Calgary1966
08-22-2008, 01:36 PM
Neilika wrote
"Seventeen years ago this day, August 22, the course of history changed for the country we now know as Russia. When all was said and done, seven decades of Communist rule came to a close and the country began a new future as a democratic society.
Boris Yeltsin, then President of the Russian Federation, became world famous when he stood atop a military tank to protest an August 19, 1991 coup attempt by various members of the Soviet government who disliked Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's move toward more democratic policies. The coup was crushed on the 22nd of August, but the Soviet Union itself ceased to exist by the end of 1991.
Since 1991, the 146 million people in Russia have witnessed incredible political and economic changes. But what has changed? Are the people of the former Soviet Union better off?
Seventeen years after the coup attempt, people in Russia do have things they never had before. People can elect their leaders, practice freedom of religion, buy almost anything they want from the West, as well as switch jobs when necessary. Travel in and out of the country is easier, and some say their quality of life has improved.
For others, though, not much has changed at all. Most rural communities haven't felt the effects of the economic reforms and live just the same as they did before the coup. Jobs are low-paying and food comes mostly from backyard gardens instead of grocery stores. Luxury items, if available, are much too expensive.
The euphoria that seized the residents of the new countries seventeen years ago has long gone. Independence turned out a much heavier burden than we thought."
I can see what she is saying is true in large part. The CBC did a show called The Putin Politics last year and it chronicled his rise to power. It was quite interesting to say the least. However, in my estimation, there has been some failings in a big way when it comes to how Russia has progressed and Neilika has hit some nails right on the head. But we in the west cannot be critical of them because we had many of the same ones at one point in time. The difference between those with and those without has closed but in many cases it took centuries and only after strife and war amongst ourselves. Its true that Independance is a burden but freedom is never free. There is a cost paid for in labour, dreams, and often lives of our young and old alike. Do not give up the persuit for democracy, never give up the dreams, and realize that they take time, moreoften a lifetime beyond yours and mine. What Russia has gained so far with its grand expiriment will not benifit you but those who come after you.
"Seventeen years ago this day, August 22, the course of history changed for the country we now know as Russia. When all was said and done, seven decades of Communist rule came to a close and the country began a new future as a democratic society.
Boris Yeltsin, then President of the Russian Federation, became world famous when he stood atop a military tank to protest an August 19, 1991 coup attempt by various members of the Soviet government who disliked Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's move toward more democratic policies. The coup was crushed on the 22nd of August, but the Soviet Union itself ceased to exist by the end of 1991.
Since 1991, the 146 million people in Russia have witnessed incredible political and economic changes. But what has changed? Are the people of the former Soviet Union better off?
Seventeen years after the coup attempt, people in Russia do have things they never had before. People can elect their leaders, practice freedom of religion, buy almost anything they want from the West, as well as switch jobs when necessary. Travel in and out of the country is easier, and some say their quality of life has improved.
For others, though, not much has changed at all. Most rural communities haven't felt the effects of the economic reforms and live just the same as they did before the coup. Jobs are low-paying and food comes mostly from backyard gardens instead of grocery stores. Luxury items, if available, are much too expensive.
The euphoria that seized the residents of the new countries seventeen years ago has long gone. Independence turned out a much heavier burden than we thought."
I can see what she is saying is true in large part. The CBC did a show called The Putin Politics last year and it chronicled his rise to power. It was quite interesting to say the least. However, in my estimation, there has been some failings in a big way when it comes to how Russia has progressed and Neilika has hit some nails right on the head. But we in the west cannot be critical of them because we had many of the same ones at one point in time. The difference between those with and those without has closed but in many cases it took centuries and only after strife and war amongst ourselves. Its true that Independance is a burden but freedom is never free. There is a cost paid for in labour, dreams, and often lives of our young and old alike. Do not give up the persuit for democracy, never give up the dreams, and realize that they take time, moreoften a lifetime beyond yours and mine. What Russia has gained so far with its grand expiriment will not benifit you but those who come after you.