Better Red and Fed?

Hi Everyone,

I came across an interesting poll the other day on the Prague Monitor about how about 28% of Czechs believe their lives were better under communism. I’ve encountered this conundrum many times since moving here almost five years ago. Some Czechs have expressed this feeling to me, and I’ve wondered at the numbers of older Czech people attending Communist rallies in Prague. It is astounding to Westerners to hear that people who lived under communism think life was better back then. 

I have grew up in a free, capitalistic economy—this is what I’ve known most of my life. There are drawbacks to capitalism, too. However, when I’ve read about what it was like to live under the regime, I shudder to think of having to live such a life of repression. So, why are some Czechs feeling as if their lives were better under communism?

Image from Wikipedia

This is a poster for the communist

May Day celebration in 1946.

It reads, " Work and peace for

the Republic, well-being 

for the people."

After conversations with Czechs about the issue of life being better (in some ways) under communism, several points have come together that help to solve part of the puzzle for Westerners.

1.  The law required everyone to work; not many people were without some type of job. As a result, there were almost no homeless people and beggars that you can now see in many places here, in Prague. Those who refused to work were punished, and sometimes even sent to prison.

2.  Most people had their basic needs met. Most families had a home, clothing, food and work. This was guaranteed under communism. The quality of these basic needs was not usually up to Western standards, but was adequate to live a somewhat comfortable life.

3.  Everyone had pretty much the same lifestyle—there was not such a huge gap between rich and poor as we have now. There was not much crime under communism as there is nowadays. People didn’t have much, but at least had enough to survive.

4.  Social care was adequate for most people under communism. Generally, families took care of one another, and took care for their elderly family members. Society took better care of those who suffered from ill health and handicaps. Currently, the Czech government is proposing cuts to all social care, including aid for handicapped and elderly people. I have personally seen many elderly people, near our neighborhood, picking through dumpsters just to find enough food to eat. This was not seen twenty years ago.

5.  All workers’ income was taxed, with part of the funds going toward health care. Everyone had medical insurance through this tax and health care was subsidized. People could freely go to the doctor and receive necessary medicines for a small co-pay. Hospitals were free to all, as were any necessary procedures. The Czech government is working, at this time, to make the Czech healthcare system resemble the one we have in the U.S., including higher costs for health insurance, medications and hospital care.

Periods of Relative Comfort

It is important to note that while life was not easy under the communist regime, there were periods when life was somewhat easier for Czechs. One such period was the Prague Spring, back in 1968, when the government was headed by Alexander Dubček, then elected First Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. 

Dubček initiated moderate changes including decentralization of the economy, democratization and more rights for citizens. The Prague Spring was short-lived. It was ended in August of 1968 with the invasion and occupation of Czechoslovakia by Soviets and Warsaw Pact troops. The Soviets then began a brutal crack-down on Czechoslovakia, and life again became hard. 

One Man's Memories of Life Under Communism  

Jiri Slavicek (Czech Republic) – Remembering... by fondapol

Capitalism Difficult for Some Older Czechs

Typically, older Czechs (40 +) who remember life under communism. For these Czechs, capitalism seems harsh and destructive. Older Czechs remember being able to visit their chata (cottage) on the weekends and during summer holidays. Many people were able to have a garden plot near their flats or houses. You could grow a few vegetables and fruits, and keep a few chickens in the yard, and it was enough to keep your family provided with food. These Czechs view life during the regime as less complicated and easier than it is now, under unbridled capitalism. Though they do not want a return to communism and repression, they do long for the safety net that was provided by the government in that time.

The on-going world economic crisis is hitting most countries very hard, including the Czech Republic. This country is heavily dependent on exports to keep its economy going. A recent report disclosed that economic recovery for the Czech Republic has been slower than in neighboring EU countries. Before the crash of communism, the Czech Republic’s debt was non-existent. Rather, there was a surplus. However, after the switch from communism to capitalism, the process of privatization was accompanied by stealing of national property. Now, there is a 40% of GDP national debt load for the Czech Republic.

