Perspective

In the US, we tend to get spoiled by being able to have lots of wonderful, theoretical discussions in which we discuss the most esoteric subjects. We often discuss the Russians as if they are on the same plane of Maslow's Hierarchy as we are in the West. This editorial in the Moscow Times gives some perspective for how for the Russians have come since the end of the Soviet Union and how far they still have to go.

You would think that something as simple as an airline changing its primary service point wouldn't be that big a deal. If Delta decides to serve Paris - Orly instead of Paris -De Gaulle it doesn't really signify anything about the state of France. But British Airways leaving Sheremetyevo Airport for Domodedovo Airport is significant as it is proving the value of capitalism vs. state control.

I tend to think of the Russians as being fairly well along - and they are. But it sometimes provides a bit of perspective when I'm debating how Osama bin Laden compares to George Washington and the Moscow Times is commenting on how it would be "revolutionary" to go to a hotel in Vladivostock that doesn't have cockroaches. What a difference in perspective about what's important.