Reply #91: I realize why some folks there see him as a hero, they long to return to the [View All]

[tigereye]

"stability" of the past. But stability in this sense may be a good thing related to perceived security (but not from mafioso or the govt), but not wages, more job stablity, freedoms, or maintaining what appeared to be a much more democratic structure. What is ironic to me is that Bush (like many past us presidents) reinforces dictators whom he perceives as benefiting him/us, while he encourages them to perform the same types of abuses that cause us to invade other natiions. It's obvious, I know, but still incredibly hypocritical.

But Bush's coddling of Putin sends a totally wrong message and i think Obama or Clinton would be likely (and need to) send a very different message. In this case, there are probably a number of diplomatic, border or economic cages of Putin's that we could rattle.