Thread: Russia opens its doors.

Originally Posted by Susan

You don't have to. All you have to be is an American cititzen: From the Department of State:

Russia Travel Advisory

"The background check says Pentecostal -> possible infiltrators for some kind of religious cult. Follow their activities, arrest them if one of them sneezes"

Originally Posted by Colonel

"The background check says Pentecostal -> possible infiltrators for some kind of religious cult. Follow their activities, arrest them if one of them sneezes"

Laugh all you want, does not change the fact that corrupt Russia kidnaps American citizens for bogus reason so that they can trade them for one of their terrorists. This sounds harsh, but the state department needs to say that Americans travel to Russia at their own risk and stop bargaining for some. I think the US was wrong in bargaining for Britney Griner, drug laws outside the US are much harsher than they are here. She broke Russian law and deserved to complete her sentence. And Smitty, if you were to be arrested, I'd sympathize and pray for you, but you knew what you're getting into, and it shouldn't cost getting a dangerous criminal out of jail to get you back.

Originally Posted by Susan

Laugh all you want, does not change the fact that corrupt Russia kidnaps American citizens for bogus reason so that they can trade them for one of their terrorists. This sounds harsh, but the state department needs to say that Americans travel to Russia at their own risk and stop bargaining for some. I think the US was wrong in bargaining for Britney Griner, drug laws outside the US are much harsher than they are here. She broke Russian law and deserved to complete her sentence. And Smitty, if you were to be arrested, I'd sympathize and pray for you, but you knew what you're getting into, and it shouldn't cost getting a dangerous criminal out of jail to get you back.

It's not meant to be more than slightly funny. The reason why is that Russia tolerates some religious groups, persecutes others. Government control is the main theme. Home based church fellowships are forbidden. Jehovas Witnesses are outlawed.

Originally Posted by Smitty

Rick Renner Founded a charismatic church in Moscow. He also has a television program there too.

The Moscow Good News Church and Affiliates | Renner Ministries

That's a large, old church from the post-Soviet era, before Putin tightened his grip. They probably cooperate with the authorities rather well.

Originally Posted by Colonel

It's not meant to be more than slightly funny. The reason why is that Russia tolerates some religious groups, persecutes others. Government control is the main theme. Home based church fellowships are forbidden. Jehovas Witnesses are outlawed.

I understand. I'm more than a little annoyed that we've had to release terrorists to get back innocent citizens. I took it the wrong way.

Originally Posted by Susan

I understand. I'm more than a little annoyed that we've had to release terrorists to get back innocent citizens. I took it the wrong way.

The category of humor is "they are like that, and it still is a little bit funny". It should be a stupid cartoon, but it isn't.

Originally Posted by Smitty

Rick Renner Founded a charismatic church in Moscow. He also has a television program there too.

The Moscow Good News Church and Affiliates | Renner Ministries

It might be a good idea to open up correspondence with some believers before making plans, I'm sure you could find some on the internets.

I had some Russian neighbors for awhile, they were nice folks.

From a recent Norwegian newspaper article :

"Until now, good schools in Moscow and other big cities have tried to tone down the propaganda. Now it becomes much more difficult.

The principals of all Russian schools will from now on get their own assistant. The assistent's main task is to monitor and ensure that the teaching and activities at the school are in line with official Russian ideology and promote patriotism among the students.

- Now both principals and teachers understand that they can lose their jobs or be prosecuted if they do not follow through, says Lapsjin."

That includes history that has been revised to fit Putin's standards. That's a de facto Stalinist regime.

Originally Posted by Colonel

From a recent Norwegian newspaper article :

"Until now, good schools in Moscow and other big cities have tried to tone down the propaganda. Now it becomes much more difficult.

The principals of all Russian schools will from now on get their own assistant. The assistent's main task is to monitor and ensure that the teaching and activities at the school are in line with official Russian ideology and promote patriotism among the students.

- Now both principals and teachers understand that they can lose their jobs or be prosecuted if they do not follow through, says Lapsjin."

That includes history that has been revised to fit Putin's standards. That's a de facto Stalinist regime.

This is the kind of system Putin grew up with.a system that worked "well" for decades.

In Russia the history has again and again made to fit the actuell doctrine. They had alternativ facts since centuries.