Vladimir Putin is a mixed bag. I like his Pro Free Market economic polices, but don’t agree with some of his foreign policy. To be fair, Putin looks out for Russia’s interest. America and Russia do not always see eye to eye. It’s just the way it is.
One item I disagree with is the Russian Duma prohibiting Americans from adopting Russian orphans. I feel this is wrong and only harms the kids.
But Putin stunned many by appearing to back the draft bill. “I understand, [the bill is] an emotional response from the State Duma, but I believe it is adequate,” he said.
“What really surprised me is that journalists asked Putin questions about the anti-adoption bill several times, in a sharp form,” says Andrei Piontkovsky, a veteran Kremlin critic. “In response he read them lectures about human rights violations in the USA. From what I saw he is mostly concerned with penalizing the USA instead of the fates of real, living Russian children.”
Russia’s foreign adoption laws require that a child be rejected by prospective Russian parents — usually for health reasons — before being made available for foreign adoption.
Putin is right for standing up for Gerard Depardieu’s protest of France’s tax laws.
Speaking of movie star Gerard Depardieu’s hunt for a welcoming tax haven after renouncing his French citizenship over high tax rates, Putin displayed a surprisingly warm and understanding attitude.
“If Gerard really wants to have a residence permit or a Russian passport, you can consider it done, the issue solved positively,” Putin said. “I am sure French officials didn’t want to insult Gerard, but just as any officials, they pursue their policies…. There is a saying: ‘Anyone can hurt an artist.’ I sympathize with Mr. Depardieu’s feelings.”
Putin is wrong on prohibiting American adoptions, but right on Depardieu.
Tags: Gerard Depardieu, Vladimir Putin
