Thanks. Given that you've written "I usually defend Russia against the blatant hypocrisy of the West" I assume you agree that POEMLESS has rather mischaracterized your writing about Russia, don't you?  Because we're not looking for somebody who defends Russia were looking for somebody who criticizes it.

Why is Putin "small time"?  He presides over the largest land mass on the globe and has nuclear weapons as well as a large store of fossil fuels.  He abolished local elections, obliterated the TV news, wiped out opposition political parties and may have ordered many killings of political rivals. He's certainly sent a major rival to prison in Siberia.

I'm not sure I understand "the stupidest and most criminal leaders in the West for a long while."  I'm quite sure POEMLESS would find this an outrageous and inappropriate smear, disqualifying you from her admiration.  But the point is:  Are you saying you think George Bush is worse than Vladimir Putin?

Russia is the best country in the world . . . except for all the others!