Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader...

There is probably a grain of truth in this joke, because revolutions are the work of sober-minded people. Although the anti-alcohol campaign was virtually over by March 1990, there was still no revolution in sight. Those at the top could at least do something, while those at the bottom would not want it so much, to paraphrase that great student of revolutions, Vladimir Lenin.

By March 1990, after 5 years in power, Gorbachev had reached his political peak. Down was the only direction left to go.

The opinions expressed in this article are the author"s and do not necessarily represent those of RIA Novosti.

MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Nikolai Troitsky)