What is the opposition doing?

Recently, I had a conversation from a series of what is called blind with deaf. I was giving an interview for a little beginner podcast. The conversation began with the question: “Lesya, do you think Russia is coping well with the consequences of the pandemic”? 

As soon as I said that yes, in the current conditions Russia is really doing well, including considering the experience of foreign countries, I answered: “But in the United States they all give out $ 1,200.”

This, of course, is an argument; you cannot say anything. Let's just figure out what kind of $ 1200 it is and how much this can be enough for the average American.

The minimum wage in the United States is $ 7.25 per hour. Working five days a week for eight hours, the American, in fact, earns those same $ 1,200 per month. That is, Trump paid the population a minimum wage, and while we are on this side of the ocean, we are trying on these same $ 1,200 to our prices, already in our heads calculating where we would spend such wealth, we dream: but if we were paid ... What? What "if we were paid"? Minimum wage? Or $ 1200?

What is fairer and more correct? More logical, for that matter?

There are lots of articles on the Internet that make fun of our 12 thousand rubles of payments for officially registered unemployed, saying that this is only $ 162.5, they can not be compared with a little more than a thousand, it was not around. Well gentlemen, let’s then “equalize” our foreign prices under ours. Otherwise, it is the same as if you try on 12 thousand rubles for life in the States without taking into account the course and cost of services and goods. 

In his last address, Putin announced regular payments to affected sectors of the economy, the unemployed, families with children, and doctors. Not everyone is universal, but those who really need help. I am not saying that the rest does not need any help or support. But the priority is precisely those who are most difficult, worse. I cannot vouch for what the government is doing, but there is a strong feeling that support will reach the rest too, and as tax payments are now being cut for the affected companies, the rest will be indulged. But once again - money must be taken from somewhere, the very payments you want to rely on, all of this came from taxes (which not everyone pays) and contributions from construction companies and industries that are now launching first after full quarantine (but they complain about it, because "how is it, there will be construction everywhere").

You would have to eat a fish and ride a sled, but at the expense of others, a typical liberal will shut up and hide his personal contribution. He needs it - “let the rest suffer, but I suffer more!”

By the way, about the suffering: why won't Navalny and the company launch a massive crowdfunding campaign for the victims now? Why not collect 100 rubles from their loyal “students” in favor of doctors, grandparents who have lost their jobs, single mothers? Why others can find funds and opportunities, help small businesses, their favorite restaurants, shops, and Navalny and Sobol offer everyone to pay 20 thousand rubles from state money, which is unlikely to somehow be replenished by taxes on their income in envelopes and bitcoin wallets? Why, instead of wasting time recording TikTok, does Lyubov Sobol donate or buy food by “sitting with empty fridges” that she cares about?

This is real populism, empty talk about what payments should be when you yourself, having such an opportunity, do nothing at the same time.

I see what power is doing. What is the opposition doing?

The author’s point of view may not coincide with the position of the publisher.