[glopomcyte]

Article lobbing aside, I reject any notion that would rationalize the use of media censorship, dictatorial rule, and political intolerance as necessary means to achieve ends that include the establishment of the rule of law and with it the social stability needed to create an environment conducive to self-actualization and individual freedoms. Oppression and censorship leads to freedom and tolerance?? Where have we seen this before?? I I am sorry but once you go there, you never go back.

Russia's new found wealth is not new found at all. Their economic stability is the result of possessing an abundance of a much demanded natural resource combined with reduced expenditures, specifically in the areas of military budget cuts as well and de-colonization (if that is a word) of the Soviet Block. Quite simply stated, the Soviet empire could not sustain itself economically and divested itself. Who knows how well Russia would have fared had they been able to combine these same more favorable economic factors and the lower corruption that exists today, with a more tolerant society.

There is less corruption for sure. But I go back to Ninja's point. People can't object to what they do not know about.