Seems like there is a really wide mix of level headed debate and wild insult flinging here...
Maybe the best thing is just to observe russell interacting with bureaucrats and decide for yourself whether he is a bufoon or a genius.
Here's a mini documentary a vermont videographer did about him a couple years ago
YouTube - NHFree - 2nd Annual UN Flag Burning
Russell is the first face you see, the bearded guy with the blue jacket.
I'm the guy with the beige sweater and the glock on my hip :)