Take off the gloves with In Context


RachEl 1 December, 2007, 01:57	Rudeness and cruel personal attacks should not be the rule. But isn't it equally rude and cruel for those commenters (who routinely have the "upper hand" who continually smack the public with "punch lines" (junky comments(deliberately so?); little or no responses to genuinely winning comments (truly legitimate points of interest) and "left hooks" [diverting the real clinching issues to oblivionland (left field)] and driving the "opponent" to flat out discouragement (no further motivation left (out of breath) to "get off one's chest" any worthy argument/comment because it is just ignored, or lost in trivia?? Is this a fighting ring or a play pen for reject empty-bag-punchers with deflated lost causes/campaigns? I hope we are not pouring our hearts out to "flag-burning" agendas. Are we wrestling with internet "ring" leaders or ringleader followers? Am I "conscious" or "unconscious" of foul play? permalink quote 0 RachEl
John 2 December, 2007, 16:01	Mr Lavelle your comment at the end of your monolog “Does the west really want to make an enemy out of Russia” I found quiet strange and out of context with the comments you were making about the fact that Russia had made a trillion dollars over the last 7 years through the sale of oil. I can only presume this must be some kind of “veiled threat” that unless we in the west behave Russia could use our need for oil as a political stick to beat us with, well Mr Lavelle firstly most demand for Russian oil in the future will come from developing nations like China and India. You will find that the “west” will be less reliant on Russia’s carbon based fuel; countries like France already produced 80% of her energy needs through nuclear power. Britain has her own reserves of both oil and gas through the North Sea and is replacing gas fuelled power stations with a new generation of nuclear power stations. We are not “idiots” in the west we know Russia has the potential to play political games with its carbon based fuel we will not be held to “ransom” by anyone, you will find that the development of alternative power will be speeded up we will over time become less and less reliant on carbon fuel which will be fantastic for the environment. For example Tesco’s Britain’s biggest retailer with a turn over of 7 billion pounds a year, has a thriving internet home delivery service, the vehicles used for this service are electric when companies of this size take the lead others will follow. I think Russia needs to be care-full, remember Mr Lavelle oil and gas is Russia only “real” source of foreign income so rather than as you stated “does the west really want to make an enemy of Russia”. Maybe I should ask you the question does “Russia really want to make an enemy of the west”. One final thought; what has the Russian government done with this trillion dollar wind fall. It certainly hasn't invested much of it in modernising its infrastructure maybe it could spend more on health education, pensions etc after all it’s the states money and the state is the people not just the handful of filthy rich attending the millionaire fair in Moscow. permalink quote 0 John
DaniYah 3 December, 2007, 19:42	On November 2, 2007, Pres. Putin awarded the prestigious "Hero of Russia" award to George Koval in recognition of his work "to penetrate the U.S. secret atomic facilities producing the plutonium, enriched uranium and polonium used to create the atomic bomb." Many observers of the televised ceremony likely gave little more than a wink at the development. However, for historians, it was a significant leap in the chronology of secret societies and their overwhelming influence in world developments. The award helped to bring attention to gravity of operations within elitist societies (non-governmental), past and present; it also highlighted the need for public rigor against the cultures of death and destruction. The posthumous award was in honor of a man who had infiltrated the ranks of members of the Bohemian Grove, an all-male secretive country club decorated in Black Gothic style of symbols of death and destruction, located on the Russian River in San Fransisco, CA: the first meeting for the development of the atomic bomb took place there on Sept.13, 1942. Former colleagues of the late Dr. Koval often recall how that those Bohemian US government scientists unwittingly showered Koval with privileges and access denied to others, not knowing that they were favoring a Soviet spy. In a time when renegade terror cults are a top concern, emphasis must be made in public discussion for the public to choose against those agendas, whether the agendas be of Eastern, Western, Northern, or Southern cultural origin. The cannibalistic Crusaders, the Basque movement in Spain, the IRA in the UK, and the Al-qaeda -linked Albanian militias all support this point. The elitist claim under to an umbrella of immunity is not a basis for exemption from public investigation. Surely, there is nothing wrong with wealth or power alone. But abuse of these, especially the wanton kind, must be eliminated in order for Russia (and all other nations) to be "mature" CIVIL-izations & to continue in the 21st century and far beyond. It would be a great bonus if this issue was put up to ballot. Otherwise, the populace can only elect mystery faces and not true causes. For that reason, the upgrades on the Russian electoral system have definitely improved voting logistics, but does little to address the world's occultist scourge. permalink quote 0 DaniYah
John 4 December, 2007, 08:37	To the other "John" i have been posting on the site for months please use another name i find your comment to be unfair and too extreme and do not want the regular's to think you are me. The people made their choice like it or not even if there were some problems the out come of the election would have been the same. If you decide not to post under a different name i will change my post name and let everyone know. permalink quote 0 John
