A Parade of Ironies: Mother Russia, Uncle Gorbachev, and Orphaned Communism

In a lighthearted yet politically charged encounter, Erich Honnecker, the President of East Germany, was invited to Moscow by Mikhail Gorbachev for a momentous visit. After weeks of meticulous preparation by Gorbachev, Honnecker finally arrived in the grand capital. As part of the celebratory activities, a magnificent parade through the streets of Moscow was organized, showcasing the unity and strength of the Soviet Union.

Amidst the spectacle, Gorbachev seized an opportunity to engage with a young boy watching the parade.

Curiosity gleaming in his eyes, Gorbachev asked the child, "Who is your mother?"

Without hesitation, the child proudly exclaimed, "Mother Russia!"

Gorbachev's next question carried deeper significance as he inquired, "And who is your father?"

With unflinching loyalty, the child replied, "Why, it's you, Uncle Gorbachev!"

Erich Honnecker observed this heartwarming scene unfold before him, and it left a profound impression on his mind. Inspired by Gorbachev's interaction, he extended an invitation to the Soviet leader, inviting him to East Berlin for a reciprocal visit. Similar to the preparations made in Moscow, the anticipation was palpable as Gorbachev's plane touched down in Berlin.

As the festivities commenced, including a grand parade to honor Gorbachev's arrival, Honnecker decided to reenact the previous scene, eager to witness a similar display of loyalty. Spotting a young boy amidst the crowd, Honnecker approached him, posing the same questions asked by Gorbachev in Moscow.

"Who is your mother?" Honnecker inquired, expecting the familiar response.

As expected, the child proudly declared, "the GDR – East Germany."

Sensing a positive response, Honnecker asked the next question, "And who is your father?"

The child's response was poignant: "Why, it's you, Uncle Honnecker!"

Then came the pivotal question: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

The child's immediate response left no room for doubt as he bravely proclaimed, "An orphan."

The scene symbolized the dichotomy between the perceived unity of the state and the underlying desires of the individuals it governed. It was a stark commentary on the disillusionment and longing for change that permeated East German society, highlighting the desire for a different future beyond the confines of the existing political structure. Less than a decade, communism died its natural death as Soviet Union collapsed and Germany was unified into one.

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