Realized the other day that I've been subjected to years and years of propaganda about Russia and Putin. Even correcting for it a bit in my head, it still doesn't seem like an amazing place to live. But is it better or worse for the average Joe?
My impression is that its 2nd world. Lots of modern technology, but shitty and like 20 years behind. Not progressive in terms of LGBT or women's rights. Definitely not a democracy and basically run by plutocrats.
Anyone have personal experience there?
"still present" undersells it a bit. It's more like "they're utterly and violently dominant."
Very true. Horrible understatement on my part What's worse is that right now, there is a growing connection between business and church and state. Churches instil traditional values -> Business and State builds more -> cycle continues. In reality, the church is just another landlord/ capitalist. They own a bunch of factories farms etc. What's missing is the peasantry.