> Putin ... handouts to ... pensioners Last year Putin gave each pensioner 35 roubles before elections. This is half a dollar, IIRC. A spit in the face. A few

> Putin ... handouts to ... pensioners Last year Putin gave each pensioner 35 roubles before elections. This is half a dollar, IIRC. A spit in the face. A few years ago, he stole from the Pension Fund. I kind of agree with the remaining points, but we should not overestimate Putin's talents. Don't listen to commenters, just watch his interviews. Or the interviews of his crew. Start with Naryshkin. As the head of foreign intelligence he is supposed to be the smartest.