It's not the same. The KGB is an intelligence agency whose stated objective of the KGB is the dismantling of the western democracies. Putin is the leader of not only Tusdia, but the KGB itself. I do not of any businesses that state that as their objective.

@t1nick that may have been once upon a time but I don't think that it's the objective anymore. I noticed that you said nothing about big business

@Jolanta I respectfully disagree, I don't think the objective has changed in the least. Putin is admittedly resentful about the fall of the Soviet Union in which he was an important player. He is probably one of the smartest politicians on the world scene today, and given his intelligence training one of the most dangerous. There is ample evidence for this.

To your other point, I am no friend or admirer of big business and corporations. We are libving in a replay of the social darwinism (a misnomer, I teach evolution) similar to the age of the robber barons (odd how Trump's son is named Baron). This is an age of uber predatory capitalism, a dysfunctional form of capitalism. It will implode on itself eventually.

However, my point I believe is valid, while both Putin and corporations are predatory, their motives are different.

@t1nick And how does China fit into this? Just wondering. I think that Vladimir is an very smart man, he wants Russia to be strong. I am not that sure that he is interested in making war with other countries, although I do believe he is not happy with or going to let it secede from greater Russia in any kind of way. For the everyday person in the street whether it is in the US or Russia it doesn't matter who is in charge, after all neither the US Government or the Russian one is interested in their welfare.

@Jolanta Good question. The primary difference in my opinion between Russia and China is one of both ideology and economics.

Russia is not an economic superpower. Three US states have larger GDP's than Russia. It's strength come in the form of having the 2nd largest nuclear arsenal, a leader who is desirous to return his nation to its previous glory, and a closed and controlled press. Most of Russia's motivation is ideology based.

China on the other hand had a distinct ideology, but surprisingly enough it's flexible in many wsys. China's driving force is economic. They are the largest economy in the world. Presently they own more of the US than does the US. Their desire is primarily material, ie. They want to control the world by owning it. They are an oxymoron state - communistic capitalists. Their leadership is hooked on wealth and are not about to go back. They gave up on ideology as their driving force after taking over Hong Kong in 2000. The communist charade is just a way to kerp the old guard rich and in power

@t1nick Thank you for that. I do agree with you. I have been to China a few times and was surprised about the amount of "expensive" cars there, way more than it the US. I guess that if they keep on going as they do and not "lifting" up the masses, the masses will eventually revolt but probably not before my time. I think we need to worry more about China then Russia.

@Jolanta In the long run I agree. For the near future we need to keep an eye on Russia. Thanks for the stimulating conversation.

@t1nick Thank you yourself. Take care, we may have another one another day.

Why then can he call out our allies in public and not Putin. I do not understand the logic. He declared that Angela Merkel was under the control of Russia. It's true they buy oil from Rusdia, but that's an economic decision that they are not bound to. Angela would be one of the last persons to be under the control of Russia. Her family grew up in East Berlin and suffered mightly. Trump called her out in a speech at the last Nato summit on international tv. Yet he can't call out Putin?