more likely to be a form of conditioning now that we have been joined at the hip
Conditioning in what way?
democracy means immigrants from russia should have the same rights,
That is correct. Have they? You make a good point but your Russian flag scenario mostly doesn't represent that point. Citizens of a country and governing of that country don't necessarily equate to the same thing. Your propositioning seemingly doesn't either.
especially since they mostly have been assimilated here for decades
We should get their perspective and motivation for that perspective. I'm concerned with your perspective but not overly. What is your motivation?
