On December 16th, 2010, Putin held a televised discussion with the Russian citizens. People from various regions in Russia had an opportunity to ask him questions directly. Here are some of the highlights of this dialogue.

After the events on Manezhnaya Square on December 11, 2010, Putin stated firmly, “It is necessary to suppress displays of extremism from every corner.” He continued, “Our community must understand … the order must be in everything, and it has to be maintained. That’s why the government exists, to assure the interests of the majority.” And there I was, thinking that governments exist to protect the interests of all, majorities and minorities.

Then there was a caller from Ivanovo who informed the Prime Minister of the show that was put on for him during his visit to the city’s regional hospital. Apparently, the city officials knew about Putin’s trip, so they gave their hospital a major make over. According to the caller, who actually works at the hospital as a doctor, many hospitalized patients were dismissed. Their places were taken by medical workers. Everyone was told to lie. Nurses and doctors lied about their monthly incomes. Medical workers, dressed as patients, lied about their patients’ wellbeing. Also, new medical equipment was brought to the hospital, and it was dismantled as soon as Putin left Ivanovo. After the caller was done talking, the audience began to applaud. The Prime Minister asked jokingly, “I don’t understand what you are applauding: the artistry of the local officials or the bravery of the doctor?” The latest news on the situation is that the local officials have decided to fire the doctor quietly while stating that the call to Putin was false.

Another caller asked Putin whether he thought Khodorkovsky’s imprisonment was just. The Prime Minister replied that he agreed with a famous movie character of Vysotsky, Gleb Zheglov, “A thief must stay in prison.” Needless to say, Putin’s usage of Vysotsky in this context was hardly justifiable, yet it was very smart. The famous bard still holds a very dear place in the hearts and minds of many Russians. However, Putin had to have decided that quoting a famous movie character wouldn’t be sufficient. So, he turned to the USA, the land of the free, for more support for his argument. The Prime Minister noted that in the States a person who had been convicted of a similar crime was sentenced to 150 years in prison. I believe he was referring to Bernard Madoff. He did mention the name but it was hard to understand. Hence, Putin concluded, things look much more liberal in Russia than they are even in America!

December 21, 2010