opinion.