Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

Dear Editor,

Last year while researching my family tree I discovered my Grandfather was not German but his U.S.A citizenship papers stated that he came from Russia. He came from Rivne Oblast, in western Ukraine.


I was surprised but interested in my new found heritage so I have traveled to Ukraine three times this year. I have found for the most part the people are friendly in Ukraine. Ukrainians work very hard and are proud of their accomplishments in life. In short I am proud of my new heritage.


My latest trip ended on 22nd of September of 2008. I have traveled from Kiev to Kharkiv to Odesa to Sevastopol’ and Rivne. I do not speak Ukrainian or Russian but somehow I do manage to get by. I have a very favorable opinion of Ukraine.


I always read the Kiev Post and wish to respond to two articles in September 11th edition.

Opinion Page writerLena Redko wrote a lengthy article about “Will Americans Grow Up?” Also she wrote about a “kidult” trend in America.


The article was interesting but misleading. She spoke of forty year olds who skated boarded to work? Men and women who dress up in costume from time to time? The movie “The Dark Knight” and its obsession with Americans? A laid back attitude where people in there sixties go for there college degree’s? I was puzzled by these “kidults” because I never met one. At the end of the article she wrote that she was studying at the University of San Francisco.


That explained her opinion of America she lived in a beautiful city but truly a city of “fruits and nuts”. I have visited San Francisco several times but was taken back by the “odd” people who live there. San Francisco is not your typical American city nor is California your typical American state. Most Americans view San Francisco as a nice place to visit for a few days but would not want to live there at all. It certainly is not typical of American culture in any way so this entire country cannot be judged by this crazed city. Perhaps the writer Lena Redko should see more of America before she calls us“kidults”.


America has fifty states and like Ukraine not all people are alike. I happen to live in the American Midwest in a state called Michigan that has a population of eleven million. We are level headed working people raise families send the children to college and encourage them to play sports and maybe a musical instrument. Like in Ukraine we work hard and try to enjoy life and yes have some fun!! We go to church raise families and enjoy our friends company.


We are very much like most people in Europe and especially Ukraine. “Kidults” Neyt!


The opinion page story “Fresh Recruits Needed” was interesting. Ukraine has a great future but like many countries America included has poor politicians. I know it is common for men and women to complain about there local or national political figures. But as your article states clearly, the time has come to find some new people for public office.


Personally, I used to complain about government here in Michigan all the time and one night a friend of mine told me “quit complaining and get involved in local government”.

I was a factory worker for General Motors and I got involved in the political system. I had no college degree but I had common sense and I felt I knew what people wanted and needed from their government. After a few years I ran for council and was elected for eight years then ran for mayor and won. My door was always open for problems of residents in my community.


People want hope and an advocate for them not someone who is too busy to return a phone call or meet with them? They want someone who will look out for them and their interests. They need elected officials who are not afraid to stand up to the present system whether that be in Ukraine, Britain, America or Russia.


Richard A. Bottcher