Kuchma - President or Puppet?

Subject:

Comments:
: It's true what some say. President Kuchma is not totally to blame for all of Ukraine's woes today. But he is to blame for a lot of Ukraine's problems. He is a little bureaucrat in a dictator's shoes. It's not completely his fault, because he is controlled and manipulated like a puppet by power brokers (oligarch's) like Volkov, et al. But he is to blame for allowing a lot of what is happening in Ukraine. Kuchma is no Einstien, no economist, no leader. He has little or no character, but that doesn't phase him. He's used to it. : There is much that could be done to improve Ukraine's situation today... starting with improving the economy immediately by lowering taxes to the lowest possible level, inviting in all sorts of new foreign and national investment. Continue to gradually and eventually completely privitizing all sectors of the economy, including the power industry, transport, public health, communication, defense industry and so on. Social and educational programs should be improved, as well a streamlined where ever possible. The military sector should be reduced gradually to no less than a quarter million army at least - with additional investment in upgrading and developing Ukraine's weapons system. Along with these changes much could and should be done to improve Ukraine's infrastructure, better roads, bridges etc., improving communications, transport and energy sector. Much of this can be done rapidly with the help of more foreign aid and expertise. Law enforcement is a crucial priority concentrating on eleminating the influence of the clans by striking at the heart of their control, bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, drugs and extortion. Without a strong and fair judical and criminal system it will take Ukrainians a long time in realizing many of the steps mentioned above. The issue of language is a sensitive one. The introduction of Ukrainian both on a national and local level should be done gradually but on a continual basis. Minorities rights should be protected. It's easy to make a shopping list of what Ukraine and Ukrainians need to do, but much more difficult to implement them, with the kind of leadership we have in Ukraine today. Unfortunately, Kuchma is all we have at this time, and of course it could have been much worse, with the likes of Moroz or Symonenko. Yushchenko's attempts at reform should be supported and Ukraine must keep a free press which can allow for the development of free speech, which is of the utmost of importance to Ukraine's independence. : Good luck Ukraine, God Bless, you're going to need it.

Optional Link URL:
Link Title: