The Problem of My Country

WHEN the news got out that I was going back to Russia to challenge Vladimir Putin’s handpicked successor in the 2008 presidential election, an English friend of mine called. (I have lived in England for many years.) “Before you go, make sure that you have your last will written,” she advised. “Come on,” I said. “You know I hate writing. It is bad enough to have to write my manifesto, which I am doing now.”

This was quite true, not only because I hate writing as such, but also because I had completely forgotten the Russian keyboard over the last 15 years. Yet I had to write that election manifesto, and do many other things I don’t enjoy. It’s not so much that I want to be president of Russia; as a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure I would hate the job. But there are situations in life when you have to do all you can, even if there is hardly any hope for success.

VB

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Vladimir Bukovsky

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Presidential Election

WHEN the news got out that I was going back to Russia to challenge Vladimir Putin’s handpicked successor in the 2008 presidential election, an English friend of mine called. (I have lived in England for many years.) “Before you go, make sure that you have your last will written,” she advised. “Come on,” I said. “You know I hate writing. It is bad enough to have to write my manifesto, which I am doing now.”

This was quite true, not only because I hate writing as such, but also because I had completely forgotten the Russian keyboard over the last 15 years. Yet I had to write that election manifesto, and do many other things I don’t enjoy. It’s not so much that I want to be president of Russia; as a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure I would hate the job. But there are situations in life when you have to do all you can, even if there is hardly any hope for success.