[happygrl]

Solzhenitsyn addresses several broad issues: the lack of courage and truth in the West's political life, the legalistic form of our society, the limits of the media in providing avenues for expression of ideas, and the materialistic turn that the West has taken since the Enlightenment.

In the years since he gave this speech, I believe that some in the West have turned, in response to the conservative movement in politics, religious life and intellectual outlook.

In addition, the internet has made possible the propagation of messages outside of the stranglehold of the media. This too has spread the ideas of truth and courage. I would like to believe that Solzhenitsyn's warning was heard and produced actions and a turning from the strictly materialistic outlook to which we were propelled a quarter century ago towards a spiritual outlook accountable to God.

A seminal speech still worth a read today.

[cornelis]

I believe that some in the West have turned, in response to the conservative movement in politics, religious life and intellectual outlook.

This is optimistic, like the close of the spee --if you look at it that way.