Russians were ordered to attend Putin rallies

[robcon]

Source: Guardian (UK)

Hundreds of students and state railway workers were ordered to attend demonstrations in Russia calling for Vladimir Putin to stand for an illegal third term as president, according to documents seen by the Guardian.

Regional government officials demanded that schools in Tver region and railway departments in Novosibirsk provided pupils and employees to cheer for the president at Soviet-style rallies in recent weeks.

Prosecutors are examining official telegrams laying out requirements for attendance at the rallies. The papers were uncovered by opposition politicians and appear to be a blatant breach of electoral law.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/russia/article/0,,2202065,00.html

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More Stalinism from Putin.

[LSparkle]

1. Just like the U.S. helped stage Ukraine's "welcome" for Shrub?

I'd be more alarmed about Putin's behavior if we didn't have a like mind in the WH.

[rodeodance]

2. same thing happens when bush cheney go to Military bases

[Acadia Blue]

3. But Bush saw his soul?????? What did the dummy see? Not what

the rest of the world sees, that is for certain.

[Gman]

4. Right now Putin may be the only person standing in the way

of the US attacking Iran. I'm not sure we want Putin gone just yet.

[knight_of_the_star]

5. I don't think it would matter if its Putin or someone else

The Russians have it in their best interests to keep us from getting into Iran, they buy a good deal of oil from them.

[DRoseDARs]

6. Color me shocked. n/t

[DeepModem Mom]

7. Indeed, robcon. And...

no predictable reminders that our own government is not perfect, IMO, excuse crackdowns on human rights in Putin's, or any, country.

[yava]

8. more like stolen?

to be humble and modest, that is :)

[Odin2005]

9. Russia continues it's descent back into autocracy. n/t.

[TheLastMohican]

10. Russia does what is best for her interests

Currently Russia's interests are not to please Uncle Sam, autocracy aside.

The leader of Russia maybe a tsar, a communist General Secretary, or a President - the pattern will be the same, no matter what you call it.

[Odin2005]

11. Very true. n/t.

[Progressive Friend]

12. US/British papers are not a good place to find realistic info on Russia

Like it or not, Putin really is genuinely popular in Russia. He is seen as a kind of national savior after the disastrous Yeltsin years. This is why his party will win an overwhelming victory in the upcoming Duma elections, with KPRF coming in second place.