Konyak wrote:

“But, I have travelled in the FSU and have a complicated mixture of sympathy and disdain for the Russian people. They are not cartoon characters.”

First, most Americans don’t use “ll” to spell “traveler,” although it’s a valid spelling.

Second, Konyak must never have seen that great Simpson’s episode. “Great game! Let’s play another!”

Third, everyone take a deep breath, read some Dostoevsky, and think kinder thoughts about the Russians. They are indeed crazy, but they are smart and love their kids and flowers and arts. Some day we’ll see Putin and his ilk get the Caesescu treatment. That will be a small step forward.