William Penn Life, 2006 (41. évfolyam, 2-12. szám)

2006-07-01 / 7. szám

and admit that the U.S. abandoned Hungarians in 1956.

Washington gave Hungarians the impression that help was at hand.

But, in fact, the United States was all along unprepared to help, he wrote.

"The Hungarians need to hear what happened 50 years ago—and Americans need to hear that, in the future, we will not say we seek clearly unattainable goals abroad for political ends at home."

The argument that U.S. action would have triggered a military confrontation with Moscow missed the point, Gati said. It could have taken the issue to the United Nations before, and not after, the Soviet crackdown, he added.

This view was rejected by Foreign Minister Göncz during a late night television program June 23. The minister said that Bush's visit sent positive signals about the U.S. perception of Hungary, the 1956 freedom fight and democracy.

The question of whether the U.S. should apologize for not aiding Hungary in 1956 was, she said, very complex. "The fall of the revolution was a real Hungarian tragedy," she said. "As for America's stance, one could think, from the distance of 50 years, that, of course, they could have decided to act differently in that situation. But to say that they should apologize is a different matter,"

Göncz added.

State news agency MTI reported that "many Hungarian '56-ers continue to feel betrayed by the U.S. and claim the Eisenhower administration could have done far more to help Hungary's revolutionaries."

In his Gellért Hill address, President Bush spoke of his recent meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Baghdad: "Hungarians will recognize his spirit. Prime Minister Maliki is committed to the democratic ideals that also inspired Hungarian patriots in 1956 and 1989. He has a sound plan to improve security, to unify his people and deliver a better life for the citizens of Iraq," Bush said, adding the Iraqi people's continued patience was "the kind of patience the good people of Hungary displayed after 1956." [wpl|

‘Liberty can be delayed, but it cannot be denied*

Excerpts from President Bush’s June 22 speech in Budapest:

"Hungary represents the triumph of liberty over tyranny, and America is proud to call Hungary a friend."

"Twelve days after the Hungarian people stood up for their liberty, the communists in Moscow responded with great brutality. Soon the streets of Budapest were filled with Soviet tanks. The Red Army killed many who resisted, including women and children. The Soviets threw many more into prison. They crushed the Hungarian uprising, but not the Hungarian people's thirst for freedom.

"Some 200,000 Hungarians fled into exile in search of liberty. Many found refuge in the United States. These immigrants have contributed to my country in countless ways, and America will always be glad that we opened our doors to Hungarians that were seeking freedom. Fifty years later, the sacrifice of the Hungarian people inspires all who love liberty."

"Hungary has continued to move forward. You regained your independence, held free elections, and established a free economy. Hungary is now a valued member of NATO and the European Union. You know that the democratic journey is not easy, but you continue to make the tough decisions that are necessary to succeed."

"Hungarian troops are also defending freedom's cause in the war on terror. In Afghanistan, your soldiers have rebuilt schools and a medical center. They've helped train Afghan police to enforce the rule of law, and to protect the Afghan people. In Iraq, Hungarian troops played a vital role in Operation Iraqi Freedom by providing security and delivering food and medical supplies to coalition forces. Today, Hungarian soldiers are helping to train Iraqi security forces. This is important work. By supporting these two young democracies, you are strengthening two new allies in the war on terror, and you're bringing hope to millions of people in a vital region of the world."

"The Hungarian people know well the promise of freedom. Many of you lived through the nightmare of Fascism, or Communism, or both. Yet you never lost hope. You kept faith in freedom. And 50 years after you watched Soviet tanks invade your beloved city, you now watch your grandchildren play in the streets of a free Hungary.

"The lesson of the Hungarian experience is clear: Liberty can be delayed, but it cannot be denied....And as people across the world step forward to claim their own freedom, they will take inspiration from your example, and draw hope from your success."

"Your great poet Petőfi said this: 'Here is the time, now or never!/Shall we he slaves orfree?/This is the question, answer !/By the God of the Hungarians we swear, We swear to he slaves no morel' These words were addressed to the Hungarian people, yet they speak to all people, in all times. This is the spirit that we honor today. I appreciate the opportunity to come to this great country and to celebrate the Hungarian example-the courage, the sacrifice, the perseverance that has led to this democracy. On behalf of all Americans: Köszönöm. May God bless you all."

William Penn Life,Ju;y 2006

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