21 Mar A Singular Courage
They say one person can't make a difference. Well, let me set the stage for a singular act. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation--former KGB espionage network officer, and for the past 22 years leader of his country, now an autocracy--is tightening the noose. Many Americans were surprised to think so much “Americana” was all over Russia, particularly the cities: from CNN to MacDonald's, from Ford and Adidas to Coca Cola and rappers. Never underestimate the power of American culture, energy, and capitalism! Of course they're all over Russia, and have been, in increasing presence for years, even if, as they withdraw under sanctions against that country, some Americans are only now learning they were there in the first place. But Americans were aware that there seemed to be an uneasy peace with the former Soviet Union—no cuddly warmth, mind you, but at least an end to the Cold...