Progressive Russian Journalist

I’m shocked and awed.

Not really, no.

Critically-minded writers are inevitable casualties in iron-fisted pseudo-democracies, with their corrupt politicians in ill-fitting designer suits and beggar senior citizens selling vintage cigarette packs to amused tourists, with their petty conflicts, murdered children, and always, always, the terrible hope that maybe tomorrow everything will finally go right.

If you are living in the States, you can e-mail the Russian embassy a response here: russianembassy@mindspring.com, ministry@mid.ru,

You can also try this site (it appears more useful).

You can write your own letter, or borrow mine:

Dear Sir or Madam,

As a person who cares deeply about the Russian Federation and its developing democracy, I would like to express my great concern at the news of Anna Politkovskaya’s violent death. Putting all politics aside, I wish to tell you that it is my hope that the murderer(s) will not escape judgement. A nation that is not safe for journalists is not safe for anyone.

Agree or disagree with Politkovskaya’s work, she attempted to keep people honest. She will be missed by us all.

My condolences go out to her family, and to the Russian people, for suffering yet another setback during this difficult evolution of their great nation.

I trust that the Russian government will continue to find new ways to protect its journalistic community, even when said community criticizes the government’s actions. After all, free speech loses all meaning if those who exercise their right to it can expect to be shot.

With regret,
(Your name)