Putin, Vladmir. Russia's Past Prez Returns

Vladmir Putin reclaimed the Russian presidency under the vaulted gold ceiling of a Kremlin palace on Monday. The police tried to stamp out the second day of protests in the city. An order was given for detaining anyone wearing a white ribbon (the opposition’s symbol). There are many in Russia who are less than thrilled with Putin's return to power. And they are even less thrilled with his announcement that he may run for a fourth six year term when this one is up. Putin gave a short address while seeming burdened and grave saying, “I will do my best to justify the trust of millions of our citizens,” Mr. Putin said. “I think it is the meaning of my whole life, and it is my duty to serve our country, serve our people. This support encourages me and inspires me and helps me address the most difficult tasks. We have passed a long and difficult road together.” Although the last six months have been peaceful protests, the first blood was spilled. A melee broke out after radical activists among the protesters tried to break through a column of riot police trying to reach the Kremlin, and riot police charged into the crowd, trying to drag out men suspected of belting them with smoke grenades and rocks. The police violently beat some with their nightsticks. After this shocking development,  Mr. Putin’s spokesman, Dmitri S. Peskov said that the police's response was too gentle. It seems that Russia is in a poor state of affairs, as more violence is expected by those opposing Putin.