Under capitalism, life for many older people is becoming more difficult. Pensions are becoming smaller, while social services provided by the government are being cut. With changes in the healthcare system, going to the doctor and getting medicine is more expensive. Necessary hospitalizations and procedures are also expensive for older people here. During the regime, older people usually had enough money to do a bit of traveling, but now they can hardly make ends meet. There are not many retirement homes in this country, and the ones that do exist are typically not maintained in a manner to allow elderly people to live comfortably. Many families are also cash-strapped, and find it almost impossible to care of their elderly family members.

Effects of the Current Global Economic Crisis

Czechs are feeling the pinch more and more as they have to pay out higher prices and taxes from salaries that are much lower than in other EU countries. The typical Czech salary is about 23,000 CZK/month, which is equal to about $1209.99 (on date of publication). Czechs are being required to pay more due to new austerity measures currently being worked on by the Czech government. Starting in January 2012, for instance, the cost of heating will go up 10%, along with an increase in food prices and VAT. Some Czechs are dismayed by all these changes and find it difficult to cope with a free-market, capitalistic system. Is it any wonder that some look back to life under communism as a better time when they now struggle to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table?

For me, the choice is easy—I would choose freedom of life and economy over communism. Being poor and free is better than life under such repression as existed under communism. But many older Czechs remember life under communism, and while it wasn’t easy to live under the regime, when people usually had the basics of life—a roof over their heads (maybe crowded in with other family members), a job, food and clothing. This was enough to live somewhat comfortably. These are the aspects of life that some Czechs long for. Czechs do not long for the repressive regime, only the basics of life that were promised back in that time. These people feel if you have freedom, but no money, then you really have no freedom at all.

Transition and Recovery Take Time

Transitioning from a repressive, totalitarian regime is difficult. It is similar, in some ways, to when a woman (or man) is in an abusive relationship. They long for a better life, but are afraid to leave the life they are familiar with, even if it is a bad, hard life. The change from living under repression, of any type to a more free way of life, is difficult. The healing process can be lengthy. So it is for Czechs who lived most of their lives under the communist regime. It will take some time for them to adjust to this new way of living. Twenty years is not enough time to erase the marks of the old communist regime. It will take another generation, at least, before Czech society is on the way to a firm recovery from their harsh past.

That’s all for today. Have a great day!

God bless,

Sher :0)

Note:  I have focused mostly on the older generation of Czechs, but I must also make a note about the younger generation. Those who are 35 and younger have fully embraced capitalism in this country.

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Jan Palach Martyr Patriot

 Jan Palach

Hi Everyone,

Have you ever heard of Jan Palach?  Yesterday was the 42^nd anniversary of the day Jan Palach immolated himself in protest of the Soviet invasion and occupation of then Czechoslovakia.   I first became acquainted with Palach’s story after moving to the Czech Republic.  Jiří told me about  Palach and I was at once horrified and amazed.  Jan Palach was a young student at Charles University back in 1968.  At that time, Czechs and Slovaks were united in one country, Czechoslovakia, and were enjoying a time known as The Prague Spring. 

The Prague Spring is a mark in history when the communists of Czechoslovakia began loosening their stranglehold on the country.  Czechs and Slovaks were enjoying a time of revival and liberalization and reform.  It was a time of hope and light brought about by changes initiated by then General Secretary of the Communist Party Dubček.  This liberalization came in the form of freedom of the press, freedom of speech, while also ushering in a better economic plan to help revive the country’s spirit.  

The Prague Spring lasted only a few short months before August 1968 when the Soviets, at the head of a Warsaw Pact army, invaded and occupied Czechoslovakia.  Dubček asked Czechs and Slovaks not to protest in order to avoid a bloody invasion.  Even so, Czechs did protest in silent ways—by pointing sign posts in the wrong directions to confuse invading troops, or completely painted over sign posts, and many small villages renamed themselves so as to add even more confusion.  Even so, the invading army was able to find its way to Prague and clamp down on the Czechs and Slovaks.  There are many pictures of the Soviets and Warsaw Pact troops marching into Prague.  One iconic picture shows a young man standing in front of a tank trying stop the troops.  I can’t even begin to imagine how Czechs felt in that time.  I’ve never seen a tank invading my city or troops invading my home.  

