Tag: Russia

Putin Bans Foriegn Same Sex Couples from Adopting Russian Children

~ Pharmer

A new edict from Vladimir Putin comes on the heels of France’s approval of same sex marriage.  He’s banning foriegn same sex couples from adopting Russian babies.  This is actually self consistent with the internal rules banning gay marriage, and banning unmarried people from adopting within Russia.

It follows the ban on Russian adoptions by any U.S. citizens.

None of the above should come as a surprise from a country which has been battling under-production of new citizens for many years.   The population of native Russians is shrinking.   The government has been trying various incentives to inspire Russian citizens to make more babies.

Obama Tells Russians, Wait Till After He is Reelected

~ Pharmer

Russia does not like that NATO missile defense system in Eastern Europe. Obama has told outgoing President Medvedev to wait until he’s reelected. (He’ll be able to undermine the U.S. interests any way he wants after that time.)

Here’s the transcript of what was caught on the hot mic.

The exchange was picked up by microphones as reporters were let into the room for remarks by the two leaders.

And here’s the exchange:

President Obama: On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it’s important for him to give me space.

President Medvedev: Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you…

President Obama: This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.

President Medvedev: I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir.

Moscow’s martial arts fans boo Putin as he steps into the ring | World news | guardian.co.uk

~ Pharmer

Moscow’s martial arts fans boo Putin as he steps into the ring | World news | guardian.co.uk.

Judo enthusiast Vladimir Putin is a big fan of mixed martial arts, and of heavyweight fighter Fedor Emelianenko.    It’s a  sign of the times that Putin is not loved so much any more.  He attended a fight at Moscow arena, and when he got up into the ring to congratulate victorious Emelianenko,  Putin was ‘greeted with boos and catcalls’.

This doesn’t  bode so well for his campaign for his third term of presidency, but given the nature of politics in Russia, will not affect the election result.

Russian Lawmakers Planning Major Abortion Restrictions

~ Pharmer

Russian Lawmakers Prepare For Major Crackdown on Abortion | The Blaze.

Russia suffers from a  depopulation crisis stemming from  low people productivity:  1.4 children per couple is the current fertility rate.

In the past it has had the highest abortion rate in the world, relying on that method as a primary means of birth control.

Russia reports a declining abortion rate from 169 per 100 births in 2000 down to 74 per 100 births in 2009, though these figures most likely omit private abortions, and losses due to use of the morning after pill

Proposed new laws  would require parental and spousal permissions,  introduce a waiting period, and make the morning after pill a prescription only drug.  Free abortions at the government clinics would also be banned.

The abortion restrictions have strong backing from the Russian Orthodox Church.

France24 – Russian court convicts oil tycoon who opposed Putin

~ Pharmer

France24 – Russian court convicts oil tycoon who opposed Putin.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky remains unbowed near the end of his first sentence to hard labor in Siberia, calling Putin “pitiful but dangerous”.

So here come’s another sentencing for “embezzlement” for the Russian oil tycoon who has opposed the current regime.

This time the Khodorkovsky is getting  sympathy from some of his countrymen, (who have gotten over the class-envy of his former wealth), as they acknowledge the penalties for opposing the government.

This new action from Russia’s “judicial” system  brings the expected weak, and tepid response from Obama.