[kackontent]

On the other hand, ordinary people in Russia seems to stand firmly behind their government and its' actions. Putin's popularity hits record hights (ridiculous 87% in latests polls - http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/putin-s-approval-...), overwhelming majority of people believes MH17 was downed by Ukrainians (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/30/mh17-vast-major...), etc.

[kovrik]

Patriotism, propaganda, religion...all these things are to control people. People live in provetry, have nothing to eat, have no rights etc. And, sadly, still think Putin is a great leader.

Majority of population do not like to think. It is better to turn on TV - and here are all answers!

[huhtenberg]

> Have nothing to eat

Do elaborate. Which people in Russia have nothing to eat?

[kovrik]

Elderly people, for example.

Average pension in Russia is about 7000 - 11 000 RUR (~$220 - $300).

[gdy]

It's 11600 rubles ($320 without adjustment for purchase parity) now.

[chris_mahan]

Don't come to america. It's the same crap.

(bigger TVs, though, probably)

[guard-of-terra]

TV sizes are no longer a problem since oil money and South Koreans manufacturng huge screens for cheap. Now the primary constraint is the size of apartments, which are often tiny by US standards - shiny large screen won't fit comfortably.

[chris_mahan]

Ah, ok.