
Good thoughts Killian - and along the right tracks in my honest opinion. Keep on studying and thinking; you've realized that most things are not as they appear and most people never get that far.
And I think you are quite right, there are many good people in all countries. Isaiah 29 and Ether 8 (which both speak of the latter days) should perhaps be read and compared...
Dubhdara.
International Level: Junior Politician / Political Participation: 100 10%
BUSH SLAMS RUSSIA ON DEMOCRACY
President Bush warned Russia on Monday that it "must renew a commitment to democracy and the rule of law," but said he believed that the nation's future lay "within the family of Europe and the trans-Atlantic community."
Ref. https://deseretnews.com/dn/view/1%2C1249%2C...13844%2C00.html
I have Russia very near by...I even vizited once. They have a lot to do in order to become a western democracy but..it is a poor assumption to be made if we call them "The enemy". I now that we need to blame someone for the evil in the word but this is to much. They are proud people ..and the thing is they do not see US citizens or even US governmet as a enemy.
The view of Russia as the "Evil Empire" comes from communist times.
Looking back at the limited history that I know of the region, it appears that brutal, oppressive government have been the norm, rather than the exception. Even now, it seems that the people tend to vote towards returning to an oppressive form of government.
I agree that they aren't the enemy right now. I hope they never become the enemy again. However, they do have a history of colluding with the enemies of the US, including Saddam Hussein and Iran.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 854 85.4%
BUSH PUSHES; PUTIN STAYS PUT
President Bush expressed concern on Thursday night about Russia's commitment to democracy in a sometimes tense and awkward encounter with President Vladimir V. Putin. Putin, at times visibly uncomfortable, refused to yield.
Ref. https://deseretnews.com/dn/view/1%2C1249%2C...14621%2C00.html
Resurgent Russia challenges US
By Jephraim P Gundzik
Washington's "war on terrorism" is designed to militarily establish United States economic and geopolitical hegemony on a global scale. Rather than subduing Russia, the "war on terrorism" is encouraging Moscow to strengthen its relations with Washington's prominent foes. The war is also supercharging Russia's economy. Over the next four years, Russia will increasingly challenge the foreign policy goals of the Bush administration.
Ref. https://tinyurl.com/4thun
NOTE: This is not directed at the War on Terror (that is another thread), but it focuses on current US / Russia relations as a result or excuse based on current US actions.
PUTIN: DEMOCRACY IS TOP PRIORITY
President Vladimir Putin says Russia must develop a free and democratic
political system and restore business confidence to ensure the country's
"place in the modern world."
Ref. https://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/04/25...ress/index.html
HU MEETS PUTIN FOR STRATEGIC TALKS
Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Russian counterpart during a visit to bolster ties between the two Cold War-era rivals, and which he hopes will quadruple their trade to up to $80 billion a year by 2010.
Ref. https://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/06/3...w.ap/index.html