Putin opens Russian 'military Disneyland' Patriot Park

[uhnope]

Lunch consists of army rations, shopping is mainly for Vladimir Putin accessories, and instead of riding rollercoasters children can play with grenade launchers and clamber over heavy weaponry. Welcome to Patriot Park: fun for all the family, with a militaristic twist.

This vast military theme park at Kubinka, an hour’s drive from Moscow, was officially opened by Putin on Tuesday at a time of heightened patriotism and military rhetoric in the wake of Russia’s annexation of Crimea last year and subsequent confrontation with the west.

Putin used the event as an opportunity to announce the addition of 40 new intercontinental missiles to Russia’s nuclear arsenal this year. He said the theme park would be “an important element in our system of military-patriotic work with young people”.

As well as being a “military Disneyland”, Patriot Park is also a conference and exhibition venue, and Tuesday marked the start of Army 2015, a Russian military exhibition showcasing the latest equipment, attended by delegations from dozens of countries.

Read more http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/16/vladimir-putin-opens-russian-military-disneyland-patriot-park

[Igel]

1. Yeah.

Russian media announce upcoming military drills on the evening news and front pages of main newspapers. They report on progress of the drills, the wonders of the drills, new weapons used or deployed. They report on the military's proven readiness to resist invasion from the usual suspects, and they quote from politicians who opine on the drills.

In the US, we hear about a drill in some media sources and typically yawn. After that, the only reason for reporting them is how bad they are for increasing tensions and how other nations report on them or view them.

But, you see, it's American society that's militaristic, with all things military at the center of life. Putin's Russia, presumably, is firmly on the path of pacifism.

[RKP5637]

2. He's going to bring it right back, the cold war and all that goes with it. n/t

[Johnyawl]

5. He can't afford to bring it back...

...he's a fool.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

3. I hear that place is Da Bomb!

[GreatGazoo]

4. "in Russia, Disneyland does YOU!" n/t