The end of 2004 was marked by something very noticeable in the whole world - the presidential elections in Ukraine. Everyone remembers that “orange revolution”, when it was said that Ukraine has been turning to democracy. Yeah, democracy. Ukraine model.

We’ve got a new president. Hurray! Superb! Fantastic! Finally, everyone will be able to express his opinion in public, the press will become independent and Ukrainian small and middle business will come out the shadow economy and start paying taxes honestly. American dream - Ukrainian model.

Forget it.

The new power uses the same tools. When people earn (or steal, whatever) much money, they start thinking of how to protect their money and they want power. When they have that power, they need to support it with… bingo! - money!

Ukraine model of democracy is a kind of pervertion. No, I can’t say we are opressed or something alike. Yes, we can say what we think and the reporters who are somewhat critical towards President Yushtchenko are still alive. But is that a democracy?

I’m a small business owner. I have been promised a lot and nothing became true. We were cheated again. Who cares? We do. It was not the continuation of the old idiotism under the new faces we wanted when we hit the streets.

As with everything here, Ukraine has its own, unique model for everything. Even democracy.