Interesting point of view, albeit a little simplistic approach of the situation.
I think you're right that this is overly simplistic, but on this side of the world, there is a real lack of reportage from the Russian point of view (surprise, surprise). I was just listening to the news and the reporter was commenting that in diplomatic circles, parallels are being drawn between this and the military intervention in Iraq and the consequences of those actions, so the US definitely has to contend with that as it takes its stance, too. At the same time, it makes sense for Russia to flex right now, as the US is still very weak economically and has also begun to withdraw troops and to pare down defense spending. Not to mention that the US citizenry are tired of war and a lot of veterans who have returned are highly critical of the motives that sent them overseas to begin with.
Interesting read, I do think it has become about the money in the west. One of Russia's oligarchs runs a premier league football club.. With regards to Russia are they happy with Crimea and their little show of force or are the gears cranking into motion on a bigger invasion plan?
The general tone of the article aside, the fact still remains that Putin holds the key to the valve of the fuel- pipes to a great deal of Western Countries, not to more than enough liquid and business assets/ agreements to destabilize the European economy if he is willing to play this hand. The current economic climate will ensure caution rather than wild- West rhetoric from neighboring countries. The US will have a hard time finding allies willing to burn themselves in a fight close to home.
"Moscow was rocked by mass protests in December 2011. More than 100,000 gathered within sight of the Kremlin demanding Russia be ruled in a different way." Read more: http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/03/russia-vladimir-putin-the-west-104134_Page2.html#ixzz2uw6zGHNk I feel this is a pretty solid representation that Putin and Russia are not the same.
Until someone reports,"we have hacked into Person 'X' and now know what they are thinking and why they are doing what they are doing," we will always be dealing with biases.' I guess my question now is: do you have an example of something you've felt rewarded your attention given in context to this topic?