LJI XI-5: My enemies are all too familiar. They're the ones who used to call me friend (~1050 words)

[kehlen]

1.1. The police in the Soviet Union, and later, in Russia, were called militia until several years ago. A slogan about them, popularized by newspapers and movies, read "Our native (own) militia keeps us safe".

I have never had much to do with the militia. I have been to a precinct thrice of my own volition: at 18, to receive my first passport; at

Comments

[halfshellvenus]

The jaywalking incidents, both in your adulthood and as a child, were petty and deplorable.

People often jaywalk when they shouldn't, yes-- and that's most of the time. But when they jaywalk because it's safer than the designated crossing area, they are not the problem.

The election protests and outcome...that is very common with a repressive government, and I think Russia is still caught in that despite what years of window dressing and the wishes of its people.

[kehlen]

It blew my mind when I saw a policeman jaywalk in New York, haha.

Unfortunately, our system is getting more restrictive, it constantly forbids anything and everything instead of regulating it. :|

[alycewilson]

I always appreciate the insight into your country and your life there. It's understandable why you would no longer trust the police.

[kehlen]

I purposefully held out as long as I could, but no more.

Thank you!