The Distorted Mirror of actual approval ratings: Examining the True Threat to Democracy Beyond the Persona of Putin

I'm not addressing those who attempt to challenge mathematical truths, as I'm neither a psychiatrist, psychologist, nor a therapist. However, when it comes to democracy, I do understand. And from a democratic viewpoint, our greatest problem isn't Putin. 

Of course, we could allow them to divert our attention from the serious issues facing our democracy at home and neglect them in favor of dealing with perceived issues in Russian democracy. 

Or, we can buck up, set aside our concern for Russia's internal affairs, and focus on restoring what little remains of our own crumbling and broken democracy, before there is nothing left of the little and limited democracy we once had. 

Vladimir Putin, a villain. Putin, the embodiment of evil. Putin, a symbol of cruelty. Putin, a devil incarnate. These are all legitimate perspectives, formed effortlessly by each of us, thanks to the selectively uncensored information we're permitted to consume from the mainstream media. However, every seemingly flawless theory comes with its share of inconvenient truths, the ugly facts that undermine the simplicity of black and white narratives.

I am not here to address those challenging the immutable laws of mathematics; I am neither a psychiatrist, a psychologist, nor a therapist. My realm of understanding lies within the domain of democracy, a concept increasingly imperiled by shifting global sentiments.

When viewed through the democratic lens, our most pressing challenge isn't found in Russia, personified by Putin, but much closer to home. The narrative spun by media outlets, political commentators, and the international community alike, may successfully divert our attention towards Russia, painting an ominous image of their internal strife. This, however, runs the risk of detracting attention from the significant and pressing issues threatening our own democracy.

Faced with this crossroads, we have two paths to consider. We could allow ourselves to become engrossed in the perceived problems of Russian democracy, neglecting the serious issues that lurk within our own political landscape. Alternatively, we can choose to summon our collective resolve, consciously setting aside our preoccupations with Russia's domestic affairs. It's time to concentrate our efforts on salvaging what precious little remains of our own crumbling democracy.

If we fail to do this, we stand to lose the vestiges of the once robust and vibrant democratic system we held so dear. Before the last remnants of our limited democracy are swept away, we must seize the moment, look beyond the tempting narratives, and refocus our gaze on the fissures within our own democratic edifice. It's time for introspection, for repair, for restoration. It's time to bring our democracy back from the brink.