Until you live in these other countries (I have worked in the Russia arctic for 4 years), don't be too quick to judge the actions of others. It's pretty easy for us to forgo the money we could make by harvesting bear gall bladders. It wouldn't make a difference to the quality of our lives or the lives of our families. We have an amazing health care system, an honest judiciary and the ability to get ahead if we work hard and work smart.
Raising a family in rural Russia where the declining population has meant living with a great decline in government services (post Soviet) ranging from health care, education and basics like central heating and running water and sewers.
If a guy can get a month's salary by harvesting a bears gall bladder in conditions like this, it's pretty hard for him to say no.
We are so privileged to live in Canada where most of our basic needs are easily met.
I have seen many heart breaking situations in Russia where our employees have sick or injured children and can't afford to fly them to get decent medical care. We usually raise the money amongst the expats and then get them flown to Magadan or Moscow.