Sevodnya_Net 4 December, 2007, 10:16	To the regular John: Ah, thank goodness for that! I had wondered if the "John" Party had undergone a radical split, with an extremist anti-Putin faction taking over :-) I was surprised to find how often I found myself agreeing with Peter L. during RT's excellent election coverage. What spoiled it slightly for me was the undercurrent of contempt for supposedly hostile western observers, which I think is largely based on misunderstanding. (I am aware that there are virulent anti-Russian commentators with closed minds, but they are not the mainstream). In particular Peter expressed a hope that Russia's new wealth might be shared more equitably, and that the liberal parties might become more prominent. The problem is I can't see that happening. Politics, real politics, in Russia, is dead. Not enough people are interested (it's threatening to happen in Britain, too). Russia doesn't strike me as a young democracy so much as one which has aged too soon - it seems to have fast-forwarded to the stage where people are now content to go shopping (as PL pointed out) and to ignore political issues. The only hope as I see it is for some "problem" or "issue" to emerge which can be focussed on by opposition groups. That, though, is where we have a problem, because how can they ever get their point across in the mainstream media and TV? permalink quote 0 Sevodnya_Net
John 4 December, 2007, 13:27	Mr Lavelle I know we do not always agree on some issues, But I want to compliment you on the statement you made on your IMHO programme two Sundays ago. Then you said “I would like for every dollar spend at the millionaires fair on luxury goods one dollar to be given to charity to help the poor and needy. I totally agree with this statement. My main concern is social justice I want to see the lives of ALL Russians improving if I see and hear this from my relatives and friends in Russia Mr Putin will receive my support until then I will continue to criticise the people in power. One piece of sad news I have to report is that my mother-in- law and all other pensioners are loosing the 50 % discount given by the state to help pay their council tax i.e. shared heating, rubbish collection ect, They have been told the state pension will rise by 300 roubles but with inflation at 11 % this will be quickly swallowed up. Please Mr Lavelle and RT will you continue to highlight these social issues all voices are needed to speed up social change. (Regular John). permalink quote 0 John
irregular john 4 December, 2007, 15:35	yea---too much talk of politics, democracy, press freedom and too little talk of helping russia's weak and poor. its the same in any society. russia's elderly die like dogs in nursing home fires, and nothing changes. conscripts are beaten and murdered in a cruel army, and there's no reform. the mentally ill and addicts are left to fend for themselves in the streets like animals until they die. or they're mistreated in state-run hospitols. and again, nothing changes. russian prisons are among the worst in the world, and again-----nothing changes. russia needs to care for one another, love one another, care for the disabled, old, and weak, and geez-----maybe then freedom will ensue. a society that glorifies the strong while it ignores the weak will be punished by God. permalink quote 0 irregular john
Ormoz 4 December, 2007, 21:01	On Sunday, the day of elections in Russia at 12.00 UK time, BBC radio channel 4 which is the BBC's news radio said that "the election in Russia may not be fair ". It is interesting that the BBC couldn't wait for the voting stations to be closed or votes to be counted and decided to show what they think of the results which were NOT to be in their favor!! It is NOT the first time I hear BBC and other Western media simply broadcast the Russian news with spin. Especially what PUTIN says is always turned 180 degrees. As an example the energy price dispute that simply was because Ukraine didn't or couldn't pay for Russian gas was portrayed in the western media as it was Russia that initiated it and wanted a dispute with Ukraine to show it’s muscles!!. Also the installation of radar and anti missiles which is a Western plan was reflected on BBC as it was PUTIN who started a quarrel with the WEST to show that Russia has become a power because of his leadership!!!! As an Iranian living in UK I am amazed that I have never heard from the BBC that the Iranian government and Ayatollahs being “dictators” but I have heard it about PUTIN!!!!!!! This is when there are NO parties other than own ISLAMIC allowed to take part in any elections in Iran and there are a few parties from far left to far right present in the PUTIN's Russia!!! Is it because Muslims are true stooges, marionettes, friends or allies of the west and PUTIN is NOT dancing to their tune????? permalink quote 0 Ormoz
Sevodnya_Net 5 December, 2007, 09:14	Ormoz: You don't need to wait for the polls to close to report that some people are saying that an election might not be fair. By "unfair" we don't mean that the "wrong" person won, by the way. No one is saying that as far as I'm aware. On Iran, it's "news" to me that the BBC - or anyone else who knows anything, calls the Iranian govt democratic. In fact, they are another example of how elections don't necessarily mean "freedom". I think you're being a bit selective to suit your argument. permalink quote 0 Sevodnya_Net
Gary 5 December, 2007, 10:18	This is a post I have posted on a UK newspaper and its how I feel about Mr Putins election win ''Whether the ‘’democrocies’ of the West want to accept it or not Vladamir Putin remains an ever popular politician in Russia, under his reign Russians have witnessed a significant improvement in the quality of their everyday lives, it is for this reason and this reason alone why he has triumphed at this election. To suggest that the elections were rigged to justify this end seems way off the mark to me. Yes he is deeply mistrusting of the West but this seems entirely logical to me when you look at the track record of Western nations attitude towards Russia. I can see there is a concerted cling to power by Putin and his administration but this seems understandable as this very administration is doing very well for its people, and doesn’t want to see it’s hard work undone. Having being to Russia recently I have asked what my Russian friends and others think of Putin and he is very popular. I think it’s time the world recognizes that Putin is a competent statesman who entirely has his people at heart, sure there remains many problems within Russia but lets see what happens as here stands a man who will not be influenced by Western ideals and for this I admire him.'' permalink quote 0 Gary
