Commentary

Actually, I'm sick to death of all of you. Even in the Politburo, people changed more often, even if it was due to death. But since you appeared in the late 80s, there has been no one else. Even Vaska Shandybin, who is such a joke of a character, has been an eyesore for 12 years now. Decency doesn't suit you, or it's not allowed through, while it's much easier for scoundrels and crooks to get to you. Everything has been done by you, and everything is set up so that they live well. Although here, I think I'm mistaken.

God, how I believed in you once. Well, I thought young, tousled, slender, talkative people had arrived. And now 13 years have passed. Everyone is pot-bellied, slicked-back, overfed. You never killed the dragon; moreover, you became dragons yourselves. You, now, politicians of the late 80s, are a little over 40. Of course, I won't live to see those times.