I've come to realize the hierarchical pyramid structures that govern human affairs. The Soviet elites were plundering the proletariat every bit as much as the greediest oligarch. The only difference was who owned the means of production - the State, or private enterprise. The leaders still rode in limousines, owned yachts and dachas, had mistresses in furs and fancy apartments.

So known corruption can be understood, exposed, and acted upon. In all of history it is perhaps the original Soviets - with aid from war-swept Germany - who succeeded most at seizing opportunity, overthrowing the status quo, and establishing a new order of things.

We are at a crossroads.