No, no no, no no no no no no no. I'm actually a bit shocked that BnA has published an article by this guy, considering the fact that fact that all the threads he started LAST time he tried to post links to his russian articles were closed.
Posts: 42 | Location: UK | Registered: 31 May 2005
I feel compelled to respond to the content of this article. I respect and agree with the wisdom of BnA to let this article remain despite it’s xenophobic and hateful messages. While some bit of censorship may be necessary, the line is dotted and the knowing when to censor and not censor is certainly hazy at best. Erring on the side of publishing, promotes divergent viewpoints and discourse.
I had the privilege of being part of a four week special Ambassador’s envoy to the Soviet Union. In the early 1990s I returned to Russia for four months to aid with the economic construction of the fledging market economy. The country changed dramatically in the time between my first and second visit, but one thing was constant. The hospitality of the many of the Soviet and Russian people I interfaced with was legendary. I was treated well, with respect and courtesy even though my viewpoints differed greatly from those who hosted me. Even though I was stopped, interrogated, and threatened with imprisonment by the KGB, and my train between Moscow and St. Petersburg was robbed, I realized the vast majority of the people were not represented by the few difficult situations I did encounter.
While Winston’s experience was negative, as they can be, I do not believe the generalizations he makes are valid or warranted. My experience was different. So there we are at odds.
However, I will also venture that Moscow is one of the most populated cities of the world. Confidence artists, sneaks, and thieves are just as prevalent there, as any other city with half the population. This does not mean we cannot trust New Yorkers, Mexico Citians, Buenos Airians, Romans, Bankokians, Londoners, or even Shanghi guys/gals, it only means that we need to be sensible and wary of strangers bearing gifts or promises. Further, being wary does not mean don’t trust, it means be cautious and judicious about your actions. Almost all underhanded attempts to separate you from your valuables may be thwarted by levelheaded planning and awareness as you travel. Of course, if one becomes emotionally involved, they may be less than rational, but that is not the fault of the con-artist, but of the mark. Following strangers met in a bar into a dark alley, expecting sex from multiple strangers, going to bars and accepting drinks from strangers all carry risk. Risk should be evaluated in light of the ability of the individual to financially, physically, and emotionally recover if the gamble does not go as expected or planned.
Shame on those commit crimes against others, and shame on those who infer that a criminal represents a whole people.
Posts: 2694 | Location: US | Registered: 21 June 2004