 Invasion of Prague 1968

During the occupation many Czechs and Slovaks were demoralized, and yet the desire for democracy and liberalization still burned.  People fought against the occupation with riots, protests and limited acts of violence.  But after a time, the Czechs and Slovaks were brought under subjection and The Prague Spring was ended. 

One young man, Jan Palach, was very unhappy at the apparent apathy shown by Czechs and Slovaks in that time.  He decided it was necessary to rouse people from their complacency with a horrific act.  Palach decided to make a sacrifice of his own life in order to raise public outcry against the Soviet occupation.  On January 16, 1969, Palach stood on Václavské Náměstí (Wenceslas Square), in front of the National Museum and doused himself with gasoline and set himself on fire.  Bystanders watched in horror as Palach ran across the square burning as a human torch.  Palach was saved when a bystander threw him to the ground and smothered the flames with his coat, but it was too late.  Palach suffered third-degree burns over 85% of his body, and lived another three days in agony before he died on January 19, 1969.  Palach was part of a group of young students who had committed to self-immolation as a form of protest to rile the Czech and Slovak people to protest against the occupation.  Most of the rest of this suicide group did not follow the fiery death of Palach.  From his hospital bed Palach had pleaded with the this suicide group not to go forward with this type of protest. 

 Jan Palach's death mask.

Palach’s funeral became a day of national protest for Czechs and Slovaks.  Thousands of people attended his funeral.  Soviet leaders were afraid Palach’s grave might become a national shrine, and exhumed his body, cremated it and reburied him in his home village.  For a  time Palach’s death did stir up the people, but eventually a period of “normalization” managed to take hold, and no significant protest took place, until 1989 brought the twentieth anniversary of Palach’s death and the Velvet Revolution.  Students at the protests and riots in 1989 were moved and inspired by Palach’s sacrifice.  They were emboldened, by his example, to move on with further protest which finally brought all Czechs and Slovaks into the protest against Soviets, and the subsequent overthrow of their occupation of Czechoslovakia.  

 Memorial to Jan Palach and Jan Zajic

Today, there is some controversy over whether Jan Palach accomplished much with his sacrifice.  Some say yes, he did, while others believe he could have done more if he had gone on living.  It is difficult to judge Palach’s actions, but we should consider the situation, and ponder what would we do in the same situation.  Would we be inspired enough to such an act as Palach’s to save our own country?  This is not a simple question, but one that takes deep thought and consideration.   Palach is remembered here every year, and many people place flowers on Palach’s memorial on Václavské Náměstí—the spot where he set himself on fire.    

I am moved by Palach’s story, and personally believe he did accomplish some good with his terrible sacrifice.  I do not advocate suicide missions or terrorism of any kind.  What Palach did was not terrorism--his death was not meant to hurt anyone but himself.  He committed this act to “wake up” his fellow countrymen.  And he didn’t hurt or kill any innocents.  This is a heroic act, though still terrible and hard to imagine.  A young man, in the prime of life, took his own life so that others might be moved to throw off the chains of Soviet rule and once again experience freedom and revival.

I am not advocating this type of protest by writing this post.   The purpose of this post was to relate to this story to readers (who live outside of the Czech Republic) and who may have never heard of Jan Palach. 

I believe in the sanctity of all Life, and believe we should not take our own lives or that of another.  The situation of Czechoslovakia during the invasion and occupation was a time of great hardship for the country, and young people felt the need for some type of protest.  Thus did it come about that Jan Palach decided to give his own life for this purpose.  He endured an agonizing three days of unbearable pain and suffering before he died,  and during the last days of his life pleaded with the others not to protest in this manner. 

That's all for today. 

