It has pissed off President Putin greatly.

I am not quite as optimistic as you are about Mr. Putin's desire to stifle opposition.

I hope--I think is going to be, long term and even medium term, of enormous symbolic importance for those who strive for democracy and human rights in Russia.

He should raise human rights, both privately and publicly, at other opportunities.

But, a step in the right direction.

Russia's partnership on a number of issues does not preclude us from taking a hard look at what appears to be a systematic crackdown on internationally recognized basic freedoms.

We urge the United States to take notice of what is happening in Russia, of how we're slipping backwards, not towards progress, but toward repression.

I think that would be a mistake, for all the reasons----

What will happen to that amount of money? where will it go? who will have control over it in the U.S. Government?

Moscow's lack of respect for basic human rights speaks volumes about its reliability as an international partner on vital national security issues.

It appears that President Putin has little tolerance for anyone who appears to disagree in any way with the policies of his administration.

I want to see a strong and productive United States relationship with Russia.

I think the crucial question is whether the United States stays interested in this issue and puts resources behind its interest.

This crackdown is not about silencing opponents only on the political fringes. This is about stifling all who would question consolidation of power under President Putin and his Siloviki allies.

Our band stands for many freedoms, including our feminist values.

We are calling on the Russian authorities to immediately release the two imprisoned band members, Marie Alekhina and Nadya Tolokonnikova.

America is capable of global leadership when it believes in itself and in its values.

Our friends are mothers with small children. They are artists who are expressing our social and political views.