In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Bohdan Szejner — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:15:09 GMT

I am not against Wladimir Putin being honored, but he is now obligated to explain why Chechnya is being martirized by Russia and why so many poisonings and killing of journalists are happening under his wacth.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

wolfgang gersdorf — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:18:25 GMT

Putin is p.... off because russia lost so many of its former republiks and he likes to get Russia back to the totalitarian state like it was 20 years ago he is acommunist he was a commmunist and will allways be a communist period.What you expect from a former KGP colonel.
dit you ever noticed he never looks any body straight in the eyes

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Norm Fontaine — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:24:54 GMT

Clearly, in my opinion, Putin's selection was based upon Time's criteria...for better or worse, which individual has impacted the world the most this year.

Putin has restored elements that are core features of Russian history: the rule of the strong man and discipline in society by government-controlled institutions. The Russian people are comfortable with this, trading stability, comfort, and security for certain freedoms taken for granted in the West. These elements have brought Russia back and Putin is to be credited with making Russians proud again. And he has turned Russia into a player on the international scene again, rather than the Yeltsin-era laughingstock.

With their ample natural resources, intelligent and trained wokforce, and long-term outlook, Russia is positioning herself in a way that Americans can be envious of...other than the restrictions on personal freedom that the Russian people are more comfortable with than we are.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

AM in MS — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:39:24 GMT

you know I find this terribly funny, if it wasnt so TWO FACED of the liberals.....ahhh, alas you've done it again!

You sit around and BASH Pres. Bush for doing the SAME TYPE of things you give Putin "Man of the Year" for. Wow, if we waterboard 2 KNOWN terrorist that helped perpetrate the attacks on 911 for 30 minutes we are EVIL, yet, everyone in the world with HALF a brain realizes that the 15 INNOCENT CIVILIAN journalist in Russia that have "mysteriously died of un-natural causes" such as "jumping" from a 15 story building were ALL perpetrated by Putin and his cronies, just like the Alexander Litvinenko case in Britain...he was poisoned by the Kremlin, killed in a DIFFERENT SOVERIGN NATION (Britain) and you give him Man of the Year?!??!?

God help me have the undying patience it takes to understand the lib media.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Daisy Bangerter, WVC, UT — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:44:33 GMT

Time Magazine is desperate for attention! What better choice than choosing President Putin as
"Person of the Year". Narrow minded for sure!

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

cdudley98, Rochester, NY — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:02:44 GMT

Time was right in their choice. Putin's political faults notwithstanding, he HAS effectuated substantial change for the better in a backward behemoth nation long noted for its resistance to progress.
Only a ruthless politician could have done it.

"Pootie-Poot" has certainly eclipsed El Maximo Fidel as the world's slickest dictator; and he is tougher than the Russian Mob.

A good man to have as an ally. It would be imprudent to make him an enemy.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

alberta Treadway Alma, Nebraska — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:14:40 GMT

Leave Putins news inside the magazine; We have plenty of U.S. Citizens, includeing generals, Soldiers and Heroic young children who deserved the front page of Time Magazine. This why I know go alse where for my world news, that and Time has become to Bias for my taste instead of just giveing facts and the news as they should;
s

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Lloyd — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:16:11 GMT

Somehow I can't help feling that we are setting up for round 2 of the "Cold War"....

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Troy Eagar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:16:49 GMT

Just another reason to add to the list of reasons I don't read Time Magazine!

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Bunny Faber, Nubbinsville, OH — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:16:55 GMT

I miss the Cold War. It was so much more palatable than Actual War, which is unpleasantly deadly. Bring on the propaganda machine!

