Nashi (rhymes with Nazi) dubs its youth group
“Putin’s Generation.” Kremlin funded,
its paramilitary wing will stoop
to attack critics of their heralded
leader. Designed by Surkov, called Vlady’s
Karl Rove, young teams eye future elections,
hope to stifle party opponents by
force of voice and fist, assure selection
of “Putin’s People.” Knowing teens and best
laid plans, idealists can melt into
frustrated laborers, turn scythes against
presidents who lie. History may view
Putin’s day, which he hopes to seem balmy,
darkened by an erupting tsunami.
Roger Armbrust
July 8, 2007
