Times are changing
It is a strange time to be in Ukraine now. We are in the midst of demonstrations because the president dismissed the Parliament and the prime minister and is calling for new elections for these posts. Politics here are very involved and much is at stake. Primarily whether the country will move more toward communism/Russia or toward the democracy/ West. The Orange Revolution brought democracy, but the going has been tough after that. It finally ended up with 2 opposing parties trying to lead the country. Even though Yushenko was president, Yanakovich tried to make himself look that way instead of being prime minister.
After Yushenko dismissed the Parliament and Yanakovich, Yanakovich took to the city center like Yushenko did with the Orange Revolution. Only times have changed. During the Orange Revolution, the main street of Kiev was shutdown for 2-3 weeks with tents housing demonstrators, thousands to 100’s of 1,000 people standing outside day and night in freezing temperatures and snow storms. People were happy and excited and full of hope. None of these people received any money to be there. The streets were filled with the color orange.
Now the big stage is back up and there are a few tents but not enough to shut down the main street. Today I was down there. Speakers were blaring away and only a 100 or less people were standing around listening. The colors of flags on the streets are blue or red. I have heard from more than one person that students are coming here and demonstrating because they are being paid $20-30 a day to carry a party flag. Sergei was offered $20. So if your news shows how much support Yanakovich has, remember that it is bought in many cases. When I ask people about what is going on, they just flick their hand and turn their head in disgust. They have lost hope.
So when you think of Ukraine , please pray for her. The new elections are supposed to be May 27.
