Fraternity-Testvériség, 1990 (68. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1990-01-01 / 1. szám
Page 8 TESTVÉRISÉG witnessing the crumbling of the old unworkable order and the clamoring by Hungarians, Czechs, Poles, Germans, Rumanians, Bulgarians, for freedom, democracy, and economic well-being. These remarkable developments are reminiscent of the events in Europe in 1848 and 1849. When we celebrate the Ides of March, we sometimes overlook that it was not only the Hungarians who rose up to assert their political independence and desire for political reform in 1848. Revolutions swept much of Europe, including Paris, Vienna, Venice, Milan, and even Berlin. Those revolutions were doomed to failure for many reasons, not least of which was a desire by the Great Powers to return to the status quo and restore the balance of power. Thus, Austria invoked the Holy Alliance to seek the assistance of its adversary Russia in defeating the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence. England's Palmerston, although sympathetic towards Kossuth and the revolutionaries, nevertheless stated that he had "no knowledge of Hungary except as one of the component parts of the Austrian Empire." He approved Russia's intervention in Hungary, but hoped St. Petersburg would "finish as quickly as possible." Euphoria turned to disappointment, suffering and bitterness. Today, we are as euphoric as were the people in Europe in 1848. Hopefully, today's evolutionary process towards national self-determination, political independence and democracy will not be frustrated. Nevertheless, in some quarters we can detect a sense of confusion, a sense of helplessness, if not almost nostalgia for the cold-war when the line of demarcation between good and evil, friend and foe was clearly drawn. It is as if some are reluctant to recognize the tremendous opportunities presented by the triumph of the human spirit and the unquenchable desire for freedom unfolding in East-Central Europe. Indeed, we hear policymakers whisper that the United States must pass the mantle of leadership to others. In short, we can detect a preference for the status quo over the sweeping changes taking place in Europe. In view of this disturbing and potentially disastrous attitude, we must convince our policymakers that a stable, democratic and prosperous East-Central Europe would not only benefit the people directly affected, but also advance U.S. foreign policy interests. As Americans knowledgeable about the history and cultures of that part of the world, we are in a unique position to influence our government to take a far more active and positive role in supporting the democratic movements, the economic advancement of the emerging democracies, and the fashioning of a new Europe. As a community we must reach out and involve the younger generations in this exciting and challenging task. We must find and assist those American-Hungarians who, although not fluent in Hungarian, nevertheless are consciously aware of their cultural traditions and are poised to enter into the professions, business or government. As you will hear later in the presentation by the scouts, young men and women were instrumental in the revolutionary movements of 1848 and 1956. Our colleagues, our friends and our children can play an equally crucial if not as dramatic role in shaping the future by engaging in a persistent, tireless and, above all, professional effort to nurture, sustain and support the changes wrought by the cataclysmic events in East- Central Europe. It is not enough to convince ourselves of self-evident truths. It is not enough to write nice memoranda to Congressmen, Senators, or Presidents and receive form letters signed by machines. That doesn't even scratch the surface. We need people and organizations knowledgeable about politics and the political process, and what a better place to learn than Washington where there are innumerable individuals and institutions involved in this field. Let us reach out and find all who want to join in this noble quest which will ensure democracy for the country of our origin and advance the foreign policy interests of our great American homeland. The opportunity and the means are available. We can seize the moment and participate in a truly unique and for us an unprecedented endeavor, or we can stand on the sidelines and watch history pass by us. As we celebrate March 15, let us also learn from the failures of 1848/1849 so that 1990 and beyond will be a success of historic proportions. Thank you. Szeretettel értesítjük Egyesületünk nyugdíjas tagjait és a magyar testvéreinket, hogy a Bethlen Otthon nyugdíjasok falujában két lakás üresedésben van. Érdeklődők forduljanak a Bethlen Otthon igazgatójához, Kovács Pálhoz. Cime: P.O. Box 657, Ligonier, PA 15658.
