"MOSCOW — On a talk show last fall, a prominent political analyst named Mikhail G. Delyagin had some tart words about Vladimir V. Putin. When the program was later televised, Mr. Delyagin was not.This, of course, brings a few thoughts to mind. First, it is clear that Putin is still in charge -- and that he is (as everyone knows) a real tyrant.
Not only were his remarks cut — he was also digitally erased from the show, like a disgraced comrade airbrushed from an old Soviet photo. (The technicians may have worked a bit hastily, leaving his disembodied legs in one shot.)"
Second, whenever I hear stories like this, it always reminds me how blessed we are to live in this country where we have freedom. I can write something on this blog that criticizes the president -- and guess what? -- nobody knocks on my door (and my blog posts don't mysteriously "disappear"). Try that in Russia!