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Yali — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:17:17 GMT

It has been a tradition for Times to be suspensful and choose a somewhat contraversile Person of the Year. In the context, Putin is a good choice. It generates debates, why and how, this I think is positive so people learn about Russia and her changes more. As an observer of world events, I agree Putin had a lot of guts as a leader, and he did great things for Russia in recent years.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Very Concerned Citizen — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:17:31 GMT

For what it's worth, there is a lesson to be learned here. Iraq is a country in the same condition as the USSR was before Putin took the reins. Putin may not be a "nice guy", but a nation in shambles doesn't really need a "nice guy" to put the pieces back together. Saddam was a tyrant for sure, but he did keep his country together. Now that we have dismantled the government of Iraq, with no clear plan to reestablish it, I feel strongly that a man of Putin's resources is the only hope the poor citizens of Iraq have. I really don't believe that a democratic Iraq is a reality. We can push democracy and our egotistical, materialistic point of view only so far. What the citizens of Iraq really need (in my opinion)is a government that is concerned about the welfare of it's citizens Shiat, Sunni, all sects - and it's quite obvious that the model we're trying to push on them will not fit the bill. Our own government is much more interested in invading foreign lands than providing affordable health care to it's own citizens, helping it's people in times of disaster, and improving the living standard of it's people. Politics, yet again, has gotten in the way of progress. Yes, Saddam needed to be removed from his position, but not at the astronomical expense burdening the working class folks of the U.S.A. Our president made a terrible call with the Iraq invasion, and instead of admitting his mistake and taking corrective action, he's compounded the problem by forging ahead at full steam in the darkness with no light to guide the way. The U.S.A. and Iraq are both desperatly in need of some real leadership - not a tyrannical egomaniac such as our current top dog. I suspect time is growing very short for the new Rome. We could all learn a little history and benefit from it. Rome rose to world domination and declined over a couple of thousand years. The U.S.A. has done the same thing over the course of a couple hundred years, and folks, we are in the declining phase. If our citizens continue to allow leaders like Bush to push their agenda's on the world, we will not be a superpower for much longer. We need to focus on the problems at home - then, and only then, once we find solid ground, should we tell others how they should live. Actually, we shouldn't tell anyone how to live. At our inception, we were a model and example of freedom and loved by the world at large. Now, due to our continued global bullying, we are the most hated group of people since the Nazi machine was in full swing. People, please open your eyes and see where we are headed!

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

alberta Treadway Alma, Nebraska — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:18:24 GMT

Any adverse blog to your opinion should be heard, otherwise it is UNfair and UNbalanced. I simply was seeing if my opinion of Time was a credit or unfair;
by refuseing to show adversal blog to your opinions or facts or actions , you than bear out a unfavorable review;

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

M.R. Reed Fredonia, KS — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:18:25 GMT

This man scares me and I fear there is NOTHING that he is not capable of doing. I feel TIME just added fuel to his fire - none of us needed that!

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Marc Adams, San Diego CA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:19:01 GMT

Russians are clueless. Putin has brought them minor prosperity in exchange for their soul. Very sad. It coulda been a lot better.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Alan , Chicago — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:25:00 GMT

well hitler and stalin was also man of the year in the 1930's ...I wouldnt be surprised....

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Ormond Otvos, Richmond, CA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:25:47 GMT

With Iran cancelled and Iraq going into paralysis, and Afghanistan too small, the arms merchants need a big arms buildup, and a new cold war is just the ticket.

That's why the Time editors made much of "Putin's angry mood with the administration" (their words). Recycling works with fear, too, and rousing up the old atheist communist devils is easy, since they're sleeping near the surface of our consciousness, half-awake from the subprime liquidity fiasco.

It's about profit, status and the ways to prove them.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:35:03 GMT

Time should call it "Newsmaker of the Year." "Person of the Year" has a positive connotation notwithstanding Time's disclaimer. As the reaction in Russia points out, Time has provided an endorsement to a person who is leading Russia back into the cold war and a totalitarian society.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Russia — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:35:50 GMT

The selection is a disgrace

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Art orting wa — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:36:44 GMT

Putin is just another Stalin in the making

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

alphaone, Davenport, IA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:40:31 GMT

Having recently returned from a two week trip to Russia, I am convinced that whatever limitations are in effect under Putin's leadership, the country, as a whole is much,much better off than prior to the Putin administration. American Democracy has many, many limitations and it less than perfect but we support it. The Russian people support the dramatic reforms they have been privileged to have under Putin. Let's recognize good things that happen regardless of the form of government a country may practice.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Stephen R.Hammock, Sackets Harbor, NY — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:43:48 GMT

The Russian psyche is well-served by Vladimir Putin. Who else but a former KGB officer is better to lead this still backward and stoic nation back to its failed past. Russia yet remains a vast land in bondage by its own dictatorial government. If the Russian people accept the terms, then they will have what they deserve: slavery. As long as they mind their own business and stop meddling into destabilizing the free world, why should we care?

