You Don't Say

Hit the title to follow the link to an article about demonstrations in Georgia calling for Misha's resignation. I, of course, wish that the living standards in the CIS had improved during the past few years, but unfortunately they have not and today, the vast majority in the Former USSR have seen more decline while a remote few have experienced elite lifestyles. Related to this issue is the hype and praise that Western media threw on the Rose, Orange and Tulip revolutions in Georgia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan respectively, without looking at the actual platforms and qualifications of those seizing power, let alone any of the complications that raised doubts amongst experts that real change was really being initiated. Not only was there ample evidence prior to each of these regime changes that democracy and economic progress was being voted into power, but ignoring failure after new presidents were swept in has meant that more time has been lost. Since 1989, living standards have been approaching third world levels with no progress in sight. Switching presidents yet again rather than focusing policy debate is unlikely to improve much.