I remember Reagan’s visit in the Soviet Union with great clarity. It was May 1988. I lived seasonally in the Soviet capital, Moscow.
The American president landed on the airport Sheremietievo. During the first interview, one Soviet journalist suddenly asked the American president, “Mr. President, you said that the Soviet Union is an “evil empire”. Could you repeat it today here?” Ronald Reagan calmly replied, “Yes, I said it, but it was at totally different circumstances. Today, I am coming to my friend President Mikhail Gorbachev and the friendly Soviet people”.
It was interesting, that though enemy propaganda the Soviet society welcomed the American president enthusiastically. However, Russians torment by regime didn’t lose their sense of common.
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Hi Stefan! One corrections: not "sense of common." It is "common sense." Sorry, just being an English teacher.
Well, I can see how you would view Reagan'spresidency much differently than I. And in this country, there are many who would heartily agree with you. But, nevertheless, I think he did a lot of damage that Clinton tried to repair, and was successful at until the Republicans made a big fuss about his infidelity. That was a shameful episode in American history, and I don't mean Clinton's sexual indiscretion. On the contrary, I am talking about the Republicans' ensuing witch-hunt as a result.
Hi Anita! Thank you very much for the correction. I will remember: should be "common sense" not "sense of common".
In the Clinton's matter, I agree with you in 100%. It really was witch-hunt. An opposition in which country looks for weaknesses at the ruling party. The cruel Soviet dictator, Joseph Stalin, said that in politics weren't, aren't and will not be sentiments.
Americans are nation which wants to be proud of their presidents. The American president is the leader of the world, simultaneusly. He cannot be a weak person. The president's inperfection cannot be tolerate, especially in the moral area. Infidelity can be one of the stable traits of a human personality; our attitude don't change everyday. I think that Americans are very sensative at these matters.
One more example. On April 23,2007, passed away Boris Yeltsin, the former Russian president. The Russian newspaper, Nezawisimaja Gazieta (in English - Independent Newspaper), has written that Russian's remember Yeltsin as a man who gave people the new lives and new opportunities; he removed fear from their hearts.
However, the newspaper Moskovsky Komsomoltes alluded to Yeltsin's penchant for alcohol. In this context, the author noticed that Yeltsin's one personal weakness, which is understandable and forgivable in Russia.
Isn't it interesting? In the USA, a drunk man causes disgust. About Reaga, I will continue my consideration at the next comment.
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