[detbuch]

Originally Posted by spence

Not at all, we all know the Soviet military machine was quite large. I've seen estimated figures as large as 330 B USD in 1988.

So your disputing JohnnyD's contention that the USSR was a completely failed government at the time of its collapse? A government with the power you describe should be able to continue militarily dominating its own people.

No, because as Duke says we've never had the high ground

Wow! Really funny blabble.

Putin's more recent and remarkable success is due to A) Russian nationalism and B) Really high oil revenues.

Nationalism and oil revenues. Never heard of those ethical values. Isn't the failure to live up to ethical standards and the rule of law what this thread is essentially about?

I'll get to your other blabble later...out of time.

-spence

So when you have time, you'll blabble back.