I cannot shift the blame for Chechnya, for the sorrow of numerous mothers and fathers. I made the decision, therefore I am responsible. - Boris Yeltsin

Let's not talk about Communism. Communism was just an idea, just pie in the sky.

Dissidents should be paid 13 months' salary for a year, otherwise our mindless unanimity will bring us to an even more hopeless state of stagnation. It is especially important to encourage unorthodox thinking when the situation is critical: At such moments every new word and fresh thought is more precious than gold. Indeed, people must not be deprived of the right to think their own thoughts.

We don't appreciate what we have until it's gone. Freedom is like that. It's like air. When you have it, you don't notice it.