Oh, it’s on! It seems Russian Prime Minister Putin got into a huge fight with Michael Dell yesterday at the Davos World Economic Forum, which is where world leaders plan their screwing over of the little guy while eating like princes. (So I hear.) Right, so Putin gave a speech talking about lots of stuff, including the current state of technology in Russia. Then Michael Dell opened his big mouth.
Dell wanted to know “how we can help you,” “we” presumably meaning the West, generally, and Dell, specifically. This is how Putin responded:
We don’t need help. We are not invalids. We don’t have limited mental capacity.
Take that!
The prime minister then went on to say how Russian scientists are more known for their software than hardware. That is to say, anyone can slap together some East Asian-mande parts together to make a PC; it takes legitimate talent to design proper software.
At least Putin didn’t get a shoe thrown at him!
via Wonkette
Don’t mess with Putin. Period.
Stupid Putin, so proud, I hear they are making wonderful potatoes in Russia.
2 man
You and Michael Dell are stupid. Putin is clever
Can you blame Putin? I mean given the state of the US economy right now, wouldn’t Michael Dell’s comment come off as an extreme insult? It’s sort of like having a crack whore come up to you and say “I see you’re having trouble being proficient, what can I do to help?”
Russia (and a lot of other countries) are counting on America’s financial system to help pull them out of this mess. They’re upset about this dependence, hence the posturing about becoming more independent. I’m guessing Dell wasn’t considering big picture when he asked his question.
I think the literal translation is wrong.
For example in a number of languages “invalid” is not the same as “being stupid”. as seen in English. It literally means “we do a lot ourselves”. Trust the media to hype it :)