Korean Job Discussion Forums

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080131/ts_nm/russia_election_poll_dc_2

I think The Economists magazine a few weeks ago was scratching it head wondering why Putin was working so hard to crush political opponents using illegal (and violent) means when it would simply win power in a fair election hands down. The Russian economy is cooking from oil wealth. People are going to return the Putin government to power no problem.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Only 71%? Well, I guess this is an improvement on the old Soviet-era elections where governments got 99% approval ratings in elections.

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

Kuros · Joined: 27 Apr 2004

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

<------------ Putin doesn't like this thread.

Russians have no history of democracy (like many Asian peoples). They are culturally/historically programmed to look to an autocratic leader. I think that is what they expect and respect, regardless of the reformist elements within the society.

nicholas_chiasson · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Location: Samcheok

Putin crushing the weak opposition is as much a warning to his own chekist cronies as a message to the West. He is blowing smoke, for some enigmatic purpose.
For what its worth EVERYONE knows United Russia is the new communist party, at least in terms of power. At least that was the word on the street, when I was last there.