Mushroom Queen wrote:
You're not seeming to realise that Belarus and Russia are separate countries..the speak different languages. While there is corruption in both countries, it doesn't manifest itself in the same way. Belarus almost freely operates as a semi-totalitarian state under Lukashenko without outcry from "civilised" western nations.
Belarussians speak Russian. Many, especially in the country, speak mixed language. Very few actually speak Belarussian language. Unfortunately, this language is almost dead.
I agree with you that Belarus are far less democratic than Russia, I am just saying that Russia is making steps similar to what was done in Belarus.
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And about news broadcasts? Do you honestly think that because Russians see that the US are causing the deaths of their own troops as well as innocent civilians that they would WANT communism? That they would choose to live a life of equal poverty where you stand in long lines for hours to be distributed your ration of aspirin? No.
No, I am not saying they would choose to live in communism. I am saying they might choose to live under a dictator just like Belarussians did. Lukashenko is very very popular in Belarus, people adore him and not without reason.
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It's not true and the fact that you have never lived during communism and the fact that you have never lived in Russia does not give you enough experience to say what Russians as a whole believe.
Well, you right, I shouldn't have made such claim. I might very well be wrong. It would be more accurate to say that it is my personal opinion based on personal observations.
And for the record

I lived during communism in USSR, I lived in Russia (though not for long), I visit Russia and Belarus every year or so.