Sevodnya_Net 5 December, 2007, 12:52	To Gary, I'm not aware of any reputable voice in the west which seriously denies that 1 - Putin is very popular 2 - Has notable achievements to his credit 3 - Won the election on a real majority of the votes cast, in an election which as far as the mechanics go, was largely well conducted. But a man with "his people at heart"? A man to be compared to Charles de Gaulle (as he was yesterday in the Times yesterday by usual suspect Professor Norman Stone: oh, yes, a "biased western media alright"!) ? OK, there are cosmetic similarities (recent bloody conflict in an imperial dominion, new party formed, huge majority, even nasty things happening to journalists blah blah blah). I've heard Putin compared to Boris Godunov, which IMO is also ridiculous, but perhaps slightly less so! permalink quote 0 Sevodnya_Net
IMHO 5 December, 2007, 17:49	Time to try to catch up! Here goes, I hope I will reply to all points raised. Sevodnya_Net and Gary: I think it will take time to determine Putin’s real legacy. Nonetheless, for Russians he is credited with turning the country around and creating a middle class – both great achievements. But much remains to be done. And this is one of the reasons Putin involved himself in the election. Was the election free and fair? Ormoz, for my tastes it was fair enough and free enough and it represents the will of the electorate. But it was far from perfect. One the issue of rigging: against whom? Independent public opinion polls before the election proved correct in the end. So, all the talk that the election was rigged is politically motivated. Regular john, I wouldn’t use the same words as you, but in spirit I tend to agree with you. The issues you mention are serious and are not being dealt with in way that it should be. Many people remain forgotten in Russia. Sevodnya_Net thanks for the compliment regarding RT’s election coverage. We all worked hard to present the best program we could! John regarding my remark “Does the west really want to make an enemy out of Russia?” My point was directed at a different issue. Russia and the west must work together – both are interdependent in many ways. And actually have a lot in common. But you don’t hear this in western media. Russia is not out to make the West its enemy. This is simply not in its interest. permalink quote 0 IMHO
John 5 December, 2007, 17:51	Gary I see you admire Mr Putin which is your prerogative and yes in certain matters he has done well for Russia the main thing he has given his people is “stability” which is why the people have given him this mandate. But like Sevodnya_net I object to sweeping generalisations every thing in Putins Russian garden is not as rosie as you think now I will give you some cold hard facts. (1) All pensioners have just had their 50 % council tax discount taken away and replaced with a rise of 300 roubles a month in their state pension as inflation is at 11% how far do you think this will go? (2) In 2005 charges were brought in for medical treatment now even the old and poor have to pay regardless of income (3) The only social housing now provided by the state is for military officers everyone else must fend for themselves. (4) Education after the age of 17 is no longer free it must be fully paid for people do not receive a grant or state loan also payment must be made in advance which is very hard when you come from a low income family. I hope you are right when you say that Mr Putin wants to improve the lives of his people and they are in his “heart" I would like you to give me some concrete proof to highlight the changes that have been made so that I can see for myself how life for ordinary people has radically improved under Mr Putin if you can do this you will turn me into a Putin supporter like yourself. (Regular John) permalink quote 0 John
RachEl 5 December, 2007, 21:48	"The West" is ruled by the White (man's) House in DC, so is the land of Israel ruled today by Bush; nations like Saudi Arabia, Britain run by the secret society bushman (hiding his true nature, claiming to be a follower of Christ!) Must not Russia and other free-thinking nations declare the reasons why Bush and Britain are so bent on attacking Iran for "intentions to develop nu." has not the world heard this before; (no sane) reason to destroy the land and people of Iraq? One must ask the reason why nations "negotiate" with the devil? Secret society-run governments do. As long as a man is afraid of the devil; the devil will rule him. The IAEA Chief, ElBaradei says Iran doesn't have any plans to develop nuclear arsenals; but USA does! USA plans and speaks saying they will nuke anyone they deem an enemy. When did the world/"the west" declare the great USA as the unlimited world regime orderer that orders all nations to do this; do that; or else? with no limitations! Where is ElBaradei when it comes to counting USA's stockpiles?! Are the nations mad? Are the nations controlled by/subject to a satanic power? What are the nations going to do about it, if this is the case? The Holy Word says at the time of the end; a great nation and a strong religious organization will pollute the whole world with it's witchcrafts and sorceries; even with fake (demonic, blasphemous) organized (crime) religion. and that at that time, and only then, will that nation be exposed and disposed of; at a very specific time. No true Christian will agree to commit suicide but isn't this what the whole world is doing by allowing "the west" to dictate how the rest of the world will behave/live/think/do?????? while the west , themselves are sinking in their own vile vomit of corruption/deception/murder/oppression of their own people; while dictating unrighteous dictates worldwide, bowing to the Vatican/1600 (play)pen for satan/while concealing deep secret society roots.? The solution is: the whole world needs Christ who is love. But not according to Constantine (he spread confusion/terror; not Christianity) And love means exposing the devil in all his creepy satanic hideout towers. My family, living and dying (spiritually) in the USA (life is hell here when you don't care to "join 'em" and we can't "leave 'um" because we are too beaten up) .I personally don't know how much longer we (our family) can hold out.