RE: RE: RE: RE: Related NewsI agree with you with respect to any generalizations I imparted about Russian people, as this was disrespect and so I apologize for that. My comments are more directed at the history of Russia and the end result for the vast majority who live there. I believe it is a history, not unlike many places, where a few benefit at the cost of the majority. I believe in particular that the stratification in Russia is large, the promise although great never seems to benefit even a significant portion, and thus they have underachieved, regardless of what system they purport to be under. I see Putin as an anachronism of the past, while trying to revive his misguided approach to the future. I could be wrong, but what I see does not convince me of anything else.
HRG: it seems to be a classic case, where the shareholders are not really considered, have little say, little information other that what is minimally required and actually are addressed as though they should all leave, INSTEAD of being the FIRST priority of the BOD or executives. I speak in particular of the minority shareholders in this case.
The potential of HRG has been great, and still is, as I see it. The concerted efforts of recent past Canadian and now Russian leadership here, has been a failure to date.IMO Some believe it is intentional. What else others believe, well, let them explain. When you phone a company and the answers you get from investor relations or others seem completely out of touch, it does make one wonder.IMO
Now compare this situation to most companies. Usually you are getting at the VERY LEAST the potential outlayed, IF things go as planned. Of course you should also get the issues, problems and approach to resolution as well. Is this the case here? How many here, have even a clue as to what is the plan, the future, or even the approach of this company? There has been enough time now for this to be apparent, IF the company HRG cared to speak about it.
The fact that the company is Russian controlled, does have a bearing.IMO The history of Russia is questionable with respect to handling foreign interests, especially when they involve resourse based entities. I also have mentioned that this perception or reality, will hurt them more than anyone in the long run. It appears to benefit them when thing (commodity prices) are riding high. But it in fact does not. Why? It just keeps pushing investment and relationships away.IMO
So whatever the outcome for the Russian people, you have a country with a spectacular resource base that has underperfomed, delivering a low average standard of living, an historic lack of real freedom (IMO) and an environment not particularly condusive to investment by any foreign parties. This appears to be continuing with signs things are deteriorating and not getting better.IMO
As far as the West vs Russia. It is still a far better place, even with all its issues, for the average working person. Maybe the wealthy in Moscow can prance around in their Gucci shoes, but it does not represent much of anything to me. The west may have many problems, but is doing FAR better on ANY comparitive basis.
HRG: the situation remains: future unclear, owing to company, BOD, management and investor relations.IMO IT IS THAT SIMPLE. No excuses, they have had time to communicate, and do not do so.IMO