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Garik, the former Politburo Compliance Officer of the Leningrad station (now St. Petersburg), reflects upon his checkered past in old Soviet Russia against the backdrop of his new American homeland.
“American Repubicancy very very good, boot I speak poorly English,” says Garik. So he begs the grammar talents of American-born friends (who prefer to remain anonymous) to make it legible.
Though Garik still routinely carries a Makarov pistol in his belt, his choice of persuasion in his prior life was much more brutal, earning him a reputation which he won't deny. But Garik says, “Insinuations are terribly unfair. You never hear my former political opponents or their families complain.” We can only imagine why they might not. Yes, Garik's unique sense of humor obscures the fact that many refuse to cross his path. Now in his advanced years, Garik is more humble, but still proud of his questionable past. Decades away from the "old country," Garik admits he still feels compelled to inflict just a "little pain" whenever asking someone a question. He says, "Folks need a little incentive to answer." Then admits, "Old habits are harder to break than bones." While politically charged and less than forthcoming on many issues, Garik is well read on the American form of politics and culture, and has fully accepted the American way of life. With his increasing age and the passage of time healing old political wounds, he is now better able to speak his mind. Sometimes cynical, frequently sarcastic, irreverant, and seasoned with a little dry humor, Garik's blend of selected historic quotes and original comments weave the fabric of his unique philosophy. |
