Let’s say we didn’t use to vote. Let’s say – elections are not in our tradition. After letting pass our election at ease Russian students suddenly fell for new American President Battle pretty seriously. Reasons are arguably mixed in nice melting pot; there is opportunity not to vote ourselves, the importance of current events that are definitely going to lead the world, Russia included, in “some” direction, specific of the Russia-American relationship and, I would add, types of candidates. Obama is one of those.
Russian students are not divided into Republicans and Democrats. Nor Russian students go to the depth of economic programs (like their American counter-parts). We don’t really care about the tint of a black face (as far as having something more than just a good tan on our “throne” is miles and miles away). We don’t even care that much about terrorist controversy, nor precious details of Joe-the-plumber’s life. Let’s say that the attractive point is the possible president’s identity. The new century’s new variant. Full of vital energy, Obama seems the logical splash boiling over with energy country. At the moment America is in full swing, producing the world’s maximum (well, also the minimum) in science, literature, research, art, philosophy, education and so on and so on. One calls America the Hub of the world. Now we miss and desire Venice of 14th century or Paris of 1960s, and people will say in the future – you had to be in NY in the 2000s, that was The City. A young, strong and active president is not what is wished for, but seems to be what is needed. Let’s say he would be interesting to deal with from the Russian stand-point.
Russian students seem to know almost everything about Obama that he wants us to know thanks to internet. Even from afar Obama seems to be able to inform and convince even a Russian student. Thanks to internet again. The use of modern technology can be irritating at times, but also brings a small but nice belief that Obama theoretically can send you a text message. Or you can send a message to him. Now old and never satisfied desires of our forefathers – something about democracy and something about equality of rights somehow start to flourish. Let’s say we didn’t use to vote. Let’s say elections are not in our tradition. Before and after the first elections of George Washington in 1789, we ourselves never had an obligation to analyze and choose which of Tzar’s sons would be the best leader of Russia, - as John Reed wrote – “the most diverting country”. To my point of view, students now are a bit similar to the 19 century’s Decembrists, discussing an issues, understanding the situation, but they (we) are still staying on the theoretical side, hardly trying to step to something more practical. Letting pass the Russian elections at ease (I myself don’t know any single person who has voted. The fact which makes my Italian friends get crazy (in Italy the percentage of voters is close to 100%)), is that we fell for another one. Still the true interest about native Russian politics for its citizens should come from Love to country itself and the wish it to advance and improve. And what can be more vitally important here than choosing of a leader. But attitudes are changing; we should just get out of the habit of not voting into the habit of voting. Let’s say – historically we did not cultivate any habit at all. But right now – the young Russian generation is totally pro-Obama. Let’s say he would be interesting to deal with from the Russian stand-point.
