Free Speech in Russia

After violently suppressing freedom of the press, Putin is looking to silence ALL freedom of speech in Russia.

Any criticism of Russia's government would be treason, according to a bill he's sponsoring in the Russian Parliament.

Why?

Alexeyeva said the government was pushing the law quickly to head off possible protests resulting from the global financial crisis, which has hit Russia hard.

"The people ruling the government are afraid of the reaction of its citizens to their inability to cope with the crisis," she said.

This is a very, VERY bad thing. Fear on not only the citizens' part, but also the government's, is a powerfully dangerous ingredient to add to an easily-combustible situation.

Let's make sure that we stand up lest the same thing happen here; and pray for our brothers and sisters in Russia.

W00T to Pres. Bush!

For calling out Russia on their invasion of Georgia!!!

Specifically, mentioning "our solidarity with the Georgian people."

Better a little late than never, eh?

Powerline has a transcript.

Update: Blackfive has a good write-up & links to others.

All In Favor?

Understatement of the century: "Russia appears to want the Georgian government overthrown."

Who saw that one coming? I mean, waiting until the Olympics and then invading a former slave of the USSR through a friendly rogue province... who knew they were going to take over the capital?

All in favor of Pres. Bush (or maybe the internationally-lauded "Citizen of the World" that is Obama) getting creative and performing a international citizens' arrest on Putin, please say, "Aye."