R.I.P. Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin

I just read in the Guardian that Boris Yeltsin has just died. I was a little saddened to hear the news.

Yeltsin was not able to achieve all that he wanted or promised, but I hope he will be remembered for introducing democratic concepts to the Russian people. Looking at Russia now with its growing economy (albeit loss of some democracy under Putin), I think the Russians were lucky to have such brave leader who was willing to press forward beyond the fall of communism.

I was impressed with his John Wayne stance when he stood on an army tank to defy an August coup in 1991 against hardline communists. Although his presidency was overshadowed by accusations of corruption, I think he and Gorbachev should be recognized for at least planting the seeds of democracy that have helped Russia recover from years of the communist regime.

For me personally, pictures of Yeltsin and Clinton bring back lots of memories of better days long gone by.



Rest in peace, Boris!