Beautifully written, Mwanikii -- I would say this is predictable -- Putin tries to send subliminal signals of how he wants people to act -- he not only sees himself as a modern Caesar but he certainly doesn't want to have to quash anarchy in the streets. He and his cronies have stripped Russia of its potential as a energy superpower -- industries that could have accumulated due to this status have been stultified so as Putin could plunder the profits and riches that have been generated. Sorry for getting off track, but this strongman phenomenon in Russia is also a drag on its fluidity and ability to improve/advance and its population stagnation!