(before the "zombie" nation of fearful US citizens; who know Bush is possessed) and with America's CIA programmers/operatives targeting us with their mind-control technology, taking our 7 minor children; blacklisting/subtle Nazi censorship/monitoring us/transmitting in our brains day and night.to outdo our feeble brains while we fight and fight and fight with words and prayers and cries for justice on earth! "When he. (the beast hiding behind "Novus Ordo Seclurum)shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people.) (being separate from the world's "organized" confusion/religion). (that's our little family of four left, out of 12, they (the shadow creepers behind the "red, red, (red represents shedding innocent blood); white (black in secret) and blue" .what a joke that they say they promote/believe in "democracy" .this is the biggest lie besides the grand lie in that that great nation claim to be a nation of "Christ" followers. ".all these things shall be finished." Daniel 12:7 I hope my last breath be with the words, "Satan, your end has come, by the Blood of Yahshuah!" and . "Yahshuah, bring salvation to the world.bring prosperity to the nations!" and finally. "save me, Yahshuah, for your mercies sake." Let me be accursed if I should "join 'em." (It is good to pray for the people; but not for Bush; he has made his final choice; as have his closest associates.) "The West" and the rest will soon see the setting sun on all disorder and will abhor that nation that no longer is. permalink quote 0 RachEl
Sevodnya_Net 5 December, 2007, 22:11	".thanks for the compliment regarding RT’s election coverage. We all worked hard to present the best program we could!" Not very "gloves off" I know but I think it is worth saying again properly: I really enjoyed Sunday evening. It is true to say that I'm the sort of person who'd get excited by an election in a trappist monastery(!), but nonetheless. It's up to RT now to keep up the good work and let's see if Russia proves me wrong in some of my predictions. I don't want Russia to "go west" as it were. All I'd love to see is plurality of opinion, equitability and above all I think openness. Kind of like we had before but without the attendant chaos. permalink quote 0 Sevodnya_Net
John 6 December, 2007, 12:25	Thankyou Mr Lavelle for your response and your honest acknowledgment that Russia still faces many social problems and highlighting the fact that a sizeable group of people within Russia have been forgotten (for now). Also well done to RT for the excellent piece on Russia’s housing crisis you pulled no punches and gave us an honest open account it really annoys me when instead of dealing with the issues that affect Russia some people try to dilute the problems by trying to draw nonsensical comparisons with other Countries I hope others will take a leaf out of RT’S book and lets all focus on Russia. permalink quote 0 John
Gary 6 December, 2007, 13:14	To John & Sevodnya_Net, thank you for enlightening me on certain issues. Indeed I am fully aware of the issues you mentioned and they are concerning, just like in IMHO's post (maybe Peter wrote it) [he hosts the thread, so who else could? - RT] there stil remains so many forgotten people in Russia and it is of course terribly unjust and sad but this is the world we live in. Indeed my post was pro Putin but this was because of the way I dont like how he is portrayed in the Western media. He is portrayed like some sort of sly underhand fiend with war on his mind--for instance on the Daily Mail recently a headline wrote ''Power hungry Putin steals power'' need I say more. So yes Putin's legacy remains to be seen and maybe he isn't so good when under his reign education must be paid for after the age of 17 and pensioners having their 50% discount taken away on council tax--it's a bit like giving with one hand and taken away with the other!! Also the distribution of wealth in Russia is absolutely sickening, how can it be just that such a small few have 90% of the countries wealth having prospered from the countries vast reserves of natural resources--how many orphanages and refuges across Russia could do with this money. permalink quote 0 Gary
irregular 6 December, 2007, 16:32	i just read the following from a previous post: November 21, 2007, 20:47 Putin on the campaign stump On Wednesday we saw something new in Russia’s politics and democracy. The leader of the country campaigned to sway voters. during the '96 campaign yeltsin and zuganov both travelled the country for months---concerts, factory tours, baby kissing, etc. i saw it all with my own eyes. [part of this post was removed - RT] permalink quote 0 irregular
Gary 6 December, 2007, 18:16	(maybe Peter wrote it) [he hosts the thread, so who else could? - RT] I mean is there such a need to be so smart?? The 'who elso could?' was really not necessary! Let there be no place for misunderstanding - RT permalink quote 0 Gary
silah 7 December, 2007, 04:22	I'm agreat fan of IMHO and I'would like to thank you for your hard work.Let me hope that one of this fine day's the kremlin takes notice on how you perfectly debate your topics so they can hire you as apress secretary. permalink quote 0 silah

