[nearmiss]

Sure hope Oleg gets with the program and gets his BOB out soon.

We are hearing bad stuff in the states about Russia making threats about US defensive missiles in Poland. The news indicates it is spurred on by a new self-reliance from the new Russian oil wealth. Threats do not build trust between countries or among people.

As an American, the IL2 was a real eye-opener for me. I developed an empathy and understanding about the Russian people and Russia I never had before. I never Knew anything about the Russian war with Germany. It's just not discussed in the US, nor ever was. There was never interest in anything Soviet, principally because of Stalin and the cold war.

Some of the great Russian heros, i.e., Pokriskinin became heros to guys like me. I've bought many books about the Russan air war all from participating with the rest of the world of combat flight simmers with the IL2. Honestly, I look on Russian heros... as heros.

I think most Americans no longer look at Russia as "the enemy". It has taken so many years for these sentiments to be realized in America, it will be a darned shame for anti-Russian sentiment to develop again.

There was a nice guy visiting on dad's day at my son's school. He had a son in the school... This fellow spoke English fairly well and was from Ukraine. There was also a grandfather who was very cordial to this fellow as well... The grandfather had immigrated to America from Ukraine 45 years ago.

It was a very pleasant exchange and I can tell you there was no ill-will or anti-Soviet feelings between us. This is good, and guys like Oleg have done a alot to make relations between Russia and alot of other countries better... with a game.

IMO, I want to be friends with Russia and sure don't want to start the cold war over.

In any case, I hope Oleg gets the BOB done before the "#$#@ hits the fan"