I recently returned from Ukraine and had the rare opportunity of enjoying a 16-hour train ride from Simferopol to Kiev in the company of two large-bellied, shirt-less, sweaty Ukrainian men. They were kind enough to share their vodka, someone else's cognac, and community salted pork fat with me and rest of the cabin, while I shared my chocolate with them--along with two scoops of American charm and diplomacy.
The translator accompanying me on the trip picked and chose the conversations and jokes, so I assumed bad things were being said about my fellow countrymen (or me?). This was confirmed when--after offering more pork fat to my translator--one twin Ukrainian Buddha uttered "And what about your capitalist friend?"
After several drinks, the men bemoaned the state of Ukrainian politics and the plight of the simple man just trying to get back to life in the city after a quick vacation in the Russian-esque Crimean region. The countries change, but the issues remain the same. 85% of the assets are controlled by the top 50 wealthiest in Ukraine, according to a recent article in the Kiev Post. And most "earned" their wealth by serving in a government post during a chaotic period of privatization.
Every country has its problems, but I was glad when my plane landed back in DC, where I scrambled to my SUV and cranked up the air conditioner as I fondly remembered my ride on the night train.
Contact the author at rick.newbold@identityeducation.org
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