Putin and Dmitry Medvedev and the Russian government need to loosen up and let people complain openly about things they do not like in their country.

What do you do when they complain? Ignore them. But pretend to hear them.

I have lived in the United States and Canada for 48 years. People complain here all the time about things they do not like with the government. What does the government do. It ignores them. But always pretends to listen.

Issues arise and blow over like the news.

The Russian government needs to take a similar stance.

Let people gather and complain, voice their anger over issues and then completely ignore them. But always pretend to listen.

If it works in America and Canada it will work in Russia too.

The Russian government takes things too personally. Don't! People need to feel in control of their lives and being able to hold demonstrations and complain allows them to voice their concerns.

If you have ever been married to a woman you have no doubt heard this constant whining and complaining going on for most of your marriage.

For a population it is more or less the same thing. Let people gather and vent their concerns. Listen. Address some concerns. After a while the demonstrations will subside.

However like your spouse who is always complaining and whining about something. Just ignore it or pretend to listen. Honestly it works and keeps everyone happy. However NEVER tell them to shut up because it will only make the situation worse.

Arnold Vinette