HAHAHA Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! I voted "I do not wish to vote" because the options in the poll were stupid. The first option included 2 contradictory options, for example. I don't like Russia the country (government), but I like and very much respect the Russian culture, traditions, etc. (not-withstanding my irritations re: some aspects of that culture). I think that the people who are now in control of Russia should do domestically what they see as right (e.g. being more stronghanded) if it fits the Russian model... I don't really care. But in terms of Russia's foreign policy, it is a disgusting and disunifying, distabalizing set of policies which should stop and be reversed immediately. Knowing the Romulan nature of Russians and especially the people in power, that will not happen... so all I'm left with is to resent those people. I've noticed also that there is a trend in the past few decades in the people of Russia to be less anti-Semetic. That is positive, though most Jews with the means, even though they're not persecuted / hated as before, prefer to leave Russia. I look forward to traveling to Russia next year to meet with some relatives and see the places that I haven't seen in 20+ years, and to experience St.Petersburg's culture as a grownup. Authentic Russian food, Russian candy, the old architecture, the military museums, the playground / neighbourhood where I grew up, the big landmarks, the niteclubs and the music scene (techno and rock) and yes, even the rude people. I can't wait to see all that. I am fond of those things and curious to learn more. But again, I hate Putin's foreign policies and hope they get reversed. As for draqon, you're a p*ss* *itch that should STFU, living in the USA (the cold war nemesis) and yet talking shit about it and glorifying its "archenemy" (as you see it), Mother Russia. My friend once put it very awesomely: "I love those damn Russian patriots that live in North America. They love Russia so much, but they will never go back to live there." Seeing American and Russian interests on a collision course, being a patriot like yourself, I think it's time to buy that 1-way ticket.
Nice syllogism. It doesn't work though. I can be "neutral" on this issue despite knowing that Russia is a shit-hole, run by mobsters. This gives me the unique perspective that I really don't give a damn whether it sinks or swims, though, I guess for global security it would be best if it swims. ~String
Which pretty much sums up Draq. Try to get him to admit that Russia has ever done anything wrong. Good luck. ~String
oh goody, a nation we can all hate without fear of mass hysteria! commies? yeah i hate 'em, with a passion. actually i don't hate the russian people, i can't stand the thought that russia might have some good qualities.
I hate the Russian Gov. and military though I understand they have gone through a very difficult period in their history. They are causing trouble for themselves in the long run, they cannot even hope to intimidate the West. Its funny how people (a lot of the people I know) tend to back Russia simply because they're bored of America dominating World affairs. Just imagine a World with Russia as the only superpower. The actions of the Russians in WW2 leave a bitter taste in my mouth, as do their actions in Eastern Europe and in the Caucasus. They're always picking on those that cannot fight back, and they always use excessive force. The Russians have also done more against innocent Muslims than the US ever has. Chechnya, Dagestan, Kazakhstan and of course Afghanistan.
I think this thread backfired... Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! But let's put a positive spin on it: Nuclear sub accidents: Russia 4 : USA 2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_submarine#Accidents Russian hero: "Three sailors were killed outright in the explosion. The vessel surfaced to permit its twin nuclear reactors to be shut down, which was only accomplished when a 19-year old enlisted seaman, Sergei Preminin, sacrificed his life to secure one of the onboard nuclear reactors by hand, trapped in the engine compartment. " http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-219
...and here is what Mother Russia does to you: "Displeased with Britanov's inability to repair his submarine and continue his patrol, Moscow ordered Valery Pshenichny, K-219’s security officer, to assume command, transfer the surviving crew back to the submarine, and return to duty. Before those orders could be carried out, however, K-219 abruptly sank into the Hatteras Abyss on 6 October 1986" So had it been up to Moscow, the whole freaking crew would have died, they just got extremely lucky. Russian sub-history 101 for Russian patriots...
` I friggin' love Russia ! What other bunch of sawdust-smokin' drunks could we have gotten to march by the millions straight into nazi machine gun, artillery and tank fire while their own bosses threatened to shoot 'em in the back if they so much as slowed down ??? Greatest nation on Earth, so help me ! Belt this one out with me, Comrades ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwUd7sY8ITc ( They even put the lyrics up there - so no excuses, or it's off to the GULAG with you, you petit-bourgeois enemies of the people ! ) Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
I adore Russia and her people whilst despising her despotic government. This goes for virtually every nation on earth too.
The only experience I have of Russia is through my sister, who spent a year of her Russian/German degree there. She had an awful time - the Winter Palace separate occasions. A few succumbed to the Russian winter; one lit a fire in the basement to escape the cold and somehow managed to burn himself alive. To be fair, she was staying in a grotty part of St. Petersburg in a youth hostel, but I do have an image of Russia in my mind as a bit of a decrepit place.
знаю, что означает. ничего не дурак о том, как Россия сыграла со Сталиным. Россия (и россияне) не имеют репутацию для чтения лекций Соединенных Штатов по правильности и неправильности. Если российской политике были машины, они были бы так как российские автомобили: нежелательной.
And Russia still sucks hind tit, and has a jealousy problem about the United States. Had a friend from Russia, she never could get use to the supermarkets, she was so impressed by the selection and variety of produce and meats available for purchase. The other thing that She was impressed by was the freedom of movement we have, the ability to go anywhere with out passports or travel documents, and the network of highways that let us travel freely to any destination we desired.