RachEl 1 December, 2007, 01:57

Rudeness and cruel personal attacks should not be the rule. But isn't it equally rude and cruel for those commenters (who routinely have the "upper hand" who continually smack the public with "punch lines" (junky comments(deliberately so?); little or no responses to genuinely winning comments (truly legitimate points of interest) and "left hooks" [diverting the real clinching issues to oblivionland (left field)] and driving the "opponent" to flat out discouragement (no further motivation left (out of breath) to "get off one's chest" any worthy argument/comment because it is just ignored, or lost in trivia?? Is this a fighting ring or a play pen for reject empty-bag-punchers with deflated lost causes/campaigns? I hope we are not pouring our hearts out to "flag-burning" agendas. Are we wrestling with internet "ring" leaders or ringleader followers? Am I "conscious" or "unconscious" of foul play?

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John 2 December, 2007, 16:01

Mr Lavelle your comment at the end of your monolog “Does the west really want to make an enemy out of Russia” I found quiet strange and out of context with the comments you were making about the fact that Russia had made a trillion dollars over the last 7 years through the sale of oil. I can only presume this must be some kind of “veiled threat” that unless we in the west behave Russia could use our need for oil as a political stick to beat us with, well Mr Lavelle firstly most demand for Russian oil in the future will come from developing nations like China and India. You will find that the “west” will be less reliant on Russia’s carbon based fuel; countries like France already produced 80% of her energy needs through nuclear power. Britain has her own reserves of both oil and gas through the North Sea and is replacing gas fuelled power stations with a new generation of nuclear power stations. We are not “idiots” in the west we know Russia has the potential to play political games with its carbon based fuel we will not be held to “ransom” by anyone, you will find that the development of alternative power will be speeded up we will over time become less and less reliant on carbon fuel which will be fantastic for the environment. For example Tesco’s Britain’s biggest retailer with a turn over of 7 billion pounds a year, has a thriving internet home delivery service, the vehicles used for this service are electric when companies of this size take the lead others will follow. I think Russia needs to be care-full, remember Mr Lavelle oil and gas is Russia only “real” source of foreign income so rather than as you stated “does the west really want to make an enemy of Russia”. Maybe I should ask you the question does “Russia really want to make an enemy of the west”. One final thought; what has the Russian government done with this trillion dollar wind fall. It certainly hasn't invested much of it in modernising its infrastructure maybe it could spend more on health education, pensions etc after all it’s the states money and the state is the people not just the handful of filthy rich attending the millionaire fair in Moscow.

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DaniYah 3 December, 2007, 19:42

On November 2, 2007, Pres. Putin awarded the prestigious "Hero of Russia" award to George Koval in recognition of his work "to penetrate the U.S. secret atomic facilities producing the plutonium, enriched uranium and polonium used to create the atomic bomb." Many observers of the televised ceremony likely gave little more than a wink at the development. However, for historians, it was a significant leap in the chronology of secret societies and their overwhelming influence in world developments. The award helped to bring attention to gravity of operations within elitist societies (non-governmental), past and present; it also highlighted the need for public rigor against the cultures of death and destruction. The posthumous award was in honor of a man who had infiltrated the ranks of members of the Bohemian Grove, an all-male secretive country club decorated in Black Gothic style of symbols of death and destruction, located on the Russian River in San Fransisco, CA: the first meeting for the development of the atomic bomb took place there on Sept.13, 1942. Former colleagues of the late Dr. Koval often recall how that those Bohemian US government scientists unwittingly showered Koval with privileges and access denied to others, not knowing that they were favoring a Soviet spy. In a time when renegade terror cults are a top concern, emphasis must be made in public discussion for the public to choose against those agendas, whether the agendas be of Eastern, Western, Northern, or Southern cultural origin. The cannibalistic Crusaders, the Basque movement in Spain, the IRA in the UK, and the Al-qaeda -linked Albanian militias all support this point. The elitist claim under to an umbrella of immunity is not a basis for exemption from public investigation. Surely, there is nothing wrong with wealth or power alone. But abuse of these, especially the wanton kind, must be eliminated in order for Russia (and all other nations) to be "mature" CIVIL-izations & to continue in the 21st century and far beyond. It would be a great bonus if this issue was put up to ballot. Otherwise, the populace can only elect mystery faces and not true causes. For that reason, the upgrades on the Russian electoral system have definitely improved voting logistics, but does little to address the world's occultist scourge.

permalink quote DaniYah

John 4 December, 2007, 08:37

To the other "John" i have been posting on the site for months please use another name i find your comment to be unfair and too extreme and do not want the regular's to think you are me. The people made their choice like it or not even if there were some problems the out come of the election would have been the same. If you decide not to post under a different name i will change my post name and let everyone know.

