When our compatriots want to escape from Armenia because they have no job here, or they do, but want to live a better, safer life, that’s understandable. But when they say they want to leave Armenia because of longing for freedom, it’s a bit strange to me. Even if the United States is the destination.
What freedom does the Armenian look for in America? Is he going to make a speech on American television and curse Trump? Yes, there is no such freedom in Armenia, only Facebook and some websites give this opportunity. If his goal is ever to appear on CNN and to speak out whatever he wishes to unburden his heart, then let him go, no problem. Perhaps he is going to vote in different types of elections, knowing that they will be fair. Yes, it is an important freedom, but I assume, he won’t have the chance to vote just the next day he arrives in the USA. Does he want to start business, being sure that the tax and customs structures who are corrupt and serve to oligarchy will not totally bankrupt him, as it is done in Armenia? But having this truly significant freedom of business, I assume that the Armenian people will face many other problems in the United States. It’s another matter, if he starts working in his relative’s booth, which is already a set up business. But does working in the American booth provide greater freedom than in the Armenian booth? Are the salaries different? Yes. There might be no vacancy in Armenian booth? Yes. But it does not seem to have anything to do with freedom. Of course, it is more likely that our fellow citizen in the United States will not do anything, and will live through welfare. But from the point of view of freedom or even justice, what difference do you have as a plant living in Armenia or in the United States?
But in the case of the United States, at least on the theoretical level, the aspiration to seek freedom is understandable, for a simple reason, that the United States is a more liberal, more democratic, and more law-abiding country than Armenia. But when people claim they want to leave for Russia for such “intangible” benefits, it’s already difficult to understand. Freedom of speech, demonstrations and political activity in this country is more restricted than in our country. Corruption of officials is more common than it is in Armenia. I do not even say about elections.
Of course, it is more desirable to have some business in Russia and to pay taxes to the officials every month, than to be unemployed in Armenia. But what does it have to do with freedom and justice?
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
