Soviet Union Depths of Gloom

As talk of shortages gives way to fear of famine, even Gorbachev and Yeltsin united together may not be able to save the country

For American legislators, going home during a recess to get an earful from their constituents is routine. For delegates to the Supreme Soviet, it is brand new, and shocking enough to help produce a near rebellion against President Mikhail Gorbachev. "I've been in my constituency, and there will be famine there soon, comrades, famine, a real famine!" exclaimed Valentina Gudilina, a delegate from the Moscow region, to her colleagues when they reconvened Wednesday after a 10-day break. Delegates also complained that they had heard nothing from Gorbachev about a five-hour meeting he had held a few days earlier with Russian republic...

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