on or about Nov. 9, 1989 the “Cold War” ended and “freedom” started anew for Eastern Europe. Since then, many of the countries that formed much of the “Warsaw Pact” now call them selves Central Europe. This uses a geographical reality to set Hungary and its northern neighbors apart from the former Soviet republics that now form Eastern Europe.
Corruption mars much of the politics of the region. Bad fiscal management and just bad government have strapped some of these economies with awful economies.
“Freedom” exists to a great degree but there is much that needs to be done in the areas of freedom of the press and educating the populace about its governmental systems.
“Capitalism” has failed many people here.
But, as I write this using the WIFI of a McDonald’s surrounded by students of a local university and cross boarders freely much has been gained. It takes a while. Patience is needed.
Mostly gone are the days of fear of expression. Present are some opportunities for the motivated.
The old saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day” is appropriate here. Neither was the USA democracy (representative republic) and it still needs work. So, time will tell.
