Former President Gorbachev could accept capitalism,; but the Russian people would not!

I was in Russia in 1989.  I thought President Gorbachev, the last President of the Soviet Union, tried to offer the Russian people an honest appraisal of democracy and its institutions for consideration to be adopted in Russia.  He pointed out that the Russian constitution has some features present in the US constitution, for example.

But in my discussions with Russians on the streets and in stores, restaurants in Moscow, I found that when they confirmed with me that capitalism has several monetary disasters in its history, e.g., the stock market crash of 1929, in which citizens might encounter their own personal, financial calamity--some financiers, suddenly becoming insolvent, reportedly jumped off buildings in acts of suicide--they wanted to learn nothing more about the system!  They told me, they preferred communism.

Since 1929, in the West there have been many changes to mitigate the harsh effects in the cyclic ups and downs of the stock market in the world, put in place largely through governmental programs, e.g., in the US, the social security administration for the retired; and the unemployment insurance program for those who have lost their jobs.  

Gorbachev was President of the old, USSR, but under the newly constructed national government (to replace it), the Russian Federation emerged.  And the matter of peace between East and West (without a Wall) has lasted for some 35 years--until President Putin invaded Ukraine, and NATO became a reminder of the two separate philosophies within Europe!  

       

al-Sadr should be persuaded to stay involved in Iraqi politics!

I am a big supporter of the cleric al-Sadr in Iraq, well-trained for politics during his years in Iran.

He can unite that nation and attend to the affairs that will benefit the poor and the needy from the coffers of the very rich Iraqis!  The need for equity among the citizenry is obvious; and I'm still counting on the religious groups to work out their own country's salvation--under al-Sadr.  He ought to see the future of Iraq is within his grasp; he's acting immature.

My opinion.

 

Warfare has entered a wholly different dimension! My opinion.

 I think what is happening is that no longer can you be sure who's on your side.  The enemy is now anywhere, even in outer space.

The way to handle it, I suggest, is to make increased use of the Navy Seals and the Marines to supply the logistics to those wherever they are on our side--including EU and The West and US.  It's not just hacking on the computer, but the use of drugs, etc. to gain compliance.  

It is vital not to leave these compatriots elsewhere, dotted all over creation alone on their own.  This is group, cells stuff.

It's gotten sophisticated; and the West will meet the challenge through rigorous identification of the supporters of freedom and independence.  It's also the stuff of sabotage.

My suggestion.

     

It could be that Darya Dugina, daughter of Putin's top masterminds was killed by sabotage!

I just wonder.  When I was in Moscow during the collapse of the Russian Empire, USSR, I heard stories that sabotage was happening all over the country!

Why do I think so about this sad ending of a daughter's life?  When I was in Moscow, the things Russians on the street were complaining about was their goods made-in-Russia didn't filter into American stores.  They aren't making it to here now, some 30 years later.  The Russians want to be liked for what they do, they produce, not for whom they must war against.  

Personally, when I visited Russia years ago, I was astounded how these people were kept isolated, away from Western Civilization, where I believe, they could be appreciated for who they are--in helping make the same things that are sold to Westerners.

I don't think they like their isolation, that Putin must think is for their own good!  But they certainly manufacture usable products.  It's a way those of other cultures come know of theirs. While I was there on vacation I bought a pair of shoes made there--in Russia; and proudly wore them out on the streets of San Francisco!     

My health aide says she can't live on what she's getting in wages; and I can't pay her!

My health aide may leave me!  She's extraordinary; and I would miss her terribly.  We're a good team!

She just won an award from her company in recognition of her work.  She deserves it.

Her remarkable approach is to motivate me to do all the things that a person in good condition should be able to do.  But when or if I don't perform adequately, she's there to help.  And, the effect her approach has on me is to keep me exercising and capable to do my work in addition to my puttering!

Outstanding motivator.  If she has to go, I'll miss her--as I say--but I may develop ennui.  Ugh.

Anything that can be done to keep this team together?    

Georgia, a favorite place to move to for Russian emigres!

There's so much that could be done to upgrade the infrastructure in the country of Georgia.  They speak Russian there; and that's probably why it is attracting so many who wish to live somewhere else, maybe-anywhere else--than in Russia under Putin!

Be that as it may, the country lies on the sea and could become a veritable playland of the region, I contend.  I hope the number of emigrants from Russia keeps on growing until the present government in the Kremlin in removed, and I'm also hoping that's pretty soon!  The country can easily make room for more people!

My opinion.  

It's been a privilege being associated with the government these many years!

I just took one of those psychological tests we who are volunteers to do service to our country have to periodically take.

I guess what struck me as I was administered it by a nurse is that I never was downbeat as a result of my doing service.  I have thought all along I am doing that which should benefit the country!  So, I've always been upbeat.

But that does not mean I haven't experienced at times a living hell along the way.  It happens; and I've been lucky to come out the other side of such an experience still upbeat, thinking I'm making a contribution.

I know in fact I've tried real hard! 

 

A Significant Change in the Ukrainian War?

That the grain is going through the Baltic Sea represents a significant step toward dissolving Russian aggression into Ukraine.

I've suggested that President Zelensky pursue with the two break-away provinces in Eastern Ukraine what conditions they would accept that would enable them to stay part of Ukraine yet maintain each's own cultural distinctiveness.

That is to say, what may have prompted President Putin to think Russia should takeover the country of Ukraine is simply its proximity to it.  The state of war should be convincing him of his mistake in judgment--and that causes, meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine to bear in costs to the people and the land in the region.

Perhaps, he and the Russian oligarchy are undertaking a re-evaluation of Russia's aggressive moves against Ukraine, Russia's neighbor.  

My opinion.

For the sake of peace, it is good that Israel talks issues with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)

Governments, and people in position to promote world peace, must talk with all those who have the power to resolve issues that are preventing peace.

There must be a cease-fire or a stoppage of hostility to enable the resolve of problems and tensions between combatants, specifically in this case--Israel and the PIJ. 

Israel, you have come a long way to realize this!  A sign of international maturity.

My opinion.

The Nation is standing by our fearless leader in the US Congress, Nancy Pelosi as she praises Taiwan.

 Despite the fact that so few countries have recognized Taiwan as an independent state, Taiwan has shown itself to be truly independent' and free.

Nevertheless, the Biden Administration and Congress-lady Nancy Pelosi have shown the United States to back the Taiwanese to be independent, not controlled by mainline China.

It took to this administration in the United States to forthrightly act on Taiwan's behalf to insist on Taiwan's right to remain a free country!