An interesting find.

[RhumbRunner13]

I read the book about Viktor Belenko many years ago and he became a person I truly respected, much like Ayn Rand. I was on another site where a discussion was taking place about how "Americans" would feel if a non-citizen won the new Dream Home from HGTV. Viktor came to mind so I searched his name and found this update on his life in the US. Maybe some of you will enjoy it. I didn't cut and paste anything, so if you want to know more about him you'll have to link over, sorry.

http://www.fullcontext.org/people/belenko.htm

Rhumb

 

[Ishmael]

First of all, where the hell you been Rhumb?

I remember that guy. Good to see he's still knocking around.

His story is very interesting, and especially the way his mind works. The CIA effectively has 24/7 babysitters for the defectors for the first year they are in the US. It seems that most OD on the freedom here. Can't handle it and want to go back to "Mother Russia". (Even though they'd probably spend the rest of their years in Siberia if they lived past the debriefing.)

I also liked his reaction to his visit to the grocery store. Most of the defectors thought that, and all the automobiles was an elaborate set-up.

Ishmael

 

[Zmey]

Hmm that dude has been in States long enough to become a citizen ... I believe You can apply after 7 years of residence ... that is if he is resident alien...

 

[RhumbRunner13]

First of all, where the hell you been Rhumb?

I remember that guy. Good to see he's still knocking around.

His story is very interesting, and especially the way his mind works. The CIA effectively has 24/7 babysitters for the defectors for the first year they are in the US. It seems that most OD on the freedom here. Can't handle it and want to go back to "Mother Russia". (Even though they'd probably spend the rest of their years in Siberia if they lived past the debriefing.)

I also liked his reaction to his visit to the grocery store. Most of the defectors thought that, and all the automobiles was an elaborate set-up.

Ishmael

Other things to do, Ish. Goin' on an 8 day cruise this thursday so I still won't be around.

In the book, I think he started to get pretty bitter, but the CIA cut him loose and he went to Montana and became a "cowboy". Actually I think he just worked hard for a year or two up there.

What always stuck in my mind was his analysis that the US came far closer to true communism than Russia ever would. His thoughts came from our welfare system where he found it amazing that people got paid to NOT work! That, he said, would never happen in the USSR. They would always find you a job.

Great book but out of print. Try to dig it up somewhere.

Zmey, he is a citizen of the US.

Rhumb

 

[ksmybuttons]

That interview was an interesting read. Thanks. You have now assisted me in my daily learning quotient from lit!

 

[SINthysist]

One wonders if that could have been the story of an Iraqi Scientist.

 

[RhumbRunner13]

One wonders if that could have been the story of an Iraqi Scientist.

You're right , Sin.

That's one of the reasons I posted it. I think many of us "Americans", Canadians, Brits, Ozzys, Kiwis... lose sight of how unique our freedom really is. His comment on the concept of "personal choice" says a lot in few words. I trained German flight students for Lufthansa back in the '70s, and even they were amazed at times about our freedoms.

Rhumb