You my stubborn opinionated friend read and weep:Quote from Ivanovich:
It's my first encounter with him. I like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt before I throw them away with the rest of the trash. But I think you're right. This exercise in futility is over.
I do have to admit, though - that article about the Russian census had me in stitches. I mean, Russians saying they're members of hobbits, elves...haha...classic.
Alcohol Destroying Rural Russia
"Alcoholism poses as much a national health crisis in Russia today as it did during the Soviet Unionâs early 1980s, when up to 2 of every 5 men were considered alcoholics.
...
Alcohol poisoning kills an estimated 40,000 Russians each year, compared with just 400 Americans annually."
http://www.mosnews.com/commentary/2005/12/15/alcoholism.shtml
You said before that "During Soviet times, the data the government HAD was accurate", right? So how about 40% alcoholism among russian men in the 80s? Then again those are facts so you may safely ignore them as you always do.