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

WH Lakeland Florida — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:45:40 GMT

I like the choice. Putin did turn things around for that country and should be commended for it. The thing that doesn't sit well with us Americans is that there, you can be elected into a high profile job without receiving a majority vote. The question is, will Puttin be the Prime Minister, doing the job of the President.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Tom Lanker, New York, New York — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:46:34 GMT

Disgusting. Putin is a meglomanic. He has had reports killed, etc...
The obvious choice was Al Gore. He has done more to save human kind from destroying our planet than anyone this year, therefore he has had the greatest impact. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for goodness sake. I guess TIME feels they know more than the Nobel commitee.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

M. Bassey, West Africa — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:47:25 GMT

My following comments are not an indication of support or opposition to anybody mentioned. It is an intellectual comment.

I am not criticizing the Time's decision. But I am curious about the objectivity of the decision-making process by Time regarding their person of the year.

Granted Putin has attracted a lot of attention. But has he influenced world events more that Bin Laden for example? The latter has changed our whole lives and psyche. Why was he not been named so far? Or did I miss out on something? Is Time trying to make a point to some governments who are criticizing Putin?

It would be very interesting for Time to explain the criteria for their choice, because a choice can be misrepresented as an endorsement of a persons actions. So far I do not think that they may be interested in that... Does journalism have this freedom?

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

leah — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:50:12 GMT

Putin took back control of his country's resources from the oligarchs whom were makeing deals with foreign investors for control of Russia's oil wealth.
He has used these profits for the benefit of ALL Russians...AND created order from chaos. His country trusts that he has the interest of ALL Russia's people at heart. hmmmmm...not a bad idea.(are you listening "W".)

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Jay Hall — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:52:08 GMT

Will the Russians ever learn? 500 years of Tsars, 75 years of communists...yet another dictator that will grow more corrupt with power, paranoia, and repression. This will lead to a "people's revolution" in about 10 years, and they'll start all over again.

Pity. The Russians are born to suffer.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Sean P. Price New York, NY — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:53:34 GMT

What do you think they should have named George W.? Doesn't ANYONE get it? Time was right on target. For better for worse he was the most influential man of 2007. Not Al Gore, not Brad Pitt and not a former chess champion in Russia. Putin has done quite the mighty job of stabilizing the nuclear arsenal, maintaining relations with the US and Europe without kissing there asses and bringing the people of Russia together with a new economy that rivals even China, Japan, and the USA.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Les Jones, Huntsville, AL — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:54:20 GMT

I wonder if any among the multitude of Russian news coverages mentioned the fact that both Hitler and Stalin were accorded the same "fame"? I do agree with the selection.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Cliff, Great Falls, MT — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:55:19 GMT

Wow, this is very impressive. Let's see, if Time had been doing the Person of the Year in 1938, I wonder if they would have chosen a guy named Adolph for the title? Watch Putin, he will go down in history for more than Time's Man of the Year... and it won't be for his kindness and humanity.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

A.G., Philadelphia, PA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:00:30 GMT

Time magazine continues to dishonor its fourth-estate responsibilities, and its readers, including other media desperate for material, continue to support the practice. The magazine should discontinue the "Person of the Year" silliness for good. The opinion of the editors takes the place of real news, and people spin the editors' fantasies into some kind of correlation with their own, usually without even reading the piece. Why not replace the "Person of the Year" with expanded sports coverage or cartoons? At least Time would then be presenting entertainment as entertainment, a more sensible and ethical practice than trying to pass of self-promotion as journalism.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Nancy Wilkins, Aurora, Colorado — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:01:00 GMT

