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Mihail Gorbachev has been referred to as the Last Soviet Leader, who was responsible for tearing down The Berlin Wall.
Mihail Gorbachev introduced Glaznost (looking outward) and Perestroika (rebuilding) to than Soviet Union. It seemed to have awaken people's consciousness to the world outside of Soviet Union. He had stated that he wanted to make Russia a normal civilized society.
Many of us Americans still remember our late President Reagan saying to the General Secretary of Soviet Union "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down the Wall."(Google the speech)
On November 6. When Berlin Wall was toppled, is when the Russian workers approached the Kremlin (also known as Red Square) with farm tools, such as pitchforks and shovels. In Soviet Union, citizens were not allowed to own guns. Only military could carry guns. General Secretary Mihail Gorbachev had ordered military NOT TO SHOOT at the peasants.
The Marxist-Leninist Soviet Union leaders all the way through Konstantin Cherenkov were all dedicated Communists. When Mihail Gorbachev came on the scene. He seemed to be different. In as much as he was a member of Soviet Communist Party, he seemed to harbor tendencies toward Democracy. Mihail Gorbachev was unique in his own right. He strove to cooperate with other world leaders and encouraged travel to other parts of the world in order to learn how to get along. His lovely wife Raisa may have been a positive influential, since she traveled extensively and favored wearing Wester attire. Unfortunately, she died of leukemia in 1999. She was an elegant lady.
After dissolution of Soviet Socialistic Republic. Mihail Gorbachev in1991 handed over the leadership of Russian Federation to Boris Yeltsin. The transition was smooth and friendly. Mr. Gorbachev wished his successor to Secretary General Best of luck in leading the nation.
He said that if he can be of any assistance, he would be happy to help if asked. In as much as two men Michail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin were different from one another there were definite tendencies in both men to elevate their nation in a positive way and seek cooperation among peoples. They recognized that Russia had many talented people and natural resources and so did other nations.
After the fall of The Berlin Wall and reunification of Germany Boris Yeltsin continued friendly relationships with USA as well as all of Europe during his tenure.
The Presidential Orchestra of Russia visited The United States for the first time. It was the first time The Orchestra had traveled outside the Soviet Union. Mid-Ohio -Valley was fortunate to be included.
Exchange of other organizations came as well. Russia Business men came, Doctors and Nurses, Teacher and even Astronauts in training visited United States, as well as Mid-Ohio Valley.
Mid-Ohio Valley reciprocated in kind. We sent representatives from our area to Russian Federation. It was a cooperative period. Even with unrest in Middle East, the world seemed to be at peace.
It behooves people to recognize admirable qualities even in people with whom we may disagree.
Val Hoover
Marietta