Russia’s Potential

The economic conditions you describe in Russia (“After Fitful Start, Revolution Finally Underway in Russia,” Jan. 1), a tiny but burgeoning upper class combined with a vast multitude of stagnant, exploited poor, are exactly the same as those that characterized the Russia of a century ago and led to bloody revolution. This is no cause for optimism. Both during the glory days of the czars and the salad days of the Revolution, foreign commentators marveled at the potential for progress in Russia, only to see their predictions evaporate like the fleeting Russian summer. Verily it is said that those who cannot remember history are doomed to repeat it.

Andrew Miller

West New York, N.J.