Mr. Putin's Dog and Pony Show

      Russyans were treated last week to Mr. Putin's TV extravaganza where the president "takes questions from call-in folks who can ask him anything.  Well, now, isn't that special: a publicity shy guy, Mr. Putin puts his reputation in front of a national audience and all that risks. Let's see:  is it scripted?  Are callers screened?  Is it choreographed? He takes questions on the hoof, like a televangelist would take calls from attendees.  All of this staged show is an attempt to portray the Kremlin as an open, caring establishment body that governs in an exceptional manner dedicated to principles that are democratic and serve the people.   Please.
     He did make the effort to announce, again, that economic troubles were caused by America and its attempt to put down Russya and Russyans.  Maybe he should look in the mirror to find out why America has put sanctions in place that restrict Russyan economic activity.  Ukraine-does anybody remember Ukraine?  Syria: does anybody remember Syria an Bashar al-Assad's government?  Georgia: anybody remember Georgia?  Chechnya: anybody remember Chechnya?  Pussy Riot: anybody remember Pussy Riot?
     Maybe Mr. Putin is learning about public relations from his good friends in the West: Silvio Berlusconi and Donald Trump.   Mr. Putin is probably sleeping better these days as the price of oil has come back about 50% from its January lows.  But maybe not.