Yuri, I lived there
Whats the unemployment rate in Russia ? about 20% at least ? Why is the population shrinking ? Because of good things happening in the country ?
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Well, brutha...
When my Russian friends say something bad about Amerikoses, I'm the most agressive defender of America. I say, "What a hell do you know about this country? It's the most brilliant country in the world. Period!"
When American talks low about Russia, I do the same.
Why? Because I like these two great countries very much. I understand them both. My kids are Russian/American. My friends are on the both sides of the world. I live half in California, half in Moscow. Don't try to push me one way or another.
P.S. Unemployment is 5.6%. 2007 is the first year of population increase. Lot's of good is happening.