Part A - Russell Glynn

I.
Medvedev inaugurated as Russian president, succeeding his patron Putin, http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1209627032499&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull May 7, 2008
II.
Dmitry Medvedev was inaugurated as Russia's president on Wednesday, after an eight year term by the previous leader Vladimir Putin, Medvedev promises to bring in fresh ideas to the Russian government. Medvedev talks of bringing political and economic freedom to Russia. After being “tailored” by the former president Putin it is thought that Medvedev may follow his predecessors ideology but it seems that he (Medvedev) is very focused on civil rights to people and end economic and political corruption. His plan is to make life in Russia "comfortable, confident and secure" for all citizens.
III.
A) This article relates to the AP World History theme of “Changes in functions and structures of states and in attitudes toward states and political identities, including the emergence of the nation-state.” It deals with changes in political ideas and changes in structure of a political system.
B) Russia, the former Soviet Union, has dealt with being criticized about its government since the formation of the country. It has been a communist based society for hundreds of years and people have always wanted change in their political organization and with a new president it may be possible for change.
C) This article is being written by the Associated Press, they are a world news corporation that are likely not insiders on the issue being discussed in the article.
D) I doubt highly that the author is writing the article to favor any side of the matter, although sides do not really exist. The author may or may not have their own strong feelings about the president or former president of Russia and may taint the article with his or her own feelings.
E) I would like to hear from a Russian citizen and listen to who they favored in this election and what they want to change in their government or if they agree with who was nominated for president.
F) I think that any change in Russia could lead to a good thing. Russia has been seen as such an oppressive government for many years and it would really be a big deal if they were able to change the tradition that everyone has unhappily grown accustom to. It is hard to change things when they have been going on for so long but I think it would be a “win-win” situation not only for Russia but the world. Many international leaders dislike and try to prevent communism and it would be great if one of the few communist countries left on Earth could change its ways.