[Virginia Gentleman]

As though a wave of historical amnesia had swept over the media, few commentators seemed to remember that it was Mikhail Gorbachev, upon becoming Soviet leader in 1985, who launched the democratic reforms of "perestroika" and "glasnost"

I wonder who has the real historical amnesia here. Perestroika and glastnost had nothing to do with democracy. They were attempts to reform the communist system and keep the Communist Party in control. While Gorbachev may have opened up the system to allow more outside voices to be heard, he was not willing to give them any role in making in making any actual decisions. There was no movement to open and free elections under Gorbachev, all the final decisions were still to be made by the Party.

[Mr. Bird]

Glasnost and perestroika were attempts to provide the American Left with philosophical ammunition to help stem the Reaganite tide against the Soviets. Gorbachev was astute; the phrase "useful idiot" was not lost on him. In his dotage, he is still revered for what can only be construed as a great swindle.

Even if one were to assume Gorbachev had "reformist" inclinations, he should only be respected for folding a losing hand.