Culture

Economy Hits Russians and Hits them HARD!

by Barry Artiste | February 8, 2009 at 08:22 am

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Barry Artiste Op/Ed

Russians in a about face when countries around the world are looking at Protectionist measures, Russians are protesting Higher Tariffs for imported vehicles, a lifeblood for Russians where a Russian Made Car breaks down in the middle of winter in the middle of nowhere, could mean a Death Knell for the occupants. Anyone who has experienced ownership of a Russian Made Vehicle or Riding, or Pushing one will certainly see why Imports are superior to Russian Auto Technology. I have lived in Moscow, and used Gypsy Cabs, as most were Japanese Reliable Cars or German Cars. With Russian Taxis, they use Ladas, in which a few times when I was stuck to take a cab, one time I pushed and rode a Lada taxi once from the Puskin Museum almost to Moscow University, the Cab Driver and I were cursing all the way as cars whizzed by us. A tow truck you say? Funny, I do not think Moscow own any! At least any Tow Trucks which work! An Imported Tow Truck, now there is a novel Idea!

You should know virtually every police force in Moscow own a slew of Ford Crown Victorias, because let's face it, when criminals drive Ferraris and Beemers, a Lada don't cut it as a Police Fast Chase Pursuit Cruiser.

Angered over mounting economic problems, thousands of people took to the streets in Moscow and other cities around Russia over the weekend to denounce President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in the largest display of public discontentment in years.

United Russia, the party that dominates Russian politics and is led by Putin, brought thousands of people to Manezh Square near the Kremlin to rally in support of Putin and Medvedev.

The largest anti-government rally took place Saturday in Vladivostok, where the Communist Party led some 2,500 people in a march against the government and a recent decision to increase tariffs on imported cars. The livelihood of many local residents depends on imported cars.

Vladivostok protesters carried banners reading, "Kremlin, we are against you," and some shouted slogans for Putin to resign, news agencies reported.

To give credit, where credit is due in the photos posted, I have included the scenarios taken by the following photographers. as the Now Public Descriptions is still not working. Photo 1 Alexander Zemlianichenko / AP OMON riot police detaining an opposition demonstrator during an anti-government protest in Moscow on Saturday. Photo 2 Handing out Food Thomas Peter / Reuters OMON riot police detaining an opposition demonstrator during an anti-government protest in Moscow on Saturday. Photo 3 mass Protest in the streets Yury Maltsev / Reuters Some 2,500 people marching during a Communist-led protest against the government in Vladivostok on Saturday. Photo 4 Fisticuffs among Protestors Thomas Peter / Reuters An unidentified man attacking an opposition protester Saturday in Moscow.

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poor oligarch (not verified)

at 12:20 on February 8th, 2009

Re Russian Cars: Really have to take issue with you here Barry, actually I think you're talking crap: A friend of mine, for whom I crewed on a delivery trip across the Atlantic in a yacht he'd bought when the dollar was already dying, who'd worked very, very hard in IT for years and lived very frugally investing most of his income in property which he then rented to students and did the management and maintenance himself on, owned a LADA for years on the basis it was always so easy (even in Essex) to source the spares and fix. He's sinced moved up to a vintage Land Rover. (His main transportation is of course a bicycle!)

Barry Artiste

at 16:35 on February 8th, 2009

Yeah, well take it up with thousands of Russians in this story there my friend, they would say you are full of crap, hence why the Demonstration! Second hand info like yours is not valid in the least, you really have to experience it first hand. having a yacht buying lada owning IT friend, well that really isnt worth mentioning now is it?