Interesting – thanks for the inside view. Honestly, while I support Russia and the SMO, and think (for reasons I’ve explained elsewhere) that western communists should refrain from criticizing Putin’s government, it can be easy for us westerners to think Putin is better than he really is. Mainly out of reaction to the blatant Russophobia in all the media, and also because, as a competent, dignified leader, he automatically comes off looking better than the clowns we have in charge.