Vladimir Putin. Let me explain. Yesterday afternoon, (Sunday) I was checking the Guide to see if anything interesting was on TV. I came across a show called “Facing Putin,” on National Geographic channel. It started with his background, how he came to power, and how he has stayed in power. It talked about his well known poisonings and imprisonment and unexplained killings of people he felt were a threat to his power.
Towards the end, (one hour show) they showed an interview with a young Englishman, photographer who was hired by Time Magazine to photograph Mr. Putin for Time Magazine Person of the Year. He told of waiting endlessly in a hotel room waiting for the call to come photograph him. He was about to leave when he received the expected call. He was transported to The Kremlin in a big black official looking car, where he was deposited in a room with his equipment. He was left alone for about 7 or 8 hours until summoned to set up his equipment. He was told that he only had 15 minutes to take his photographs. Mr. Putin finally entered the room surrounded by his interpreters and body guards, (which he described as goons).
At this point the young photographer requested if he could ask Mr. Putin a question that had nothing to do with politics. The interpreters answered yes. His question, (which boggles my mind) was “I love The Beatles and I am a big fan. What do you think of The Beatles? Now get this…….Putin sent everyone out of the room including his interpreters, (the goons remained). When everyone was gone Putin said, “I Love The Beatles” in English. The photographer remarked, “You speak English?” to which Putin, nodded his head. It ended with this photographer taking the needed pictures and remarking how close he was to Putin’s face that he could feel his breath. He lastly said that looking into Putin’s blue eyes, all he felt was coldness.
Knowing my love for The Beatles, this entire story blew me away. The fact that this Englishman, (no I did not get his name) out of all the questions in the world, asked this particular question. Also the fact that Putin actually answered the way he did. I find the whole thing astounding. The amazement for me comes from all the instances everywhere, all the time, you just never know when The Beatles will come up
In case your wondering, this doesn’t humanize him for me, he is a cold blooded killer who has commited horrific crimes against humanity and continues to live his life as an evil dictator.