God bless,

Sher  

January 19, 2011:  Note:  Here's a wonderful news story, CzechPosition.com, about how Czechs remember Jan Palach and his sacrifice:  Czechs Honor Student Who Died to Rouse the Nation

Image credit:  Wikipedia

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Happy 20th Anniversary Czech Republic

Hi Everyone,
Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution and the fall of communism in what was then Czechoslovakia. It was an exciting day, with celebrations taking part all over the Czech Republic and Slovakia. People were out en masse to enjoy the festivities and commemorations which took place. Jiri and I took part in the re-enactment of the fateful walk thousands of students took back on November 17, 1989. Again, there were thousands of people--covering all ages and walks of life--who took part in this walk yesterday. It all began at Albertov, then went on to the Vysehrad, and ended at Narodni Trida--following the original path of the first peaceful demonstration. Banners and flags waving and fluttering attended us along the route. Some of the slogans on the banners were sometimes in support of the current politicians, sometimes asking for a return of communism, and even demanding that former President Vaclav Havel "return to the castle" to become president once again. It was all very exhilarating for me--to see all of this taking place, when just 20 years ago freedom of speech did not exist in this country.

Jiri shared with me his memories of the day of marching 20 years ago. He was a young 30-something working in academia, and so was tied directly to students and their causes. There had been rumblings against communism for some time, only making a firm appearance in 1988 and carrying on into 1989. Jiri was very much in touch with the sentiments of the students and stood with them in solidarity. One of his friends called and suggested that they join the march on November 17, 1989. There was a feeling that there would be some fighting with police, even though the demonstration's intent was to hold a peaceful march. So, Jiri and his friend decided to attend the march to support the students.

Jiri explained to me that the march, of about 10,000 people, was very peaceful until it entered onto Narodni Trida (National Street), in downtown Prague. At this point, the student marchers were stopped and blockaded, by police, into an area about the size of two city blocks. There was a crush of people. I'm not sure how long the students were there--something like 30 minutes--before the police began to attack the crowd. Jiri described the marchers as varying in age from students to elderly people, and even included some children. Even so, when the police received orders to attack, anyone and everyone became targets for a very brutal beating. The demonstrators were shocked when the police began to charge at them with rubber batons. The beating doled out by police was brutal. Many hundreds of demonstrators were injured, with many sustaining terrible injuries which maimed them for life. We've been watching videos of this eventful beating for the past few days on Czech TV. The images are quite shocking and horrific. Jiri also received a blow from the police, but was not injured. Police did not let anyone escape, and even kept the injured from leaving the area to be treated for their injuries. Mass confusion and beating continued on Narodni Trida for about two hours before it ended. I would not call this a "Velvet Revolution," though the government did not stage any major retaliation against the demonstrations that took place on and after November 17, 1989.

Last night Jiri and I were a part of the massive crowd of thousands who gathered on Narodni Trida to celebrate. It was once again a place of mass confusion and a crushing crowd, but this time it was a party atmosphere. The crowd was very well-behaved and everyone enjoyed the spectacle of lights and sound. There was a fireworks display to symbolically mark the fall of the Iron Curtain, with the national anthems for both the Czech Republic and Slovakia being sung. After this, the marchers came down to the area of Narodni Trida where the beating had taken place--to finally end at a stage where singers were performing. We were literally crushed in the midst of that crowd, but it was a great and happy experience!

I was not here when the Velvet Revolution took place, but it was a momentous time for me, none-the-less. Back 20 years ago, none of us thought the Iron Curtain would fall in our lifetime. The Iron Curtain was an established fact that seemed as indestructible as the Great Wall of China. The will of the people was released back in 1989, and continues to make forward progress into the future. The Czech Republic is not finished evolving--the process will be several generations before the marks of the communist regime are removed from the psyche of the people. Even so, the Czechs are moving right along--I feel--on the right path to a brilliant future. They have birth pangs, but what country has not? As long as the people have a voice and a will things will continue to evolve in this beautiful country--the Czech Republic.

Happy 20th anniversary, Czech Republic!

God bless,
Sherry :0)

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