Wall Street Protests versus Kremlin Protests
Change takes work.
We American's can speak out, criticize our elected officials, and peacefully demonstrate pretty much without the fear of reprisal?News on the international wire services this morning show police in Moscow have detained about 100 people suspected of planning a rally near The Kremlin. Do you notice the similarities here and the differences.
I recently returned from 9 days of travel in Russia, a beautiful country. Russia is larger geographically than I had imagined, and much more beautiful. As I rode the bullet train from Moscow to St. Petersburg , the landscape and vistas reminded me of some of the scenes from the movie Dr. Zhivago. Despite incredible natural resources, Russia is not free. The Russian people still live in fear. The average Russian has no say in governmental policy and can do little to influence it's outcome. Dissidents are few and far between.
Here in the US, we are witnessing street protests by Americans who are unhappy with government policy. How very American and yes how healthy. We can protest and yes we can create change. The major difference between us and the Moscovites is that we have a free voice, we can vote unfettered and we can change our elected officials. The people of Moscow can not. Putin will run unopposed for President for another 4 years and probably 4 more . Our elected officials seldom run for election unopposed. Also, anyone can get on the ballot here. True there is a process to getting on the ballot as a candidate, but contrary to popular belief, it is an open process.
We American's have much to be thankful for. Let's start channeling our energies into working within the structure we have created to effect the change we desire.
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JSC May 25, 2013 at 07:26 am
Does the Patch accept articles from district spokespeople? Perhaps that is the answer to this…Read More problem! Short but informative articles can be submitted each week and then Huntington could get the coverage it so desires. Each town's Patch would cover whichever high schools are in it's area. Problem solved!
susan martin May 24, 2013 at 10:15 pm
Pretty disgusted with the Patch. Talk about a slap in the face to all the players, fans and families…Read More of the Huntington Blue Devils.
Rachael Koutrouby May 23, 2013 at 11:49 am
They do have the metal inside and they are all the same size. If you are seriously interested I will…Read More gladly send you some more pictures. As far as the price, the best I can do is a bundle. Maybe 4 for $100 or 2 for $60. They were looked at by a store owner who wanted to purchase and sell in her store for $50 each. They are very cute, very trendy :)
Eleanor Cawley May 22, 2013 at 03:37 pm
I would love to become part of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce. However, for a new business it…Read More is costly and may not fit into every new business owners budget. May I suggest a provisional 1-year membership at a reduced cost. Once successful the provisional members can give back by supporting other new members.