Belarus, life must be hell.

[wsbill]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20021119/ap_wo_en_po/eu_belarus_4

[BruceS]

... in response to Belarus, life must be hell., posted by wsbill on Nov 19, 2002

I've been to Belarus to Minsk and Vitebsk. My observations while
there for a month.

Their President/Dictator (more the latter) is a real loser. He
still believes in the old Communist ways. Holds power by force
and to do whatever it takes to exile, imprison, or by burying
anyone that opposes him. A real pc of chit he is and most
citizens will tell you this after you get closer to them
with some Vodka thrown in and will open up, but don't even
think of bringing up politics with them as they have to be
the ones to bring it up.

Really life isn't that horrible for the average citizen as
long as you don't cause problems for the grand old dictator.
Yes the monthly salaries are quite low with the average work
with the government just adjusted up to 135.00 USD. The people
are quite generous and very likeable. They don't have any extra money
for trips and such and sometimes the end of the month can be
tough. All in all life for the citizen isn't good, but it's
not terrible either. It's surprising that they have nice things
on such little money, but that's a plus for us guys as most
ladies will watch how money is spent. Just watch the girls
from Misnk as some have heard you can make money from the
idiot AM, also watch the ladies under 28-29 as they are more
likely to want much and have a more western women attitude.
This they find in the internet cafes.

He's definetely holding back the growth of the country. He still
believes in the Community Farming agenda and that it can provide
all the food the country will need. The only human rights
abuse I could see is toward his political adversaries and anyone
that tries to expose him or to write negative news articles and
such. No such thing as freedom of speech or freedom of the press.

Out of the 20 plus ladies I met 2 that led me to
believe they were looking for men with alot money that were
willing to part with on the visit and to spend in the future
in the states. This was in Vitebsk which by my standards a
large city, but in my lady's eyes a small city. (400,000)
Minsk is around 1.25 million.

The best part is my lady and her son will be arriving Dec. 9th.
Guys there are good ladies there if your looking for a
different region to visit.

Regards,
Bruce S

[mudd]

... in response to Belarus, life must be hell., posted by wsbill on Nov 19, 2002

the president is pretty much a crook. most of the locals hate him, and they told me that he is trying to change the constitution so he can be president longer than allowed. when he leaves the "white house" they close every road for miles, and his car drives extremly fast, probably to avoid being blown up, so  the locals told me. on another point, a Mc Donalds resturant was kicked out of its bulding that they spend $1,000,000. remodeling by the government. the government said that "they did not have the proper permit to operate in that building"  of course they waited until mc donalds finished the building, and then took it from them.

[don1]

... in response to Re: Belarus, life must be hell., posted by mudd on Nov 19, 2002


Yes , the President/Dictator is a real piece of work . He is a real throwback , rules with an iron fist . 'My way , or else...'  Any criticism or opposition isn't tolerated . I would guess that Felix Dzerzhinsky ( founding father of the beloved KGB ) is probably one of his personal heroes . His dislikes for NATO , the West , and the good 'ole US of A in particular , are pretty well known . He has resisted many attempts at serious economic reform for fear of allowing the influx of any perceived Western influences . He's not on my Christmas list either . A real hardliner .

Which is why I had to chuckle a little bit about 'the Minsk McDonald's fiasco ' that you mentioned when it happened a few months ago ...

Our man Alexander really has a strong dislike ( to put it mildly ) for the USA ; so you can just imagine how knotted up his panties got when McDonald's had the cajones to open up one of their American fast food restaurants - ABOUT A HUNDRED YARDS DOWN THE STREET FROM HIS OFFICE ! He has to pass by this place EVERY DAY when he goes to work ...So , for him , that had to be the equivalent of someone pi**ing in his Corn Flakes !

So , he pushed to get a few Belarussian 'fast food' restaurants established to drum them out of business ; and when that didn't work , they sent a steady stream of 'Health Inspectors' by on a regular basis . When the restaurant passed the 'Health Inspections' , and the 'Inspectors' presence didn't scare the customers away ; they told McDonald's that they'd have to start buying their food supplies from the 'proper suppliers'...And when that didn't close them down , they got into the land/property/lease thing .   Well , you know the drill here...

I did save a few news articles regarding this fiasco , ( I found the whole situation a bit humorous at the time ) I think these links might still work if anyone wants to read about it :

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_652613.html?menu=news.quirkies

http://chronicle.home.by/9808/980812001.htm

http://www.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/europe/06/03/belarus.mcd/

Despite the governmental shortcomings , I'd have to agree with what BruceS had to say about life in Belarus . It ain't no bowl of cherries ; but it isn't all that horrible either . No , people there don't make much money ; but they get by . Family members look out for each other . They share . If 'so-and-so' didn't get paid this week ; well then he/she/they can eat at our place a few nights this week . Certainly , nobody has a lot of 'extra' money ; but if they're careful with what they do have , they're usually OK . Like BruceS , I also found a lot of likeable and friendly people there . They may not have much in the way of material things , but once they get to know you a little bit they're ready to give you the shirts off their backs . There are some good people living there , and living in sometimes difficult conditions . And as long as you're not standing on the streetcorner cussing out the President over a bullhorn , the police and militia generally leave you alone .

One thing's for sure ; a visit to a place like Belarus will definitely give you a far greater sense of appreciation for some of the freedoms and conveniences that you might not have had before . I sure did anyways .

My two cents

Good Luck and Best Wishes

Don

[wsbill]

... in response to Re: Belarus, life must be hell., posted by mudd on Nov 19, 2002

many friends.  Will probably read about his car one day being blown to bits.

Ukraines president is darn near just like this guy.  Definately on his way out.  Ukraine almost is sounding kinda grim, as times appear to be slowing for the time being.   No doubt it all has to do with our economy as well as theirs too.

[don1]

... in response to Belarus, life must be hell., posted by wsbill on Nov 19, 2002


http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20021118/ap_wo_en_po/belarus_skinhead_trial_1

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20021028/lf_nm/belarus_dzerzhinsky_dc_1

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20021117/ap_wo_en_po/belarus_opposition_1