An idiom from the Ozarks is, "I bet she/he is rolling over in their grave," when something unthinkable to the deceased occurs in the present.
Remember Czechoslovakia, the eastern-bloc satellite of the old Soviet Union? From the CIA World Factbook - After World War II, a truncated Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country's leaders to liberalize Communist party rule and create "socialism with a human face."
Remember - this was a country flying the Soviet Union flag and completely aligned with its agenda. After the collapse of Soviet authority, the nation split peacefully (sometimes called a velvet divorce) into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
'Old Europe' wary as Czechs take over EU presidency tells that the Czech Republic is about to assume the 6-month rotating presidency of the European Union. If it sounds to good to be true, it is. The Time article explains that the Czech president, Vaclav Klaus (I am not making this up) is a critic of the European Union and many fear what he might do in this short EU presidency. The French even boldly suggested that their outgoing Sarkozy might need to continue some of his agendas, but that was rejected. The biggest fear is that Klaus will do nothing, perhaps not even attend meetings. He refuses to fly the EU flag at Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Also with the Europeans, old habits die hard.
Ironically, even though Klaus is a critic of the EU, Relations with Moscow could be strained by Czech assumption of EU presidency. The Czech Republic wants to have closer ties to its eastern neighbors, something that Russia considers encroachment. Klaus argues that it is his human duty to help them, and hence the tension. With gas from Russia all-important during these winter months, the nations heavily dependent upon Russian energy such as Germany and Italy are understandably anxious about disturbing the bear to their east.
It is a proud moment for the people of Czechoslovakia. Through courage and sacrifice, they turned from their past government of oppression. They have arrived in world government with an attitude, and Europe could be interesting for the next 6 months.
Mmm - I wonder whether the 40th President of the United States is sitting up in his grave?
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