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Current Events
Mikhail Gorbachev - Man Of The Century
The world has changed dramatically over the past 25 years. In 1979, I entered Monterey’s Defense Language Institute to learn Russian. While I was learning Russian, Mikhail Gorbachev joined the Soviet Union’s Politburo. One year later and armed with my Russian language skills and a top-secret special access clearance, I set off to Europe to ply my military intelligence training against the so-called “evil empire” of the Soviet Union. I spent three memorable years in Europe. Little did I know then that one day my language skills which had been developed for the sole purpose of performing intelligence operations against the Soviet Union would be used to greet and thank the former leader of the Soviet Union for coming to Sacramento to share his thoughts about today’s global issues. Oh, the irony of this world! On October 26, 2005, I met Mikhail Gorbachev and Michael Reagan at the Sacramento Speakers Series. I had a few words with President Gorbachev in private prior to the event, thanks to Andy Eppinger, CEO of the Speaker Series. That evening President Gorbachev, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize (1990), Time Magazine’s Man of the Decade (for the 1980’s), visionary and catalyst for perestroika and glasnost, spoke candidly about the current issues we face today. The admiration, respect, and generous applause from those who attended the Speaker Series filled the auditorium beyond my wildest expectations. Mr. Gorbachev, you had the wisdom, courage and strength to tear down that wall. Thank you! Time Magazine lists Gorbachev as one of the top 100 most important people of the 20th Century. I think he is number 1. Mikhail Gorbachev you are my selection for “The Man of the 20th Century”. Pierre Cutler The Sacramento Executive (originally published on www.sacramentoexecutive.com) |
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