Some Visible Differences Between Protests in Russia and the U.S.

Well…

1.Whereas pro-Kremlin youth are showing up in the streets of Moscow and doing a lot of drumming, we don’t have a lot of pro-corporate youth turning out in America’s streets or the Occupy encampment in Washington forming drum circles in the name of the free market.

2. Whereas pro- and anti-Kremlin youth have been duking it out in Moscow’s Triumphal Square over the government’s attempt to throw the national election, we haven’t seen any pro-Wall Street or pro-Citizen’s United protesters joining in with U.S. Police Forces to try and put down the 99%-ers.

3. And, whereas United Russia Party supporters have actually taken to the streets to march proudly with their polar bear mascot, we haven’t had any sightings, at least so far, of bankers or hedge fund traders coming out of their towers to prance with their bull.

(photo 1: Mikhail Metzel / APcaption: Members of pro-Kremlin youth movements beat drums gathering at Triumphal Square in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011. Police clashed with demonstrators protesting alleged election fraud in Moscow and at least two other major Russian cities on Tuesday as anger boiled against strongman Prime Minister Vladimir Puttin and his ruling United Russia party. Pro-Kremlin supporters also put on a pair of large rallies in Moscow, attracting thousands and showing vehement divisions in Russian society..photo 2: Ivan Sekretarev / AP caption: Opposition activists, left, and members of pro-Kremlin youth movements scuffle during demonstrations in Triumphal Square in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011. Police clashed Tuesday on a central Moscow square with demonstrators trying to hold a second day of protests against alleged vote fraud in Russia’s parliamentary elections.. photo 3: Alexander Zemlianichenko / AP caption: Supporters of the United Russia Party gather together with the symbol of the Party Polar Bear to celebrate their party victory in the parliament election in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 7, 2011. The pro-Kremlin United Russia party won less than 50 percent of votes, a steep fall from its earlier majority, according to preliminary results. Opposition parties and international observers said the poll was marred by widespread reports and allegations of vote-rigging.)