An Open Letter to Officials of the European Union: From a Czech Citizen
Stransky, Martin Jan, The New Presence: The Prague Journal of Central European Affairs
Earlier this year, our country assumed the presidency of the European Union (EU). To many of you, our attitude and approach can politely be described as somewhat disconcerting. As a Czech citizen, allow me to give you an explanation.
From our birth as a nation in 1918, we Czechs have moved through history via big steps rather than smooth strides. And in 1989, we finally became free. However, freedom is not the same thing as democracy.
We remain handicapped by post-communist morals as well as by a history which punished those who begged to differ. Our reaction has been to withdraw into one's self. We shun giving something for nothing, since basic principles count for …
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Publication information:
Article title: An Open Letter to Officials of the European Union: From a Czech Citizen.
Contributors: Stransky, Martin Jan - Author.
Magazine title: The New Presence: The Prague Journal of Central European Affairs.
Volume: 12.
Issue: 1
Publication date: Winter 2009.
Page number: 60.
© 2009 Martin Jan Stransky.
COPYRIGHT 2009 Gale Group.
This material is protected by copyright and, with the exception of fair use, may not be further copied, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means.
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