Charles Heberle visited Russia as a CCI delegate in 2015, the year that CCI (comprised of only one person by then, Sharon Tennison) resumed its original mission of bringing Russian and American citizens together in peace and friendship. It was not his first experience in the country – far from it. In the early 2000’s Charles was recruited by the Russian government to “teach democracy” in a country that had, by the admission of its own experts, experienced nothing but authoritarian governmental control for 1000 years. Moving to democracy, as they were and are intent on doing, created some challenges.
With a solid knowledge of American history, Russians were curious to learn how a relatively small group of 17th century Europeans managed to get themselves out from under monarchial control, come to a virtually unexplored continent and, over the next 120 years (from the time of their arrival until the American Revolution) teach themselves how to govern themselves via a form of direct democracy that was, and still is, unique. Put in that perspective, Americans today should be as amazed, impressed and curious as the Russians.
I met Charles a few weeks ago in a coffee house in Portland, Maine, where we spent a fascinating afternoon (for me!) while he described his background (helicopter pilot, Vietnam, career in the army, ‘retirement’ career in international organizations) and his eight years in Russia implementing his program, “You the PEOPLE.” It was an enormous undertaking covering the Republic of Karelia and centered in its capital, Petrozavodsk. If you haven’t seen it yet, please watch the video interview with Charles made by Mel Van Dusen, another 2015 CCI delegate, to catch the flavor of the complexity of that program.
One thing that struck me as Charles described how he guided the Russians to learn the art of democracy was that we, modern Americans watching our shining example become tarnished by hatred and corruption, could stand to take a lesson from the Russians; perhaps it’s time we (re)learned democracy, too?
As always, we look forward to your thoughts and feedback.
Paula, Center for Citizen Initiatives
YouTube link here to interview with Charles Heberle.
This was a fascinating interview, thanks for sharing it Natylie
Let’s say there is an undiscovered island somewhere in this world with a society of several thousand people. The island is discovered today and a team of sociologists is sent to observe the culture. When they come back they are asked about the governance of the island. Specifically, is it more democratic or more authoritarian? This begs the question of what “markers” would have to be observed to say that society was democratic. Is there a government? what is its make-up (a single person, a group)? how does a person or group become the government? is the government selected by the society, and if so what is the suffrage representative of the society? is there a body of law that is published and known by society? is each member of the society equal in theory under this law? is there equality under the law in practice? do people have a right to assemble freely and to demand changes in government or policy and air grievances? are government proceedings transparent to the society or does it operate in secret? do individuals have a right of privacy? do individuals have freedom of thought and belief? I would think these are the basic markers of democracy.