re: #252 HappyWarrior

I still think it’s tragic that arguably the most democratic leader that Russia has ever had was probably Boris Yelstin. Gorby could have been good even if he was a bit romantic about Lenin and the USSR state. The problem IMO is Russia went from a state run economy to the worst excesses of capitalism so quickly. I really think finding a balance or more optimally an alternative to capitalism and socialism is the key. The problem is so many are in a Cold War mindset where it has to be one or the other.

The problem with Yeltsin is that he was afflicted by the common Russian scourge of alcoholism and could not be a truly reliable partner. His selection of Putin as successor brought us to this international crisis that is undermining the liberal world order.

ED: Typed very wrong name as Yeltsin successor!