Magyar News, 1990. november-1991. augusztus (1. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
1991-03-01 / 5. szám
Dr. Alexander Havadtoy “MARCH THE 15th” As we were watching the latest reports on the War in the Persian Gulf, a young man turned to me and said, “When will this crazy world settle down? This sort of thing will get us nowhere.” There is a kind of historical ring to that on this “March the 15th”, when we commemorate the great Hungarian Revolution of 1848 against the Hapsburg rulers. That was a marvelous period of heroism, when Hungarians in sympathy with the winds of European liberalism, under the slogans of liberty, equality and fraternity, rose up against their feudal lord and king. That was the age of the great temper tantrums in which the oppressed nations of Europe taught that they were going to be able to get what they wanted by the use of the sword. U nder the electrifying leadership of Governor Louis Kossuth, the Hungarian national army won victory upon victory. The world greatest and, according to military historians, most spectacular cavalry battles were fought and won by the Hungarian hussars under such brilliant generals as Görgey. Unfortunately, the besieged Hapsburgs appealed to the members of the Holy Alliance and won the support of the Russian czar. Under the pressure of the invading Russian army, the Hungarians had no other choice but to capitulate. Kossuth fled the country, never to return. Thirteen of the leading generals were hanged in Arad. Many of the bravest and most talented officers were either imprisoned or migrated to America. My young friend was right. “This sort of thing will get us nowhere!” The events of 1848 had another leader of whom we speak very little at our “March the 15th” celebrations. I am thinking of István Széchényi, the well-travelled statesman, with a broad knowledge of the Western World, a polished mind and an excellent economist. He wanted to build up the economic, financial and educational foundation of the country before demanding independence from the H apsburgs. We can understand perfectly well that this reasoned stand could not be heard and appreciated enough when the winds of liberalism and nationalism were blowing wildly through the continent. But now, after the unsuccesful revolution of 1848 and 1956, we need to heed more carefully the ideals of Széchényi, and begin the moral and financial upbuilding of our beloved Hungary. At present, the whole nation is dazed under the onrushing of the unexpected freedom which, by the grace of God, descended upon it. People feel abandoned because the constraints of Communist regimentation are no longer present. Just like the people of the Old Testament, for more than forty years they were wandering in the wilderness of a crazy ideology, under blind, corrupt and cruel taskmasters. Now the Hungarians are free, but must learn to stand on their own two feet. Up until now, they were looking at the faults of their oppressors, now they must look at their own shortcomings, trying to find and to correct them. Up until now, they could trust no one, now they must learn to develop self-confidence. Before, they could blame others for foolish plans and adventures, now they must find a new style of living under a freely elected government and a proper market economy. No wonder that they are overwhelmed by the enormity of the problems that face them. It is not easy to liquidate a bankrupt economy, 21 billion dollars of indebtedness and the vestiges of a corrupt regime. The education of the upcoming generation alone is a formidable task. They must learn that only in a democratic society can the interests and the dignity of the individual flourish; only in a free market setting can the concept of charity, legality and thrift be maintained; and only among free individuals can the choices of self-interest and community needs be balanced. TUBBY TUBS IN KECSKEMET You probably know Kecskemet as the producer of the famous barack pálinka, that is apricot brandy, but there are other sides to this lovely town. Back in the time when companies were participating in the socialist competition of accomplishing the projected goal, or even surpassing it, the results were posted on a big billboard in front of the town hall. This was where one could find out that the local funeral industry handled more corpses than they were asked to do. There was a possibility that they imported these extra corpses to win the competition. On the other hand the billboard placed the sand mining company on the bottom of the list because they didn’t come close to the mark set for them. This is strange because the town is surrounded with nothing but sand dunes. Today they still do some strange things in Kecskemet. The town has probably the only company in the world to manufacture cast iron bath tubs with the thickness up to two inches. You put a few of these together and they weigh a ton. But the production goes on and the annual output is 120,000 pieces. Think about buying one for your pleasure? It will last you more than a lifetime, you don’t have to be afraid that it will break, and imagine how long it will keep your bath water nice and hot. Maybe these tubs should be the future. Let us suggest it. /J.F.B./