If Revolutions Come in Seasons, It's Still Winter in Russia

To be fair, Russia did experience its own elongated "Russian Spring" in the late '80's and early '90's.  This time period saw the fall of communism, the dismantling of the world's most notorious wall, and the fracturing of an entire union.  Since then, however, revolution has come to a halt.   

Russians have not had a real choice in their president since Vladimir Putin came to power in December, 1999.  While soon-to-be President Putin is paying (what is likely mere) lip service to Russia's middle-class demands, he at least acknowledged some of its complaints.   While Russia may not face the same challenges it did 20 years ago, its citizens demand the same rights that some Third-World countries have recently bestowed on their inhabitants (and that Americans have enjoyed for two centuries).  Their cries prove (once again) what Eric Hoffer said years ago, essentially that the more freedom a movement gains the more it demands.  Russia needs fresh change, the basic right to choose their leader, and an opportunity to grow.  Without these, this cold Russian winter will remain indefinitely.