I don't think things are all as simple as Putin's personal opinions on homosexuality. In fact, I think it is very helpful to see what an eloquent and reasonabl

I don't think things are all as simple as Putin's personal opinions on homosexuality. In fact, I think it is very helpful to see what an eloquent and reasonable public statement can be created by someone who advocates policies so awful. We are inclined by nature to treat the public opinions and actions of world leaders as internal to themselves, rather than ones simply chosen by expediency. If Russia were in a different situation, if Russia's public felt differently, if Putin ruled a different nation, the same man would produce a statement through the bureaucracy and the PR folk which would be entirely different. In other words, when reading statements by world leaders, our natural inclinations to judge the accuracy, worth and truth of what is said are entirely worthless. The whole thing is manufactured by highly, highly competent organizations which can produce whatever gems are required of them.