One family at our church reported that thier older relative went back to visit Russia a few months ago, this person (or his family) had sent food to their relatives)during WWII. One of the most interesting facts he said was that many Russian children were taught (today-now) to speak English. This surprised me! Can anyone else out there confirm this? It would be wonderful if it were true! My hope is that the U.S. always maintains good terms with Russia.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Mike Konkel, Fort Wayner, Indiana — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:05:58 GMT

If someone was going to pay me a tribute, it wouldn't mean nothing unless I respected that person's opinion. Well, Time Magazine is like the New York Times in that regard. No respect for it as a source of information, no respect for their queer editors and no respect for the liberal slant they place on everything. Immoral useless rag, is what it is.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Jane Doe, St Louis, MO — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:13:18 GMT

I do commened him/them for lowering the countries debt, good job there. Even though it is attributed to orginized crime. However, they do need to get their heads out of their butts and take a stand to curb AIDS in their country. They need to realize the WHO (or anyone else) is not trying to control their population, just the population of AIDS. But then again this is the mafia and I am sure health issues are not at the top of their list.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

EDB — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:19:23 GMT

RUSSIA IS NOT TO BE TRUSTED.SHE CONTINUES TO ALLIE HERSELF WITH NATIONS HAVING SECRET AGENDAS CONTRARY TO OUR OWN.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

William LaLonde, ogden, utah — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:20:35 GMT

Democracy is the only way to go, but it does have it's own unique problems. I think Pres Putin in the best interest of his country is trying to avoid some of democracies pitfalls by instituting some of his own personal ideas. He deserves to be selected as times man of the year.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

pinkofreeptard — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:32:44 GMT

Da, Comrade Putin! Da, Comrade Time Magazine! Da, to all those who ignore the monster at the door!!!

"We will spit in their face, and they will call it dew." - Nikita Khrushchev

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Blay, Pittsburgh, PA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:34:56 GMT

Two of my favorite politicians? Lech Walenza and Michael Gobachov (sorry about the speling). Putin's pretty cool too. These guys try to be honest - something that doesn't seem to count much in American politics.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Aleksandra on World Wide Web — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:03:12 GMT

Commendable choice! The general USA population might disagree but do they really understand the Russian psyche? Putin has done much for his motherland and their people. Do you think they want to be like Americans? No! Who wants to be ignorant, selfish, and generally inept?

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Jason, Birmingham, AL — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:03:27 GMT

In response to Nancy's question about Russian children learning English, yes, they are required to take English in their equivalent of high school as well as pass an English proficiency exam before they can graduate from college. (This comes from my experience of living and working with college students for the past two years in Moscow.) This isn't really a big deal though, most countries in the world require their children to learn English as it has become the international language of business, trade, and commerce. And, before we get too cocky about this, please note that it's British English they're learning, not American English. In fact, most Russian college students know a third and sometimes forth language, besides Russian and English.

I wish we as Americans were less shocked that the rest of the world is learning English and more outraged and embarrassed that, for all practical purposes, we DO NOT require our children to learn any other language besides English. (I guess on this one, it's a good thing we have an ocean on each side of us. Plenty of room for our collective ego!)

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Courtney New York — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:05:06 GMT

An absolute disgrace. From human rights abuses in the Chechen republic and in Russia proper, to turning a blind eye to the AIDS crisis in Russia,poisoning and contract killings of journalists and intimidating political and journalistic opposition, Putin is not to be honored as person of the year. Yes he has made many headlines, but there are many more honorables people who have done good things in the world that were much more worthy of this honor than Russia's next dictator and oppressor.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Ryan K Columbus, Ohio — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:09:31 GMT

Just another reason to not buy Time or any Time Warner products. What a disgrace!

