Euro Jet's Man of the Year
What are the three most important historical events of the 20th Century? I would pick the assassination of Arch Duke Ferdinand, the invasion of Normandy, and the fall of Communism.
While we keep saying goodbye too fast to the Greatest Generation that led the Normandy invasion, we also had to say farewell this week to a legend of history.
As I wrote in my last post, former Czech President Vaclav Havel died on Sunday. We have lost a giant of the 20th Century.
A playwright, he led the Velvet Revolution that not only brought Democracy to Czechoslovakia, but was part of a movement (led first by Poland and Hungary) that caused the total collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe.
He did it with a combination of intellectual artistry and peaceful protest.
Like Nelson Mandela, he went to jail for his dissident views, but once he became President he forgave his oppressors and focused on making his country safe, secure, and economically strong.
Prague is the center of commerce for Eastern Europe. The economic strength of the Czech Republic, its accession into NATO, the EU, and independent military are all role models for the rest of the region.
Sadly, the US media has largely ignored his death. They have missed out on commemorating an extraordinary life and the lessons learned from how peaceful protest and intellectual movements can lead to Democrary (a very relevant issue in 2011).
I hope this post will reach at least one person who will read online a story about this great man and think about how we can emulate him and always be thinking about promoting independent thinking, creativity, and free will.
Undoubtedly most publications will award the “Man of The Year” to Steve Jobs. In my opinion it should be Vaclav Havel. While he didn’t develop gadgets that have drained our wallets, he instead led a revolution and gave freedom to millions.
Plus who needs Apple when you have far more important companies, like Pilsner Urquell?
Veselé Vánoce a šťastný Nový rok. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
