Path: utzoo!utgpu!watmath!clyde!att!osu-cis!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!mailrus!eecae!cps3xx!usenet
From: usenet@cps3xx.UUCP (Usenet file owner)
Newsgroups: comp.misc
Subject: Re: Questions from the Soviets about UNIX
Message-ID: <1416@cps3xx.UUCP>
Date: 3 Jan 89 16:30:56 GMT
References: <8901021731.AA00231@beaches.hub.toronto.edu>
Organization: Engineering, Michigan State U., E. Lansing MI
Lines: 37

{Comments regarding the ``softness'' of the Russian rouble, and how
 it affects the Soviet citizen's ability in purchasing Western software}

> I have seen several articles offering this sentiment, although it appears
> to be somewhat misdirected.  Rubles are not a valuable international
> currency because the Soviet government will not allow them to leave the
> country, nor to be traded externally, for fear of losing control of their
> artificial exchange rate.  Any monetary difficulties encountered by
> Soviets are self-inflicted, and it is unfair to lay the responsibility
> for this situation on Western countries, banks, companies, or individuals.
> -- 

Self-inflicted?  Do you believe that every policy that your government
engages in is a *GOOD THING*?  Does the United States government truely
reflect your political views?  In a broader sense, does every policy of
the government of the United States represent the interests of it's people?

I am getting a little disappointed in many peoples responses here.  We seem
to be quite willing to be critical of our own government, and express the
sentiment that it does not reflect our own will,  and yet, when it comes 
to the Soviets, all we can see is the Soviet government!  The U.S.S.R. is
much more than just Mikail Gorbechev and the Politburo, (just as the USA
is MUCH more than Ronnie Raygun and the CIA!).

My comments previously were meant to address a severe problem that the 
Soviet CITIZEN faces, in trying to deal with the rest of the world.  Sure, 
it is a problem that is caused by their governments arbitrary financial 
decisions, but penalizing the Soviet people for the decisions of their 
government seems a trifle short-sighted.  I mean, if we disagree with our 
political system, at least we have the option of changing it!
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Robert Raisch - TechnoJunkie & UnixNut| UseNet: {uunet,mailrus}!frith!raisch
Network Software Group-301 Comp.Center| InterNet: raisch@frith.egr.msu.edu 
Michigan State University, E. Lansing | ICBMNet: 084 28 50 W / 42 43 29 N
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      The meek WILL inherit the Earth, (Some of us have other plans).
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