Russia is doing relatively well now But

[Big]

Just now a Russian TV channel with pro-Western tendencies did a survey on whether 1990s brought Russia better or worse life.

38% answered worse. and 62% better. More than a 3rd of pro-Western viewers even answered worse.

[matclone]

Big, did the problem of widespread alcoholism that I hear is present now in Russia exist 20 years ago?

[Big]

Big, did the problem of widespread alcoholism that I hear is present now in Russia exist 20 years ago?

It existed 20 years ago and 50 and 100 and 200 years ago. Russians love their vodka and beer.

However, I suspect now it is worse than 20 years ago since I feel less is done to prevent it.

[Big]

http://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/9601/russia_drunk/

[matclone]

It looks like alcohol isn't the only problem. It's sad to read such news.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071109/...ussia_drugs_dc

[Big]

I would like to know why Japan, Russia and some former Soviet republics have so many people kill themselves with all this freedom they are experiencing?

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's employers should provide mental health services to workers suffering from depression and other illnesses, the government said Friday after reporting that more than 30,000 people killed themselves last year.

In its first annual report on suicide and suicide prevention measures, the Cabinet Office said 32,155 people killed themselves in 2006, the 9th straight year the figure has exceeded 30,000.

The total number of suicides represents a drop of 397 from the previous year, the government said. Still, Japan's suicide rate ranks 9th highest in the world, the government added, citing World Health Organization data. Lithuania had the highest rate, followed by Belarus and Russia, while the U.S. ranked 43.


http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/worl...n-Suicide.html

[goferphan]

suicide tends to be more cultural than political...

read up on japanese culture and then give me a report back...

[Big]

It is a cultural thing during EXTREME political and economic circumstances. Like suicide bombing for Muslims.