"President Islam Karimov took a look at the latest accomplishments in the capital," UzA news agency reported on August 28. The head of state examined the new, short and convenient, road connecting the Yunusabad and Mirzo-Ulugbek districts of Tashkent and the bridge there.

Examining the bridge, Karimov decided to share his thoughts on importance of bridge construction with the retinue, builders, and journalists. "Bridges are quite important an element of Tashkent's changing image," Karimov pontificated. "They are also important from the standpoint of environment. Auto exhaust is a serious pollutant. Traffic jams create certain difficulties. Bridges and new highways solve these problems."

Islam Karimov rejoices at the accomplishments in the name and for the sake of the people. Photo by UzA

Like many other observations, this pearl will probably make the books of quotations Karimov will leave to the grateful descendants. But are there not any problems in Uzbekistan more pressing than congested traffic? One would certainly think so. TV broadcasts include practically no critical materials. In fact, they include essentially nothing but reassurances that "sovereignty has allowed for broad rights and unlimited opportunities, material and spiritual well-being!"

The republican media entirely missed the episode that occurred in the Guzar district of the Kashkadarja region. Uzmetronom reports that the local authorities ordered the house of one Uktam Aitubov in the settlement of Tashguzar pulled down. Karimov was expected on a visit to observe the new railroad built there and the local authorities did not want the president offended by this "shack".

The day before the president's visit, the authorities ordered all villagers to white-wash and paint their houses. No wonder, since the president had to see how great life under his wise reign was even in the distant provinces.

Signalman Aitubov carried out the order and white-washed the walls. The authorities, however, found it insufficient and ordered the house demolished. The Aitubovs (man, wife, and four children under age) with their two mares and ten goatlings found themselves under the open sky.

Their relatives offered the Aitubovs shelter.

Opening the railroad connecting Tashguzar with Boisun and Kumkurgan, the president repeated that it had been done for the people. "This project is proof of the creative power, potential, and capacities of the people," Karimov said.