he went through a lot

"Solzhenitsyn was lauded at the highest levels of the state in his final years. Putin quoted him in his 2006 state-of-the-nation address, and on June 12, 2007, the president visited his home to give him Russia's highest award, the State Prize."

It seems that Alexander has become the 'cornerstone' that was rejected. Putin et al have committed themselves to realizing Russia's 'special destiny' very much in line with A.S. views. And Putin happens to be the most genuinely popular politician among his people on the planet.

As far as Russians lacking in bonhomie or whatever, consider that the Russian finds the American cold and calculating in personal affairs, by considering a schedule an obligation, focusing on 'the bottom line', reducing relationships to evaluating whether they are 'worth my while'. Do not try to show how friendly you are by flashing a toothy grin in all directions. They are sickened by what they see as insincerity. Russians are crowded when toghether, but lonesome when apart.

Has anyone here spent some time in Russia?