But to be honest the oil is not everything

Poor Russia, rich in oil. It is so hard to find its place in the world elite of the eight countries taken seriously. President Vladimir Putin, perhaps hoping to raise the debate at the presidential summit in St. Petersburg in July, a simmer an ambitious program. He plans to engage his colleagues in scholarly conversation on education, infectious diseases and, to be sure that no one asleep, "energy security".

And that Putin's efforts earned him Little step. The Bush administration, represented by Vice President Dick Cheney (but with the explicit approval of the pattern), recently accused the Russia into its old mania of "evil empire". Putin responded by calling the United States of 'Comrade Wolf' ready to pounce on any nation showing signs of weakness. How will Bush and Putin are welcome at the St. Petersburg meeting The suspense is over.

The Europeans, for their part, are still on the crisis of nerves, great both is their fear of being again trapped in the gas dispute between the Russia and the Ukraine, which has dried up their pipelines for a few days earlier this year. To them, talk about "energy security" with the Russia is talking about the safety of water with comrade crocodile.

Of course, if you want to be mean, it can always point out the absurdity of the membership of the Russia Club which includes savings giant of the United States, the Germany, the Japan, England, the France, the Italy and (to a lesser extent) the Canada. Why Chinese President Hu Jintao, whose country has the second largest economy (measured from power purchasing parities), not was he not given Putin's place at the table After all, even with all of its energy resources, and despite the current surge in prices of gas and oil, the Russia national product worth little more than that of the greater Los Angeles.

Perhaps should Putin stop cash all these criticisms and go on the offensive. It might begin by reporting to his Democratic counterparts if sufficient that it is probably more popular in Russia that none of them in his own country. In fact, it could win honestly an election tomorrow. Rare are the leaders who could not laugh to say as much.

Of course, the success of Putin in the past years in the Elimination of all closely resembling or to a free press (and when a former the KGB "removes" the free press, is not only a style figure) helped to silence any open opposition. However, this does not prevent Putin enjoy a real popularity to an audience seeking a leader able to secure the country, without so the sink. Putin may also forward that the finances of the Russian State are in a much better position than those of the other members of the G8. Of course, the fact that Siberia has been a giant oil wells which the Government absorbs the largest part of revenues was very useful. Venezuelan Hugo Chavez President, is also now balance the books of his country, for the moment. But to be honest, the oil is not everything. Most economists recommend rich countries to replace their old tax codes, complicated by a simple and low tax at single rate, and deplore the fact that if few countries it had tried. Putin, he has implemented this type of devices a few years ago, and the results have any miracle.

Naturally, it is possible that the other leaders of the G8 are less excited about some Russian practices in the field of the resolution of budgetary problems. Most of the g-8 countries appear incapable of achieving the political consensus needed to take the necessary measures, as the increase in the retirement age or the significant reduction in allowances for inflation indexing. The Russia, she virtually abandoned its pensioners after increasing the amount of their income.

In fact, many Russian elderly people are forced to ensure their livelihood, to grow potatoes on the tiny plots of land that the Government allows them to grow. Since the fall of the Berlin wall, the life expectancy of men fell from 65 to about 55 years. It appears that the stress of the transition is the first cause of mortality, before even the major killers of the post Communist such as alcohol, crime and AIDS Russia. Should Putin tell his colleagues that them could also balance intergenerational account of their country by starving the older

In fact, Putin would probably well inspired not to overly focus on the achievements of his country. Perhaps is better let vodka flowing in and hope of beautiful smiles family photo. In any event, when Putin will announce to his guests that they have more to pay the Russia to increase their own "energy security", it eventually may obtain the respect to which he aspired so hard.