2x2 Russian Cartoon television network censored one of the South Park episodes, editing out a scene where an American businessman calls up Vladimir Putin to ask his help in shipping a giant whale to the moon. This time, we see the logic behind the cut.

Last year, 2x2 television network was briefly closed by the Russian parliament for broadcasting that same South Park series (which, according to the lawmakers, encourages extremism and racism.) But this wasn't why they cut the Putin-whale scene. Neither was it because, as we hear, Prime-minister Putin does not appreciate the Putin-jokes and often retaliates with some cutting jokes of his own. The true reason? Children.

Let's do some math. In 2012, when the next presidential elections in Russia will take place, those who now watch 2x2 will reach the legal voting age. Also, a deliberately underpopulated fact is that as of 2012, the official presidential term in Russia will be six years, not four. That means that Vladimir Putin will be voted for President (and most likely elected) by those who now watch the South Park series. These particular young people can't be lead to think that Mr. Putin can support use of the Russian space industry for such unpatriotic extravagances like shipping some American whales to the moon. After all, it's all about the children.

2x2 Censors South Park [Gazeta.ru (in Russian)]