Murder In Russia
I woke up this morning to read the horrific news that my former Forbes magazine colleague Paul Klebnikov has been murdered. He was the editor of Forbes Russia. I have not seen him in some years, but I recall him with great affection. He and I would often go to lunch and have vigorous discussions of all sorts (usually about religion and politics). He generously invited me into numerous Klebnikov family celebrations where music, fiercely intellectual conversation, and Stolichnaya vodka flowed freely--going to those parties form some of my fondest memories. I was pleased to attend his wedding.
Our last lunch was shortly after he had published his book about Yeltsin crony Boris Berezovksy. Paul mentioned off hand that he had received some death threats over that book. He was an uncommonly brave man, both intellectually and physically. I would like to express my deep sorrow to his family, especially to his three children and his wife.
I've been meaning for some time to support the vital work of the Committee to Protect Journalists . Better late than never.
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Klebnikov was the best propagandist the KGB crime ring ever had. He wrote an account of the 1990s Russia that was about as ass-backwards as it could be, in which liberal newcomers like Berezovsky were the villains for daring to challenge the KGB gang's stranglehold on business and politics.
I'm sorry to hear about your friend, Ron.
Hensley, you're a cunt. Learn some tact.
Ron, condolences.
Mr. Bailey- I'm very sorry to hear about that.
On a brighter note, those parties sounded like a lot of fun. Hope there're plenty of memories like those to remember him by. =(
The world is a worse place now. Condolences from Russia, Ron. I'm ashamed of my country.
Ditto on chthus's post. And my condolences Ron.
I truly am a cunt, and I am sorry even though I can't take the words back, and I will not be posting here again for a long time.
My condolences for your loss.
Was the poor man killed because of what he had written?
Ron, I remember those vigorous vodka-soaked conversations with great fondness, too (I was often the token liberal). I will miss Paul terribly.
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Screw Forbes and that guy. They are right-wingnuts. The world is a better place now.
Move on!
Ron and Rob,
Good to read your comments. We all had fun. Keep the flag raised.
Michael K