McClatchy: Putin keeps U.S. officials waiting for 40 minutes, mocked their mission

[kansasblue]

After keeping the U.S. officials waiting for 40 minutes, Putin mocked their mission in front of reporters and television cameras.

"Of course, we can sometime in the future decide that some anti-missile defense should be established somewhere on the moon . . . ," he said.

U.S.-Russian tensions, already at their highest since the end of Cold War, could worsen in coming months, fanning new regional instability.

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/20508.html

[LakeSamish706]

1. Good for him, not being intimidated by "shit for brains" is a good thing... n/t

[mediaman007]

2. So much for Condy Rice's PHD in Russian studies...

I guess she showed them.


Remember when Cheney* said "The adults are in charge now." ? Well I've always said, if you have to tell us, it ain't true. This is truly amateur hour and the incompetence is stunning.

[TreasonousBastard]

3. Scary article-- more incompetence from the "experts." n/t

[DURHAM D]

4. Maybe that is also pay back for Condi from a prior meeting

where she referred to the Russians as the Soviets - not once but twice.

Perhaps she goofed because she is a Soviet not a Russian specialist and forgot what decade it is.

[pnutbutr]

6. recent

Russian government actions seem to be eerily similar to the old Soviet government. Russia is working toward establishing another party of power. United Russia. Oil and media companies have been taken over by the state, by force and coersion if necessary. Putin has recently said he would be the prime minister only if his choice for president from the United Russia party gets elected as well as a majority of the Duma elections come from the United Russia party as well. With his current popularity that is almost assured. After one term as prime minister he can then become president again. After the Beslan school incident Putin used prevention of terrorism as a way to grab power and change elections. The people no longer elect a Duma candidate. They vote for a political party. The existing Duma, prime minister and president then choose who will be the representative based on a list of eligible party members. Parties are also excluded from being able to take place in elections if their support percentage is too low. The government has also excluded non-native people from taking part in elections. It's also pertinent to note that being a journalist critical of Putin, United Russia or anything about the current Russian government has become a very dangerous job.

Don't forget that Putin was a member of the KGB and many of his closest people are friends of his from the KGB.

Russia is doing great economically right now and they have started nationalistic practices. They are encouraging Russians to procreate, offering special prizes if children are born on a certain date. Births have skyrocketed since this began. Birth in and of itself is not bad but the reason the government is promoting it is shady. I don't trust Putin in the slightest. I think he is gathering power to bring about another communist nation. Only difference being that I think this new communism will be modeled more after China than the old Soviet Union. Either way it will breed corruption and oppression.

It is funny that he made them wait though. And the moon comment had me :rofl:

[monmouth]

5. Why hasn't Cheney gotten rid of Condi?? She's accomlished nothing..n/t