klinton

:-)
you know, for most of the people - unfortunately - things like personal freedom or freedom at all doesnt matter that much.
they prefer to be not hungry, have work and be safe...and freedom ? maybe they will think about it if their basic needs will be fulfilled. that's the sad reality, especially with nations like Russians who actually - are not really that good for democratic type of governs.
these kind of nations love to have a good Tzar, who will fill their basic needs. maybe he will be cruel sometimes for his political oponents..maybe he will be harsh and strong...but he will give them food, will not rob them blindly (lets say - he only takes them 10 % of income) and generally speaking - he will allow them to live like they want unless they wont question his authority....
they had "democracy/" which in their conditions means = oligarchy and corruption (even bigger than now) for 10 years during Yeltsin and it was probably the worst period for average Russian. mafia, thieves, inflation, poverty and once again - poverty. just ask any average Russian about it.
The West was of course really happy to try to export his neocon reforms to the country like Russia - that is not copy of US, as people have there different mentality...and to have weak Russia, open to any influence from outside with drunk Yeltsin and happy, laughing Clinton...
not every country is good for "democracy". take a look at Libya, Iraq, Russia and few others. and what kind of "democracy" is in US ? with a secret government who likes to watch everyone through venetian mirror - they can see everything, yet nobody can see what they do...
and democracy in UK ? do you know that their agency GCHQ was targettting JOURNALISTS, treating them as potential treat to status quo ?
power is always power.
thats my point of view from outside