The break-up of USSR and Eastern Bloc brought unimaginable change. Some changes were good, but many brought diabolical disruption -- anyone who lived in Yeltsin's Russia knows what I mean
On the positive side, more freedom is good, more availability of consumer goods is greatly appreciated especially of labor-saving devices & autos (if you can afford them), also of basic things like building materials
On the negative side, some Republics experienced civil wars and dictatorships, and still do. Also interference from alien powers. See Central Asia & Caucasus for examples (let's not mention Ukraine)
On the in-between side, I agree with laws limiting freedom of speech. It's good to allow criticism of politicians, but I'm glad the disgraceful Pussy Rot went to prison. I'm also glad homosexuals can't advertize in the presence of minors. But I know some who disagree
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