President Gorbachev is remembered negatively by many in
Russia. Some are nostalgic for the Soviet era. They view him as the destroyer of
the USSR.
The western world lauded Russia’s conversion to capitalism. From
their perspective, it was the correct thing to do.
Russia suffered since the fall of communism. The resulting decline
in living standards and life expectancy is so great that it’s sometimes referred
to it as the ‘Russian Genocide’. The military was once the gallant protector of
the USSR. It’s fallen from grace. Underfunded, it’s unable to pay its utility
bills. Some Russians view the Red Army’s
withdraw from central-eastern Europe as forced capitulation to the West.
The nations that army
vacated have prospered.
Before martial law’s declaration
in Poland, there were rumors of Soviet tanks massing for attack. After finally
throwing off communism the country forged ahead. The same is true of other satellite
nations, such as Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Baltic States have found
their footing. Russia continues to flounder.
Last week I became a Slovenian citizen. I took an oath, swearing to up hold my new
home land’s democratic values. After the ceremony my lawyer, translator, and I
discussed the region’s history.
Slovenia used to be part of Yugoslavia. It was a member of
the nonaligned Marxist faction. Slovenia
was Yugoslavia’s economic powerhouse. The most of what they produced went to
Serbia.
We also discussed Russian politics. My lawyer and translator acknowledged
Russians’ antipathy toward Gorbachev. They seemed dumbfounded by it. Gorbachev
maintains that he did not set out to destroy the USSR. They are grateful he
did.
I’ve traveled to
Slovenia three times. It‘s one of the most developed transition nations. On
this visit I felt as if I was in the West. The locals spoke a Slavic language.
Putin professes a
desire to redress Russia’s degradation since the fall of communism. Giving a
people hope isn’t negative. Leading them
to stagnation is.
Russia must modernize in order to survive. It must accept the West, while retaining the
essence of its own heritage.
Many Russians regard Gorbachev as an enemy. His policies shaped the future. The obliteration
of one empire spawns the beginning of another.
Let the Russian people embrace the world. Let them build their
own destiny with the territories they inhabit. Let them prosper -- looking towards the future
while uniting behind the past.
Let them find truth in their story. As I attempt to find truth
in my own.
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