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Sevodnya_Net 4 December, 2007, 10:16

To the regular John: Ah, thank goodness for that! I had wondered if the "John" Party had undergone a radical split, with an extremist anti-Putin faction taking over :-) I was surprised to find how often I found myself agreeing with Peter L. during RT's excellent election coverage. What spoiled it slightly for me was the undercurrent of contempt for supposedly hostile western observers, which I think is largely based on misunderstanding. (I am aware that there are virulent anti-Russian commentators with closed minds, but they are not the mainstream). In particular Peter expressed a hope that Russia's new wealth might be shared more equitably, and that the liberal parties might become more prominent. The problem is I can't see that happening. Politics, real politics, in Russia, is dead. Not enough people are interested (it's threatening to happen in Britain, too). Russia doesn't strike me as a young democracy so much as one which has aged too soon - it seems to have fast-forwarded to the stage where people are now content to go shopping (as PL pointed out) and to ignore political issues. The only hope as I see it is for some "problem" or "issue" to emerge which can be focussed on by opposition groups. That, though, is where we have a problem, because how can they ever get their point across in the mainstream media and TV?

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John 4 December, 2007, 13:27

Mr Lavelle I know we do not always agree on some issues, But I want to compliment you on the statement you made on your IMHO programme two Sundays ago. Then you said “I would like for every dollar spend at the millionaires fair on luxury goods one dollar to be given to charity to help the poor and needy. I totally agree with this statement. My main concern is social justice I want to see the lives of ALL Russians improving if I see and hear this from my relatives and friends in Russia Mr Putin will receive my support until then I will continue to criticise the people in power. One piece of sad news I have to report is that my mother-in- law and all other pensioners are loosing the 50 % discount given by the state to help pay their council tax i.e. shared heating, rubbish collection ect, They have been told the state pension will rise by 300 roubles but with inflation at 11 % this will be quickly swallowed up. Please Mr Lavelle and RT will you continue to highlight these social issues all voices are needed to speed up social change. (Regular John).

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irregular john 4 December, 2007, 15:35

yea---too much talk of politics, democracy, press freedom and too little talk of helping russia's weak and poor. its the same in any society. russia's elderly die like dogs in nursing home fires, and nothing changes. conscripts are beaten and murdered in a cruel army, and there's no reform. the mentally ill and addicts are left to fend for themselves in the streets like animals until they die. or they're mistreated in state-run hospitols. and again, nothing changes. russian prisons are among the worst in the world, and again-----nothing changes. russia needs to care for one another, love one another, care for the disabled, old, and weak, and geez-----maybe then freedom will ensue. a society that glorifies the strong while it ignores the weak will be punished by God.

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Ormoz 4 December, 2007, 21:01

On Sunday, the day of elections in Russia at 12.00 UK time, BBC radio channel 4 which is the BBC's news radio said that "the election in Russia may not be fair ". It is interesting that the BBC couldn't wait for the voting stations to be closed or votes to be counted and decided to show what they think of the results which were NOT to be in their favor!! It is NOT the first time I hear BBC and other Western media simply broadcast the Russian news with spin. Especially what PUTIN says is always turned 180 degrees. As an example the energy price dispute that simply was because Ukraine didn't or couldn't pay for Russian gas was portrayed in the western media as it was Russia that initiated it and wanted a dispute with Ukraine to show it’s muscles!!. Also the installation of radar and anti missiles which is a Western plan was reflected on BBC as it was PUTIN who started a quarrel with the WEST to show that Russia has become a power because of his leadership!!!! As an Iranian living in UK I am amazed that I have never heard from the BBC that the Iranian government and Ayatollahs being “dictators” but I have heard it about PUTIN!!!!!!! This is when there are NO parties other than own ISLAMIC allowed to take part in any elections in Iran and there are a few parties from far left to far right present in the PUTIN's Russia!!! Is it because Muslims are true stooges, marionettes, friends or allies of the west and PUTIN is NOT dancing to their tune?????

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Sevodnya_Net 5 December, 2007, 09:14

Ormoz: You don't need to wait for the polls to close to report that some people are saying that an election might not be fair. By "unfair" we don't mean that the "wrong" person won, by the way. No one is saying that as far as I'm aware. On Iran, it's "news" to me that the BBC - or anyone else who knows anything, calls the Iranian govt democratic. In fact, they are another example of how elections don't necessarily mean "freedom". I think you're being a bit selective to suit your argument.

