In countries like Canada and the United States, it is almost impossible to imagine the high esteem in which ordinary Russians hold President Vladimir Putin. He is seen as a hero, “the most polite of people” according to one slogan on shirts for sale in Moscow. Our politicians are reviled daily by millions of critics on all sides. Those in office are subject to public nagging and outright abuse. Putin is serenely untouched by such things. His image is everywhere and there no criticism of him heard in the controlled media. This video from Reuters reveals just how differently his countrymen see the man who is cast in the West as a thug and imperialist.
