DMITRI AYATSKOV

, the governor of Saratov, attracted national attention when he pushed through legislation legalizing the free sale of farmland in the region — the only place in Russia where this is so. He attracted more attention by calling for legalized prostitution, ostensibly to protect public health but quite possibly to make sure the state gets its fiscal cut from the flesh trade. Earlier this month, Ayatskov distinguished himself in a third way as well. He introduced the country’s first regional flag, a red and white banner with gold fringe, the regional crest, and (nice touch!) the governor’s name. By decree, the new flag flies from the governor’s residence, office and official limo. ON THE BORDER