Russian militants shoot down Malaysian passenger plane

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by SoonerCoug

The Russian economy today is infinitely better than it was 15 years ago.

The effect of this is to make Putin wildly popular.

The primary reason for any improvement is linked to exploitation of natural resources. However, the average Russian is not better off, just siloviki and oligarchs.

[SoonerCoug]

Originally Posted by Archaea

The primary reason for any improvement is linked to exploitation of natural resources. However, the average Russian is not better off, just siloviki and oligarchs.

I agree about natural resources.

You're wrong about people not being better off. The average Russian is much better off. They all have cell phones. Most have computers. Many more have cars.

I lived there for two years in the 90s and was there again last year (in several cities).

Average salary was 40 dollars per month or so in the 90s. Now people make a thousand per month--at least. And their money goes reasonably far.

It's obviously no where near the western world, but it is much, much better than it was.

[Mindfulcoug]

Originally Posted by Archaea

I disagree that Russians have a strong economy. Russians may be happier with a strongman telling them their lives are better.

Here are some recent evaluations of the Russian economy.
http://www.economist.com/topics/russian-economy

https://www.google.com/search?q=Russ...2F%3B565%3B420


http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/russia/overview

http://www.ibtimes.com/russian-econo...t-help-1633198

I wonder how much American resources are Being sucked by Russians. They are Russian models every where!!

[SoonerCoug]

Originally Posted by mindfulcoug

i wonder how much american resources are being sucked by russians. They are russian models every where!!

/iranianhumor

[Mindfulcoug]

Originally Posted by SoonerCoug

/iranianhumor

Was it supposed to be a hashtag? #iranianhumor

[SoonerCoug]

Originally Posted by mindfulcoug

I am pretty sure there was zero gay passenger on Iran Air civilian Flight 655 which USS Vincennes shot down on 3 july in 1998. They were already taken care of by the Islamic government.

That's right. There are no gays in Iran.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by mindfulcoug

I am pretty sure there was zero gay passenger on Iran Air civilian Flight 655 which USS Vincennes shot down on 3 july in 1998. They were already taken care of by the Islamic government.

You don't believe radar has improved in 16 years in light of past mistakes?

Russians don't make mistakes; they are perfect. Just ask Putin.

[Mindfulcoug]

Originally Posted by Archaea

You don't believe radar has improved in 16 years in light of past mistakes?

Russians don't make mistakes; they are perfect. Just ask Putin.

The US is supposed to be at least a decade ahead . So no excuse.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by mindfulcoug

The US is supposed to be at least a decade ahead . So no excuse.

A fact not in evidence. Perhaps it was not a mistake; I lack the inside intelligence to know.

[Mindfulcoug]

Originally Posted by Archaea

A fact not in evidence. Perhaps it was not a mistake; I lack the inside intelligence to know.

You are right. Nobody knows what exactly happened. I am just happy there was no gay on the flight.