For many Americans of both right and left political persuasions, the Russian bear is more of a bugbear.
The reality, however, is that, despite Russia\'s political failures, its rich history of culture, religion, and philosophical reflection--even during the darkest days of the Gulag--have been a deposit of wisdom for American artis.
For those on the left, it is a harbor for reactionary values and neo-imperial visions.
On the right, the country is still mentally represented by Soviet domination.
For many Americans of both right and left political persuasions, the Russian bear is more of a bugbear