The jubilation that followed his victory has faded since he claimed his third reign as president. He was unable to run in 2008, as it's unlawful for a President to serve three consecutive terms. Perhaps during this term, he can make a change to that law as he has extended times associated with other laws. Some claim he won this third term due to electoral fraud. Groups of folks being bused around the city to vote in every precinct is a different but convenient path to win an election.
The Great Feast of the Orthodox Church typically falls the week before Pascha. The sacred day appears to have been observed twice this year, once with pussy willows and another with Pussy Riot. Three of the band members received a two year jail sentence this month for their actions in February. They performed a "punk prayer" in the Orthodox Church, asking the Virgin Mary to drive Vladimir Putin from power. Freedom of expression is non-existent in Russia, and in more recent times is accommodated with a harsh sentence.
Severe and unjust punishment is common for those who disagree with a dictator. When a dictator is in power, those who oppose him can expect a prison or death sentence. One wouldn't want to be a journalist in Russia during the years since he left the KGB for politics. They're dropping like flies. http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-84835
President Putin knows the importance of not protesting the government. His resignation from the KGB came just prior to the coup raid of 1991. Great changes took place in Russia and the Soviet Union during the years of Mikhail Gorbachev. President Putin felt he could better serve in politics not long after the Berlin Wall crumbled. He's determined to return to the days of Stalin, a time when the Russian leader was one to be feared.
Much like "Young Frankenstein", who released the monster to the public with "Putting on the Ritz", the Russian Orthodox Church knows Putin will bring fear and punishment to any who protest him. Democracy is on the outs with Russia, as is any separation between church and state. Those who protest the President of Russia can expect to be kept in their own icon corner, or jail cell.
The Great Feast of the Orthodox Church typically falls the week before Pascha. The sacred day appears to have been observed twice this year, once with pussy willows and another with Pussy Riot. Three of the band members received a two year jail sentence this month for their actions in February. They performed a "punk prayer" in the Orthodox Church, asking the Virgin Mary to drive Vladimir Putin from power. Freedom of expression is non-existent in Russia, and in more recent times is accommodated with a harsh sentence.
Severe and unjust punishment is common for those who disagree with a dictator. When a dictator is in power, those who oppose him can expect a prison or death sentence. One wouldn't want to be a journalist in Russia during the years since he left the KGB for politics. They're dropping like flies. http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-84835
President Putin knows the importance of not protesting the government. His resignation from the KGB came just prior to the coup raid of 1991. Great changes took place in Russia and the Soviet Union during the years of Mikhail Gorbachev. President Putin felt he could better serve in politics not long after the Berlin Wall crumbled. He's determined to return to the days of Stalin, a time when the Russian leader was one to be feared.
Much like "Young Frankenstein", who released the monster to the public with "Putting on the Ritz", the Russian Orthodox Church knows Putin will bring fear and punishment to any who protest him. Democracy is on the outs with Russia, as is any separation between church and state. Those who protest the President of Russia can expect to be kept in their own icon corner, or jail cell.
