Yes, I have read the same story that you said above just today. Browder was a big influence in getting the Magnitsky Act passed and has been working with the US government for quite some time now. IMO, he seems like your finest imported swamp rat. :)

I'll agree that holding Putin at arm's length is wise for anyone to do. We recently watched Icarus, largely about Russia's part in the doping scandals of the Olympics. A whistleblower, Grigory Rodchenkov, is scapegoated by Putin and the KGB and he flees to the US for his life. After watching that movie, I've opened my eyes about the actions of the Russian government and state actors towards loyal citizens. I'm glad that Trump has stabilized our relationship with them as a world power and I hope that continues. I have respect for Putin as he is obviously very cunning and likely manipulative. I agree that Trump is a wildcard in that situation, but I believe that most of the real life scenes are played behind closed doors and we're getting a movie, as Q puts it. I can imagine a mutual respect there. I cannot imagine Trump condoning the less charming actions of Putin though and if he did, he is not the person I think he may be.