Laugh of the Day: New Russian President Stresses Freedom

Reuters shamelessly shills for the "new" leadership in Russia, trumpeting freedom.

Yeah, right.

Dmitry Medvedev was sworn in as Russian president on Wednesday and just over two hours later nominated his predecessor Vladimir Putin as prime minister, ushering in an unprecedented period of dual rule.

Medvedev, a 42-year-old former corporate lawyer and longtime Putin ally, stressed freedom and the rule of law in his first remarks after taking the oath of office in a solemn, emotional ceremony in the Kremlin's glittering St Andrew's Hall.

So the upshot is Medvedev has installed former KGB leader Putin as his Prime Minister, who hand-picked Medvedev for this job. Anybody out there really believe that Putin (did I mention he is former KGB?) is not still running things?

Me neither.

So what does Putin have to say about all this?

Before Medvedev was sworn in, a somber-looking Putin entered the Kremlin alone, bid farewell to the presidential guard and thanked the Russian people for their trust over his two four-year terms.

Barred by term limits from standing again, he encouraged his audience to support Medvedev but told them not to deviate from his policies.

"It is very important for everyone to continue the course we have started already and which has proved right," he said.

Translation: Do exactly what I tell you or else!

My guess is that the first time Medvedev actually shows any inclination to make his own decisions he will be overcome by an urge to shoot himself in the back of the head a couple of times.