@TerryM: From your remarks it's clear you did not read the article. Try again.
"Well, the Russian elections are due to be held this coming Sunday. If you wish to strike a pose as the nation’s protector, why not reassure the voting public that, should enemies of the state arise, they will be hunted down and punished, no matter where or when? "The above is a copy/paste from your post, and it is to this that I responded. The author is obviously trying to sell the idea that Putin attempted to kill the double agent, whom he had previously released in a spy swap, with the intent of "reassuring the
voting public".
As you and I are both aware, this is BS because the Russian voters
will reelect Putin.
Why would anyone repeat such an obvious lie?
Is it an attempt to sway the uninformed, does it burnish one's credentials as Russophobe, goes it serve to strengthen the group?
Why did you personally repeat this obvious misinformation?
Everybody knows Putin will win: my best guess is 80-98% of the vote. He's demonstrating that he doesn't forgive and he will punish anyone who stands up to him, tells the truth, or incurs his displeasure, anywhere he wants to, including pastoral Salisbury. It's a good article and not too long, why not give it a try.
You now disclaim that he did it to assure his election and then enter into a mind reading phase. Isn't it more likely that he would have tortured and murdered his victim immediately after his trial if the intent was to send a warning to like minded individuals? Why wait all those years, years in which these like minded individuals would have presumably felt no compunction to obey the law, or to be faithful to their country.
You should be able to see through such a thin argument.
Meanwhile, you are coming across as someone who will say anything to justify Trump and Putin. These two are bullies. They don't need your help. The rest of us want to get working on saving the earth for the future.
I've been railroaded through lies, half-truths and innuendo in the past. I finally had my day in court and won 56 felony counts. Had I lost one, I'd still be doing time today.
It cost me a moderate fortune, a marriage, and a damn profitable business, but it left me with a sharp eye for lies, mistruths, and groupthink.
Calling Trump and Putin bullies, as you attempt to bully them, is generally referred to as projection. It's not a compliment term.
Trump and Putin are polar opposites. Tarring them with the same brush is not just wrong, it's silly.
Terry