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Gary 5 December, 2007, 10:18

This is a post I have posted on a UK newspaper and its how I feel about Mr Putins election win ''Whether the ‘’democrocies’ of the West want to accept it or not Vladamir Putin remains an ever popular politician in Russia, under his reign Russians have witnessed a significant improvement in the quality of their everyday lives, it is for this reason and this reason alone why he has triumphed at this election. To suggest that the elections were rigged to justify this end seems way off the mark to me. Yes he is deeply mistrusting of the West but this seems entirely logical to me when you look at the track record of Western nations attitude towards Russia. I can see there is a concerted cling to power by Putin and his administration but this seems understandable as this very administration is doing very well for its people, and doesn’t want to see it’s hard work undone. Having being to Russia recently I have asked what my Russian friends and others think of Putin and he is very popular. I think it’s time the world recognizes that Putin is a competent statesman who entirely has his people at heart, sure there remains many problems within Russia but lets see what happens as here stands a man who will not be influenced by Western ideals and for this I admire him.''

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Sevodnya_Net 5 December, 2007, 12:52

To Gary, I'm not aware of any reputable voice in the west which seriously denies that 1 - Putin is very popular 2 - Has notable achievements to his credit 3 - Won the election on a real majority of the votes cast, in an election which as far as the mechanics go, was largely well conducted. But a man with "his people at heart"? A man to be compared to Charles de Gaulle (as he was yesterday in the Times yesterday by usual suspect Professor Norman Stone: oh, yes, a "biased western media alright"!) ? OK, there are cosmetic similarities (recent bloody conflict in an imperial dominion, new party formed, huge majority, even nasty things happening to journalists blah blah blah). I've heard Putin compared to Boris Godunov, which IMO is also ridiculous, but perhaps slightly less so!

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IMHO 5 December, 2007, 17:49

Time to try to catch up! Here goes, I hope I will reply to all points raised. Sevodnya_Net and Gary: I think it will take time to determine Putin’s real legacy. Nonetheless, for Russians he is credited with turning the country around and creating a middle class – both great achievements. But much remains to be done. And this is one of the reasons Putin involved himself in the election. Was the election free and fair? Ormoz, for my tastes it was fair enough and free enough and it represents the will of the electorate. But it was far from perfect. One the issue of rigging: against whom? Independent public opinion polls before the election proved correct in the end. So, all the talk that the election was rigged is politically motivated. Regular john, I wouldn’t use the same words as you, but in spirit I tend to agree with you. The issues you mention are serious and are not being dealt with in way that it should be. Many people remain forgotten in Russia. Sevodnya_Net thanks for the compliment regarding RT’s election coverage. We all worked hard to present the best program we could! John regarding my remark “Does the west really want to make an enemy out of Russia?” My point was directed at a different issue. Russia and the west must work together – both are interdependent in many ways. And actually have a lot in common. But you don’t hear this in western media. Russia is not out to make the West its enemy. This is simply not in its interest.

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John 5 December, 2007, 17:51

Gary I see you admire Mr Putin which is your prerogative and yes in certain matters he has done well for Russia the main thing he has given his people is “stability” which is why the people have given him this mandate. But like Sevodnya_net I object to sweeping generalisations every thing in Putins Russian garden is not as rosie as you think now I will give you some cold hard facts. (1) All pensioners have just had their 50 % council tax discount taken away and replaced with a rise of 300 roubles a month in their state pension as inflation is at 11% how far do you think this will go? (2) In 2005 charges were brought in for medical treatment now even the old and poor have to pay regardless of income (3) The only social housing now provided by the state is for military officers everyone else must fend for themselves. (4) Education after the age of 17 is no longer free it must be fully paid for people do not receive a grant or state loan also payment must be made in advance which is very hard when you come from a low income family. I hope you are right when you say that Mr Putin wants to improve the lives of his people and they are in his “heart" I would like you to give me some concrete proof to highlight the changes that have been made so that I can see for myself how life for ordinary people has radically improved under Mr Putin if you can do this you will turn me into a Putin supporter like yourself. (Regular John)

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RachEl 5 December, 2007, 21:48

