Job Discussion Forums

[maruss]

The quality of life in Russia is crap for the vast majority of people and everyone knows that.I would tend to agree that it is probably better to be poor and have a basic existence in somewhere like Italy-or Cyprus where I live, rather than end up in a place like Russia,India etc etc.
Sorry Dave,but quite a few Russians have told me they were happier in Soviet Times than now and consider that their country is becoming a worse place to live in, rather than a better one and I can understand why!
But then again, wasn't it America and the west who lavished praise on Yeltsin and his cronies while Russia was beng pillaged without impunity??

[adavidwatson]

Maruss

How did we get on the subject of post soviet vs soviet quality of life? That's an argument that is extremely complex, and I wish to God we could undo the damage that Yeltsin and his friends did to Russia.

I don't recall saying that life is better for poor people in Italy and Cyprus than in Russia though I am sure it is. Life is better for just about everybody in the mediterranean.

What puzzles me is why you seem to take so much offense that I happen to like Russia. If you're so bitter about it why do you keep hanging around Russia message boards?

[maruss]

It doesn't offend me that you like certain things about Russia,but it would offend me if I thought you approve of what is happening to it now, especially the people who run it etc!I agree it has a fascinating history which is also quite horrifying,some very interesting places to visit and literary and musical treasures etc.I have also written before many times that some of my closest friends are Russian,and much as they appreciated my bravery in going to live and work there last winter, they also repeatedly told me how lucky I am to have two foreign passports which allow me to travel almost anywhere in the world without many restrictions etc!I was earning an average of around $2.500 per month and knew of other people who earned more than me for freelance teaching etc so I don't consider I was overpaid for enduring living and working in such a cold and inhospitable city!As you will read from the postings on this site and on moscowteachers.com etc. working for bog-standard schools for peanuts like BKC allows them to continue the chain of exploitation and high-turnover which we are trying to eradicate for the benefit of both teachers and students etc.
Lastly for now,I never take offence when people have a difference of opinion with me and support democratic debate avidly, something which is becoming a luxury in the Russian media nowadays!At nearly 54,I have seen quite a lot of life to get upset over mediocre matters.In fact I welcome your comments and postings and am glad you feel strongly enough about Russia to take part in this debate etc!If you send me your e-mail address,I can send you the recent 8 page Observer article on Russia that speaks a lot of uncomfortable truths which people have literally died for!
All the best,
Martin.

[canucktechie]

[maruss]

Absolutely my friend,but while the party is still in full swing,nobody seems to worry about the possibility that it could all go pear-shaped,just like in 1998 and the lucky minority of people with the cash and the common sense have plenty stashed away in London,Cyprus so whatever happens, no problem for them....