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Farhad Khursigara, Mississauga, ON — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:15:15 GMT

Is TIME serious about this? what happened to Paris Hilton and Britney etc. For the last few months TIME read like a celebrity rag. This long suffering subscriber was having second thoughts on re-subscribing.
Thank you for getting back to the real world.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Dan Los Angeles CA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:15:43 GMT

Waa Waa Waa, a bunch of babies that talk talk talk about Global co-operation between countries, but when a foriegn leader is chosen, nobody likes it. The truth is clear, we are on a small planet and what one world leader does, can have a negative or positive effect on all of us. If Putin can stabalize a country in chaos, why not focus on the good and try to influence him to look at humanitarian issues with his people. I think now is the best time to appraoch him on uncomforatble issues.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

mrs. osipov, alabama — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:16:37 GMT

leah (Sent Thursday, December 20, 2007 1:50 PM) - RIGHT ON!

Yes, Russian children are taught English (my husband is from Russia). Along with several other languages. They have been since Communism. Communism put everyone on equal footing, including the Nazi-persecuted Jews. I think President Putin is an excellent choice! He has brought this country back to its feet. His country loves him. The young people come out in droves to support him. Maybe Americans are a bit envious because we have such poor leadership right now. It seems the U.S. (as a whole) sees itself as the only one that knows anything and has made its duty to make sure everyone else conforms to their way of doing things. I will be 50 years old in May. I have learned that almost nothing I was taught about Russia and Communism was true. This country (U.S.A.) needs an awakening!

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Witold Sloniewicz — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:18:31 GMT

It is better to feed red bear than keep him hungry. He kept me for 35 years
vito

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Lynn - Youngstown, Ohio — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:24:08 GMT

I totally agree with Time magazines selection of Vladamir Putin as person of the year. At least the Russian people don't have a moron running their country!

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

mikebarr — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:31:30 GMT

Russian democracy was and is being undermined by a determined group of ex-KGB operatives who believe it is their patriotic duty to restore Russia to her former power and glory regardless of the means deployed.

American democracy was and is being undermined by a determined group of neocons who believe it is their patriotic duty to do whatever is necessary to control the world regardless of the means deployed.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

steve,akron,oh — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:33:04 GMT

putin is tyrant and a despot. his most troubling act was eliminating the election of govonors. he does seem to be leading his country back to slavery.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

AJR — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:35:34 GMT

In my opinion, this choice was a result of a simple comparison between Bush and Putin. An intellectual lightweight vs. a cunning and effective leader, whether you like him or not.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Ron Houston, TX — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:38:22 GMT

Several people choose to overlook the "for better or for worse" qualification for its person of the year. Vladimir is not unlike Dubya or even Achmadinijad (who is more obvious with his outrageous statements) who all like world attention. Vlad is like a child who is jumping up and down yelling pay attention to me as is the idiot from Iran and the other idiot in Caracas. Dubya is the little kid who likes you until you disagree with him and then he takes his ball and goes home after giving you a good name calling. ONe should respect Time for calling it as they see it because Vlad has the ability to start another cold war.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Mary Bowles, Reading, Massachusetts — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:43:04 GMT

Are most of the people that write these comments stupid or just pretend to be? Once again people "Person of the Year" is NOT an endorsement or a pat on the back!!! Person of the Year is "for better or for worse has most influenced world events". HITLER was chosen once and it wasn't because the 'Liberal Media' supported him. If you disagree with Time's choice fine but at least make it for a valid reason.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

emily, PA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:45:31 GMT

RE: Nancy Wilkins' question

Many Russian schoolchildren do study English, just like many schoolchildren around the world. I wouldn't necessarily take that as a sign one way or the other. (For what it's worth, many Soviet children studied English during the Communist era, too... Studying English is not a new development, as you seem to imply.)

Foreign language study is simply a recognition that certain languages are important. It doesn't necessarily create peace. Recall that during the Cold War, thousands of American schoolchildren studied Russian, and it wasn't because we were on good terms with the USSR -- many of those schoolchildren wanted to be spies or some other such career.