"The West" is ruled by the White (man's) House in DC, so is the land of Israel ruled today by Bush; nations like Saudi Arabia, Britain run by the secret society bushman (hiding his true nature, claiming to be a follower of Christ!) Must not Russia and other free-thinking nations declare the reasons why Bush and Britain are so bent on attacking Iran for "intentions to develop nu." has not the world heard this before; (no sane) reason to destroy the land and people of Iraq? One must ask the reason why nations "negotiate" with the devil? Secret society-run governments do. As long as a man is afraid of the devil; the devil will rule him. The IAEA Chief, ElBaradei says Iran doesn't have any plans to develop nuclear arsenals; but USA does! USA plans and speaks saying they will nuke anyone they deem an enemy. When did the world/"the west" declare the great USA as the unlimited world regime orderer that orders all nations to do this; do that; or else? with no limitations! Where is ElBaradei when it comes to counting USA's stockpiles?! Are the nations mad? Are the nations controlled by/subject to a satanic power? What are the nations going to do about it, if this is the case? The Holy Word says at the time of the end; a great nation and a strong religious organization will pollute the whole world with it's witchcrafts and sorceries; even with fake (demonic, blasphemous) organized (crime) religion. and that at that time, and only then, will that nation be exposed and disposed of; at a very specific time. No true Christian will agree to commit suicide but isn't this what the whole world is doing by allowing "the west" to dictate how the rest of the world will behave/live/think/do?????? while the west , themselves are sinking in their own vile vomit of corruption/deception/murder/oppression of their own people; while dictating unrighteous dictates worldwide, bowing to the Vatican/1600 (play)pen for satan/while concealing deep secret society roots.? The solution is: the whole world needs Christ who is love. But not according to Constantine (he spread confusion/terror; not Christianity) And love means exposing the devil in all his creepy satanic hideout towers. My family, living and dying (spiritually) in the USA (life is hell here when you don't care to "join 'em" and we can't "leave 'um" because we are too beaten up) .I personally don't know how much longer we (our family) can hold out.(before the "zombie" nation of fearful US citizens; who know Bush is possessed) and with America's CIA programmers/operatives targeting us with their mind-control technology, taking our 7 minor children; blacklisting/subtle Nazi censorship/monitoring us/transmitting in our brains day and night.to outdo our feeble brains while we fight and fight and fight with words and prayers and cries for justice on earth! "When he. (the beast hiding behind "Novus Ordo Seclurum)shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people.) (being separate from the world's "organized" confusion/religion). (that's our little family of four left, out of 12, they (the shadow creepers behind the "red, red, (red represents shedding innocent blood); white (black in secret) and blue" .what a joke that they say they promote/believe in "democracy" .this is the biggest lie besides the grand lie in that that great nation claim to be a nation of "Christ" followers. ".all these things shall be finished." Daniel 12:7 I hope my last breath be with the words, "Satan, your end has come, by the Blood of Yahshuah!" and . "Yahshuah, bring salvation to the world.bring prosperity to the nations!" and finally. "save me, Yahshuah, for your mercies sake." Let me be accursed if I should "join 'em." (It is good to pray for the people; but not for Bush; he has made his final choice; as have his closest associates.) "The West" and the rest will soon see the setting sun on all disorder and will abhor that nation that no longer is.

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Sevodnya_Net 5 December, 2007, 22:11

".thanks for the compliment regarding RT’s election coverage. We all worked hard to present the best program we could!" Not very "gloves off" I know but I think it is worth saying again properly: I really enjoyed Sunday evening. It is true to say that I'm the sort of person who'd get excited by an election in a trappist monastery(!), but nonetheless. It's up to RT now to keep up the good work and let's see if Russia proves me wrong in some of my predictions. I don't want Russia to "go west" as it were. All I'd love to see is plurality of opinion, equitability and above all I think openness. Kind of like we had before but without the attendant chaos.

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John 6 December, 2007, 12:25

Thankyou Mr Lavelle for your response and your honest acknowledgment that Russia still faces many social problems and highlighting the fact that a sizeable group of people within Russia have been forgotten (for now). Also well done to RT for the excellent piece on Russia’s housing crisis you pulled no punches and gave us an honest open account it really annoys me when instead of dealing with the issues that affect Russia some people try to dilute the problems by trying to draw nonsensical comparisons with other Countries I hope others will take a leaf out of RT’S book and lets all focus on Russia.

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Gary 6 December, 2007, 13:14

To John & Sevodnya_Net, thank you for enlightening me on certain issues. Indeed I am fully aware of the issues you mentioned and they are concerning, just like in IMHO's post (maybe Peter wrote it) [he hosts the thread, so who else could? - RT] there stil remains so many forgotten people in Russia and it is of course terribly unjust and sad but this is the world we live in. Indeed my post was pro Putin but this was because of the way I dont like how he is portrayed in the Western media. He is portrayed like some sort of sly underhand fiend with war on his mind--for instance on the Daily Mail recently a headline wrote ''Power hungry Putin steals power'' need I say more. So yes Putin's legacy remains to be seen and maybe he isn't so good when under his reign education must be paid for after the age of 17 and pensioners having their 50% discount taken away on council tax--it's a bit like giving with one hand and taken away with the other!! Also the distribution of wealth in Russia is absolutely sickening, how can it be just that such a small few have 90% of the countries wealth having prospered from the countries vast reserves of natural resources--how many orphanages and refuges across Russia could do with this money.

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irregular 6 December, 2007, 16:32

i just read the following from a previous post: November 21, 2007, 20:47 Putin on the campaign stump On Wednesday we saw something new in Russia’s politics and democracy. The leader of the country campaigned to sway voters. during the '96 campaign yeltsin and zuganov both travelled the country for months---concerts, factory tours, baby kissing, etc. i saw it all with my own eyes. [part of this post was removed - RT]

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Gary 6 December, 2007, 18:16

(maybe Peter wrote it) [he hosts the thread, so who else could? - RT] I mean is there such a need to be so smart?? The 'who elso could?' was really not necessary! Let there be no place for misunderstanding - RT

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silah 7 December, 2007, 04:22

I'm agreat fan of IMHO and I'would like to thank you for your hard work.Let me hope that one of this fine day's the kremlin takes notice on how you perfectly debate your topics so they can hire you as apress secretary.

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