History’s Repeat

History repeats itself.  This is a fact that most people will agree with and then forget. This is the reason for the shocking expressions and need for “experts” to explain an event when something occurs.

It seems that a bit of history is being repeated in Slovakia. The most recent opinion poll suggests that former labour minister Iveta Radičová is the most popular opposition politician. She trails only Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Ivan Gašparovič, who have been dominating the popularity polls for a much longer time.

This is important to note since it took a little over two years to build an opposition coalition that won the general election in 1997. During that time the then Prime Minister Mr Meciar was very popular. Of course Mr Fico’s government is still fairly new. The honeymoon period of governing may be over, but the promises of the campaign and popularity of his government proposals and laws are still fresh.

It may be possible that Ms Radičová will slowly build a solid coalition and in time Mr Fico’s popularity will decrease allowing for a new election. Electoral politics aside, another historical repetition is taking place though many have not made mention of it yet.

In 1979, a young charismatic daughter of a grocer used her popularity and political skills to become the first female leader of a major political party in Britain. Later, she led her opposition party to electoral victory becoming the first-ever female British Prime Minister.  This historical connection is merely based upon gender and internal-party popularity and I wish not to speculate on a political future.  However, when one looks at the two historical connections one cannot but be hopeful.

In Memorium

It is from my house in the heart of Europe that I heard the other day of two tragedies that personally affect me.

Death is always tragic. Wheather it is at the hands of a horrible disease or in the hands of a comrade in a horrible war.

For Geneva Humphrey and John St. John their memories and their lives will be remembered.

The following paragraph will not espouse the benefits of science and research and deride the pitiful monies and sterile morality politicians in Washington D.C. have shown in recent decades towards curing a disease. The paragraph will not be a tirade on the wasted opportunities over the past seven years in our foreign policy or the billions of money spent every day for a foreign government that, as news yesterday showed, cannot protect their own citizens, while my own government cannot give adequate money to the families of the fallen soldiers or provide the care and rehibiliation necessary for the walking wounded. It will be simple. A woman who lived a full life, raised her family and laughed with friends, and a man who had only lived a quarter of his life would want nothing more.

It is a request: Hug the nearest family member and call those who are distant. Tell them you love them.

Yes Minister: Local Council

Yes Minister: Planes, Trains and Boats

Yes Minister: How’s the Environment?

Where’s The Edit Button?

Politicians who make public statements usually say something that is inaccurate or worse, offending. If the politician in question is the leader of the government say Prime Minister or President the damage is slightly more severe. Gerald Ford’s assertion that Eastern Europe was not under the domination of the Soviet Union in his 1976 presidential debate with Jimmy Carter; Britain’s John Major in 1992 destroying his reputation and any chance for re-election in 1997 with a public speech on the economy; Mr Chirac’s numerous remarks as French Prime Minister in the 1970s; Austrian Prime Minister Howard remarks in 2005 and let us NOT count the numerous times U.S. President Bush has misrepresented himself and his country in the past seven years.

Such problems visited Prime Minister Robert Fico, who in recognizing the 63rd anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising on August 11, said the world is not better than it was during the Second World War – it is just that different weapons are used. A bold statement with a layer of truth, unfortunately what he said next is not only confusing, but it makes Mr Fico and Slovakia look both ignorant at best, at worst ungrateful.

At the regional anniversary celebration, Fico labeled globalization, liberalization and privatization as modern-day weapons, and compared the courage to stand up against globalization to the courage to fight fascism, the Sme daily reported on August 13.

Historians say that Fico was absurdly comparing two incomparable political and historical situations. They are correct. For a leader whose national economy depends very much on the three ‘weapons’ and indeed, his success, as Prime Minister is a direct result of two of those weapons one is left scratching their head at what Mr Fico really meant when he opened his mouth.