Originally Posted by Jesus H Christ

It actually goes much deeper then that. I'm your Average American with no Russian ethnicity who's spent a lot of time in Russia. I do business on a daily bases with Russians and actually know the culture/people well. Although, I prefer the Ukraine I can easily write a book on an American perspective on Russia or how to do business in Russia.

You have to understand their culture to understand the politics. Prior to 1991 the vast majority of Russians lived in type of serfdom throughout their history. They didn't have any rights as any direction in their lives was laced with a threat to do so. It's still prevalent in their culture today and why they're considered rude/direct/brash.

Anyway, due to their history or lack of democracy, they needed a Putin to transition them into a democracy. Meaning, they could not of transitioned from communism to democracy because the majority of Russians couldn't even grasp the meaning of the word democracy because they didn't have an actual example.

So the real question is - does Putin think the Russian public can truly transition to a full democracy? This guy has made billions and can leave Russia at any time and live like a king anywhere he wants. So why would he want to continue living a political life with an inherited risk? Because he's on an ego trip for power? - I don't think so. I am willing to bet he thinks the Russian people are truly not ready yet. A comparable example is when Roosevelt was elected 4x times as this got us out of the depression.

The People IMO Pros/Cons:

Cons: Due to their past of serfdom/communism? - They're completely obsessed with material things. Everything in the US is cheap comparatively, as Russians take great pride showing what they got, especially the women. It's not uncommon to go to the local market and think a club must of just let out as you can smell the burning envy in the air.

Pros: Contrary to popular belief, Russians in general are not scammers, but the opposite. They are excellent honest hardworking business people who keep things uniquely simple. Ether you can or can NOT do it. They don't mix small talk with smiles and simplify business to the relevancy of turning on/off a light switch. When doing business in Russia they departmentalize everything, smiling or acting too friendly will make them think you're an idiot. Just act like what you're doing is painful, you'll be fine.

Cons: If you're outside the major cities/tourist areas, Russians don't like foreigners and can be very rude and short tempered. You'll need rhino skin if you decide to explore or ask questions/directions on your own. If you mind you're own business and keep your mouth shut, no one will fuck with you walking anywhere. Try that in any major US city.

Pros: Contrary to popular belief, Russians are not raging vodka drinking alcoholics. Matter of fact, 2/3 of the Russians I know don't even drink and the ones who do, it's more like a planed celebration for something and very traditional with a lot of food around.

Cons: Russian women. Trust me when I says this, just stay away from them unless you've been introduced by a friend. Even then, stay away from them. Obviously there are nice Russian women, but if there going to mix it up with a foreigner shes got problems. I've met more then a few Americans/Canadians in Russia who've married Russian women and all their marriages are on the rocks or ended in divorce. Nothing wrong with fucking them as they're hot and will fuck on a drop of a dime, literally. They'll chew through you in a blink of an eye. Only Russian men can take that kind of abuse.

I was going to blog about this anyway, so I thought just expand my reply.