Budapest, Liberty Square
In addition to the above seek out a piece by Nora Berend and Christopher Clark on the Hungarian government’s attempts to rewrite the country’s past. It's in the London Review of Books. Here is a quote:
"The European Community was founded after the darkest period of European history, in the hope that it would safeguard democracy, create prosperity and foster reconciliation. Under the ‘Copenhagen criteria’ agreed by the European Council in 1993, the conditions for accession to the EU include ‘stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities’. In the last decade or so the EU has acquired new members in regions that have only a fragile democratic tradition. Some of them, like Hungary, don’t meet the Copenhagen criteria."
Similar tendencies are at work in Poland and could start rolling in the US.
I can't believe it's happening. My deepest suspicion is that it a delayed global reaction to the revolution of the 60's. A vision of empathy, acceptance, love, understanding, respect for others is challenged by fear and hate.
Which side are you on?
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