Posted on 12/18/2011 4:14:12 AM PST by untenured
Vaclav Havel, the Czech Republic's first president after the Velvet Revolution against communist rule, has died at the age of 75.
The former dissident playwright, who suffered from prolonged ill-health, died on Sunday morning, his secretary Sabina Tancecova said.
As president, he presided over Czechoslovakia's transition to democracy and a free-market economy.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...
Sad to hear.
While I lived in Slovakia, he was highly revered as
a great leader in freeing central Europe from Communism, and restoring Slovakia to its rightful position.
One of the great figures of the Czech nation, next to Tomas Masaryk and Eduard Benes.
Its sad to hear. He lived a long life and gave the Czech state a secure future as a democracy.
He will always be remembered as the gentle figure of the “Velvet Revolution.”
This is a sad loss for humanity. Mr. Havel was not only a revered figure as Eastern Europe transitioned away from Soviet domination and communism, but remained a “regular guy” even during his days as Czech PM. He was known to show up unannounced — sans entourage — during tours at Hradceny Castle in Prague, serve coffee and chat up the visitors. He never lost sight of the need to retain humility, regardless of status.
Havel was indeed a great man. A sad loss for not only the Czech Republic, but Europe and mankind as well.
When I first came here to the Czech Republic, he was President, and even his opponents had only good things to say about him. While they may have disagreed with him politically, they respected him personally.
Certainly right up there with Tomas Masaryk and Eduard Benes as great and intelligent leaders. The Czech Republic may be a small country, but their leaders do them great credit.
R.I.P. Vaclav Havel.
“When I first came here to the Czech Republic, he was President, and even his opponents had only good things to say about him. While they may have disagreed with him politically, they respected him personally.”
RIP. Havel’s resistance to communist oppression will be remembered by history.
I was in Prague during 1990-91 as a fresh faced college kid. It was quite a culture shock from American suburbia with communist attitudes still prevalent. My favorite memory is being refused entry to an open restaurant because I did not have a reservation. Every table was empty! Then there was the Czech beer for 10 cents a bottle. Good times. I am sad to see another giant from 1980’s leave the stage.
One of the giants. RIP.
He left the world a better place. Hitchens maybe not so much.
Why We Need More Leaders Like Vaclav Havel
(good read from 2008)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2028071/posts
Wow, one of the greats has left us.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.