Putin, who?

   Why is anyone even taking anything this excuse for a sentient being has to say or do? He's a cartoon character, and should be and remain the marginal political opportunist he has proven himself to be.

   Hell, for the soviets to "live beyound their means", all they'd have to do is buy a cigar. if the Soviet version of a funcional, eutopia is (was) a fact, why isn't it the government of choice throughout the world. Why is it that there isn't even a Soviet Union to perpetuate the communist mythology?

   Putin is the same exaggerating, lying, self-serving politico as his brethern in the U.S. government. And, is ludicrous pronouncements are just as spurious. I have some Russian friends who totally believe that his retirement from public life would be one of the most worthwhile events in international politics - if there is such a thing.

   He is and should be, forever, a non-entity.