Dear Andrew,
> From: Andrew Wayne Austin <aaustin@utkux.utcc.utk.edu>
> Why should issues of living standards and freedom be treated separately? I
> don't suppose that in your mind freedom is accomplished when an individual
> or group can openly criticize public figures. If not, then what is freedom
> unless it is tied to something meaningful?
I am afraid the answer is very simple. You have never been deprived
of the right to openly criticize public figures, so you do not
understand (unlike me, or you Russian comrades) that this right is an
extremely valuable asset in itself irrespective of all the living stanards.
Love,
Andrey