Like Vladimir, like George? Is this what's next here?

[IDemo]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/01/29/wruss29.xml&sSheet=/news/2006/01/29/ixworld.html

Putin 'uses Soviet scare tactics' to silence critics of new Russia

By Nick Holdsworth in Moscow
(Filed: 29/01/2006)

Yevgeny Ikhlov does not look like a man who is easily frightened. As a long-time peace and human rights activist, he has frequently clashed in the courtroom with Russia's secret services, military and public prosecutors. The FSB security service - the successor to the feared Soviet-era KGB - once tried to imprison him on trumped-up charges of taking funding from terrorist organisations after he attempted to broker a peace deal in Chechnya.

But now he is scared, and like other human rights activists in Russia, is bracing himself for a Kremlin crackdown unprecedented since Soviet times. It follows the exposure last week of four alleged British spies whom President Vladimir Putin's regime has accused of secretly funding and advising pro-democracy groups. (In fact, all the grants are publicly declared.)

Less than a week earlier, Mr Putin had quietly signed into law controversial new measures forcing all non-government organisations (NGOs) in Russia to report their activities and funding sources to Kremlin apparatchiks, who will have the power to shut down any deemed to be acting against state interests.

"Putin has started his frontal attack on the last remaining segment of society not subordinate to him," warned Mr Ikhlov. "Politics is subordinate to Putin; the mass media and business are on their knees. We are the last part of society that does not get any funding from the state. There is a battle coming to a head and they have already put zelyonka on our foreheads."

- Does this not sound as if it could shortly describe the US, before * is done with his tantrum?

[Shortyfuse]

1. Hard to tolerate but....

After what happened in Georgia, Germany, and Canada I cannot help but wonder if he is not trying to stop the spread of influence of outside money into his country. When he jailed the oil man I have to admit I; let out a big yipeeee. I realize that their gov. has not had their people in mind when they executed most of their policies. However , if they can use their natural for the betterment of their people, then more power to them. I wish we could do it here instead of letting the oil, lumber and mining profits to go corrupt corps that don't even care enough that the damn mines are safe, or that our coastlines and eroding from oil channels and overdeveloping. If you think it is ok to put monies into foreign political agendas for the sole purpose of putting pro oil companies and
World bank policy candidates in office in these countries, then you should only listen to the Corp. media side of this issue. We would not let China contribute to our politics.

[Shortyfuse]

2. Does anyone really read these things

I think the point you raised is an important one .many are in America these days. However by the time anyone has responded to a point it is on the third page and no exchange of ideas have taken place. That is why I like the History Channel Discussion site.