Archive for October, 2011  Political Weather Forecast  For the
Belarusians and Russians the authorities are something like the
weather. One can endlessly complain about the heat, but one
knows for sure there is nothing to be done to turn it down. The
rain can’t be prevented. The snow won’t be warmed. So, people
are silent.  It’s not my metaphor but I find it is apt when it
comes to questions about the general dissatisfaction and the
lack of nationwide strikes or protests. So long as people can
make ends meet economically, they won’t take to streets.
Moreover, how can you demand anything when there are no
instruments for you to influence those who make decisions? The
only decisive argument here is mass demonstrations.  The silent
protests in Belarus this summer were easier: Whether you prefer
controlled or market economy, the current president or the
opposition, you can clap together. No rally with loudspeakers
could have united all those people as they have different
problems and see different ways to solve t