So yes, Russian schoolchildren study English, but I wouldn't glean any assumptions from that one way or the other except that many schools across the world recognize the importance of English and teach it to their students.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Max Hart, Vancouver, BC — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:46:59 GMT

EDB, you didn't state what the secret agenda of your country was. In case you haven't noticed, there are virtualy no countries in the world who are aligned to the USA's agenda, secret or otherwise. It's the USA that's out of step with the world, not vice versa.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Larry R. holmquist — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:49:24 GMT

It's a disgrace to have Putin as man of the year!

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Alan Walsh, Huntington beach, CA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:52:35 GMT

The Putin fans need to be reminded that Adolph Hitler was also chosen.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

dizzyguy — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:07:37 GMT

H*LY CR*P!!!! I would've bought Jolie, Gore, Chavez, or even Farve....but Putin? And last year it was "YOU"!? How many people actually agree with this choice? In my opinion, this just shows how disconnected TIME magazine's writers/editors have become -- not that I ever cared before. But choosing Putin is not only strange, it also kind of reeks of immoral political back-scratching...someone at TIME has an agenda.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Clinton Goodman, Rochester NY — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:09:45 GMT

Time Magazine, and MSNBC alike, have been communist propaganda machinces for as long as I can remember, or in MSNBC's case for its entire existence. So the choice of Putin does not surprize me in the least.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

huffy, San Francisco California — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:15:50 GMT

What scares me more than Putin are the comments made here by Americans both in the content and context.
So many of these comments lead me to believe that the authors of these comments are unable to grasp the fact that the Times' naming of Putin as Man of the Year is a mere acknowledgement of his impact ,be it bad or good. This being said how can it be ," Disgusting", or ," the libral media"..ect ect. Putin had a great impact and has changed the overall positioning of nations in the world, like it or not. No glorification of Putin or his policies is intended, merely acknowledgement of his impact all the illiterate destruction of the English language that I've seen here can win the debate over a point that does not exsist. My thanks to the folks that posted the intelligent comments it gives me hope.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Gabe — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:20:59 GMT

Hey, whatever happen to Yakov Smirnoff?

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Alex, Australia — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:23:18 GMT

Obviously, Putin is good for Russia and Russians
Russia is getting richer and thus is becoming a valuable member of the world community, supplying energy and providing market to other countries.
Those events, that are portrayed as Putin's guilts (murders of journalists and Litvinenko) - are products of cold war propaganda machine, as those events were increadibly damaging to Putin and didn't make any sense for him to do - say, killing spent KGB agent. Time's choice makes sense, though I personally would rather chose Al Gore.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

gdu — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:27:16 GMT

Wow, so many good people in the world and you pick Putin; I've purchased my last copy of Time.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

DICK BROWN EXCELSIOR, MN — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:41:49 GMT

I DONT AGREE WITH TIME MAGAZINE NAMING PUTIN PERSON
OF THE YEAR. AND I HAVE MY REASONS. BUT UNLIKE LYNN
IN YOUNGSTOWN AND AJR I DONT BLAME PRES BUSH.
THEY ONLY SHOW THE ONLY MORONS IN THE US ARE VOTERS
LIKE THEMSELVES. AND THE SAD THING IS THE DONT GET IT
AND NEVER WILL. BUT THEY ENJOY THE FRUITS OF DEMOCRACY. AND THEY DONT KNOW HISTORY OBVIOUSLY.
GO FIGURE.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

David, Shreveport, LA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:53:46 GMT

What complete and utter nonsensical b.s. naming a tyrant like Vladimir Putin Time's man of the year. This man by all accounts has had numerous journalists and members of parliament murdered and likely had an apartment building in his own country filled with his own citizens bombed to raise support for their war in Chechnya. Putin is a murderous brutal dictator and the people of Russia are to blind to see the monster sitting right in front of them steadily chipping away at their freedoms and sending the country back to it's old communist dictatorial ways. Didn't the Russians learn there lesson the first time: Communism doesn't work. Your idealogy is fundamentally flawed because it relies on the people in power to distribute wealth evenly amonst the masses (something the old Soviet cronies never did)and requires the government to stamp down on all forms of individual expression and personal freedom. That's what tyrants do Concerned Citizen, they use fear and violence to strip the masses of their freedoms and hoarde the power for themselves. Bush in no way fits that bill but Putin almost certainly does. On the day President Bush creates the position of American Prime Minister and then declares himself to be the American Prime Minister who will serve indefinitely in that position, and creates powers for himself that will eclipse that of any and all future Presidents then you can truthfully call President Bush an egomaniacal tyrant. Has Bush had those who speak out against him murdered? No! The notion that democratic governments don't have the best interests of all their citizen's at heart is simply incorrect. The fact is that every facet of our society is represented by at least one or members of our government. To say that the people of Iraq, Russia, or any other nation need tyrants like Saddam or Putin to set them straight is ludicrous left wing propaganda.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

