So, what exactly, are the Citizens of Russia thinking?

I had a highly interesting conversation with a Russian businessman on the plane this afternoon. He said that, for Russians, they see a little war as good for the country and inspirational. He said Russians don't want anyone else's land, but want to fiercely protect their Homeland. The current tensions are only in the U.S. and not in Russia (according to him) and he's amazed (and worried) about the Saber rattling leading up to Trump bring President.

He said that, in his opinion, the geopolitical views of Russia are more in line with U.S. views than ever before. The public in Russia view the Syrian conflict as many Americans do: a war that must be fought in order to protect the country from terrorism.

He said that the USSR war in Afghanistan has made all Russians extremely cautious about larger nation conflicts and that the citizens have no heart for something like that. He said too many sons and fathers died there. He said "it was our Vietnam and no Russian wants to go through that, again. "

I asked him about his concerns. He said, he doesn't know anyone that wants conflict with the U.S.,saying most people love the good things about our country, but that the ugliness from police killings and mass shooting events leaves a lot of Russians thinking we're lawless in many ways and they fear us not because we threaten them, but that since this lawlessness is tolerated within our own country, what sort of horror would the U.S. be willing to inflict on Russian citizens?

As far as Trump goes, he says, "Russians view him favorably because he openly expresses hope for better relations and that Russians hope that Trump and Putin can align the geopolitical rails so that both countries can go about their business interests without worrying about a head-on crash."

As far as Putin goes, he said, "Russians realize he's flawed, abusive of his power and speaks in platitudes when given important questions to answer, but then again, that seems to define most American political figures, no?" Hard to argue against that! He did admit that Putin is very popular within Russia as the Russian people are not like the American left (which he described as soft and decadent) and they respect a leader who exhibits strength and resolve.

Anyway, it was interesting to talk to someone and learn how he views the whole "Russia is a threat" thing that the Democrats and GOP hard right promotes. This encounter is all paraphrased and condensed, but it was interesting.