Maxim Gorky (1868-1936), often hailed as a symbol of Soviet literature, once cynically remarked on the inevitable failure of Western democracy. He specifically criticized "the frequent change of government" in Britain, questioning the value of such instability. Buying into Bolshevism, he praised the continuity of Stalin's regime. For the record, he himself was outlived by the Red Monarch.

Indeed, the allure of Russian autocracy persists stubbornly.

Today, however, tens of thousands of Russians in self-imposed exile have opted for Western democracy over Putin's authoritarian rule. Meanwhile, their compatriots back home, increasingly awakened to political realities, have ample reason to eulogize Alexei A. Navalny, who, against all odds, transformed disillusionment into enlightenment.

To Mrs. Navalny: Stay strong.

Author: renqiulan