David, Shreveport, LA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:58:40 GMT

As for those countries we've been invading the simple fact is that they are full of radical Islamic militants and terrorists that long ago declared war on the west (especially America and it's citizens) and have since killed thousands upon thousands of innocent people including the citizen's of their own countries of origin. As to a lack of affordable health care I'll say this: you totally fail to acknowledge the more than adequate state run hospitals (which in many cases have staff better trained and more competent than most private hospitals) that care for thousands of our nation's poor every single day. It's true that the poor don't have access to the best medical advances money can buy but once that technology has been proven effective and is accepted by the medical community it becomes the norm, is no longer cost prohibitive, and becomes available to all. Not to mention the fact that it's not the responsibility of a democratic government to provide health care for it's citizens or improve their standard of living. Every citizen of this nation has the same rights, privileges, and opportunities as every other citizen it's just that many choose not to take advantage of those oppotunities particularly the opportunity for a good education (i.e. choosing not to go to college on state funded shcolarships and failing to take advantage federal education grants set up almost solely for minorities)and as such they wind up on welfare insisting that the government take care of and pay for all of their myriad problems and expenses. It's the responsibility of the individual to better their standard of living and consequently the quality of health care available to them through education. That said the standard of living even for the poorest of our nation is infinitely better than it is for for the poor of other nations such as Russia and the former Soviet Republics.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

David, Shreveport, LA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:20:48 GMT

Regardless of whether Time magazine says "Person of the Year is "for better or for worse [the person who] has most influenced world events" and that "it's not an endorsement or a pat on the back" the fact is that the title "person of the year" has a positive connotation associated with it and if the Kremlin controlled Russian media is to be believed is indeed an endorsemnt of Vladimir Putin and his policies. Vladimir Putin is a murderous dictator and as such naming him person of the year is ludicrous and in my opinion amoral. Anyone who fails to acknowledge the kind of man Putin is or the connotation associated with the title "person of the year" is themself stupid! Not to mention the fact that other than having reporters and parlaiment members murdered and therefore highlighting his countries democratic backsliding Vladimir Putin has done nothing to influence world events.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

David, Shreveport, LA — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:40 GMT

Obviously, Aleksandra, the Russian psyche requires a dominating and enslaving presence in their government for them to accept said government. Why would anyone, American or otherwise, not employed in a psychiatric profession want to understand a psyche so deeply troubled. Who wants to be ruled by a murderous domineering despot? Clearly the largely ignorant masses in Russia with little or nothing better to aspire to than the good old glory days of communism, dictatorship, and oppression. If you really want to see an example of a people who are ignorant and inept Aleksandra perhaps you should look to your own people. I think you'll find that ignorance, selfishness, and ineptitude are traits people all over the world possess not just some Americans and that these traits can generally be correlated to a persons level of education. Your broad generalization of Americans as ignorant, selfish, and inept is both false and highly stereotypical to say the least.

As to the gentelmen from Australia's argument that Putin couldn't have ordered those murders simply because they have made him unpopular and that it's a hoax by the cold war propaganda machine (which ended oh right about the time the cold war did) that is simply naive and ignorant. Clearly world leaders can and do make unpopular decisions all the time. Just because a leader made an unpopular decision (for example ordering the murder of an outspoken former KGB spy on foreign soil) doesn't make that decision any less real or somehow indicate that it can't be lain at the feet of the man responsible for that decision (i.e. Vladimir Putin). Nor does it indicate that it was drummed up by some shadowy unfriendly propaganda machine (which in fact no longer exists).

