We’ve been enjoying reading Dmitry Medvedev’s article today, which although entitled “Go Russia!” is actually much more pessimistic in tone.  I like to see a well earned place for cynicism in politics, and in the case of Russia’s authoritarian drift in the past few years, it is long overdue (one can sense the hand of Igor Yurgens behind this one).  However, one can’t help but think that maybe a year ago when Medvedev made statements like this, we all took it a little bit more seriously.  Back then, we hadn’t yet been completely disabused of the myth that he had his own independent base of power.  When he writes something like “We have to create a modern efficient judiciary, acting in accordance with new legislation on the judicial system and based on contemporary legal principles,” or “The political system will be renewed and improved via the free competition of open political associations,” all we can do is nod our heads in agreement, applaud, and then wait for nothing to happen as usual.