And then of course there are those who claim that our own president Bush is a brutal tyrannical despot despite the fact that he has brought free elections to Iraq, elevated the status of women in Iraqi society, and ended a regime responsible for the torture and murder of tens of thousands of Iraqis. These left wing liberal propagandists astronomically inflate the number of Iraqi civlians killed as a result of collateral damage, blame Bush and the American military for all the deaths caused by radical Islamic militias and terrorists, slander good Americans like Gen. Petraeus, and seek to undermine all the good that has been accomplished in Iraq simply because of their dislike for president Bush and his policies.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

mrs. osipov, alabama — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:07:37 GMT

Communism does work. And the Russian people want it again. What didn't work is the chaos that Boris Yeltsin brought to their country. Russians LOVE President Putin!

And speaking of fear and power . . . what other picture can be used other than that of George W. Bush??

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Rick Gillespie, Orofino, Idaho — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:09:01 GMT

What I would like to know is this: What chosen process did TIME magazine use, to throw that left handed 98.7 mph curve ball into the faces of American readers? Putin,the "man OF THE YEAR"? ("man", that was no typo).The (man) OF THE YEAR has shoved his "DAD OF ALL BOMBS" into the faces of American families, his loyalty to the radical political players of Iran is obvious, his willingness to send several science teams into Iran to add more Siberian Beef into the IED's, re-instated Russia's bombers, NUKES in Iran?...well guess who, and the list goes on and on.

Putin,man OF THE YEAR? He has made his sons,Beavis and Butthead VERY proud! "Uhhhhh, uh...uh...uh, way ta go dad, uh...uh...uhhhh..."

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Thomas Ruthven, Sandpoint, Idaho — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:30:01 GMT

Putin has made Russia stronger and the majority of Russian people seem to like him. However I feel some of the claims they made in the article were essentially wrong.

Putin did not put Russia "back on the map." Even in the tumultuous '90s Russia was still "on the map" by any reasonable standard. It remained one of the world's largest nations with veto power at the UN and a huge nuclear stockpile.

Russia also remains generally poor and crime-ridden with low male life-expectancy. According to the UN its development from 2000-2005 improved, but it improved less than the following former Soviet Republics: Armenia, Belarus, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, and Ukraine. Even by other measures its revival has been no better than that of Eastern Europe and in many cases weaker than their's.

In addition there are several nations or leaders that were diplomatically important in 2007. The choice was defensible, but not inarguable and some of what they used to back it were exaggerations.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Nikolai, Chelyabinsk, Russia — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:48:45 GMT

Many people here speak about some kind of "limitations of freedom" in Russia. Are you guys actually know any of these limitations or you just playback what US media says (like a broken record). Could you give a concrete example of a personal fredom limitation that Putin added during his time?
I am from Russia and I don't know any... There were changes in the elections to foster bigger parties and to curb criminals from being elected as governors, but I don't know any "limitations" on my freedom that Putin added compared to what we had from before (90ties).
To be fair - Russia has some idiotic limitations inherited from USSR and those should be removed, but they existed before Putin and he has not added new ones...

So do any of you know what you are speaking about? Or is it just another misinformed western blah-blah-blah?

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Vladimir Bessonov — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 03:13:01 GMT

I firmly believe that it is a grate choice. President Putin truly the Person of The Year. Thanks.

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

janet berend — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 04:39:08 GMT

I subscribe to Time Mag. I've been watching to see who has been voted on for this honor. Is there a Communist Putin lover among those who make this selection? I find it appalling that you would select Putin with so many great people right here who are so deserving of this honor. I think that TIME owes its readers and subscribers an apology. It's not a wonder that you had a call from Russia overwhelmed by this choice. We here in the United States are not overwhelmed, but rather, shocked that you would select him. janetb

In Russia, Time magazine leaves them breathless

Teddy — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 07:23:53 GMT

May be this is the only time that Time Magazine got it perfect.Putin is the real deal.