by the Night Writer
I saw this museum advertised the first day we were in Prague and made a note to see it while we were here. I loved the poster, for one thing. It came down to our last weekend and I realized we still needed to go, so we set out. I have to say it is one of the most affecting places I’ve visited over here.
The Czechs are not known for their sense of humor, but it can be found, such as their placing this museum in the same building as a McDonald’s, next to a casino, and across the street from Benetton. There are also some rather rude jokes at the expense of the Russians and Communism in the gift shop, but the museum itself is serious. One might even say, “deadly serious.”
I could write in greater detail about my impressions, but perhaps it’s better to let the people who lived through it do it in their way. I took photos of some of the English-language placards that accompanied the photos and displays. These are also available in French, German, Czech, and several other languages for greater edification. Let’s let them tell the story.
“…authorized to issue temporary decrees enforcing laws without any approval of the parliament…” hmmm?
Targeting opponents with heinous accusations and show trials, and extravagant media campaigns.
A “shock-workers” movement to push laborers to maximum effort, and trade unions declaring that “after the victory of socialism, laborer’s wages would not be important.”
Supply and Demand? Why, there ought to be a law…
Those in power always find a way to get their luxury goods. Or their groceries.
There are no spiritual values, outside the State. There is no beauty, but what serves the State. There is no eternity…but the State. Rape, pillage and pollute the land and consequently the people; it doesn’t matter as long as the State benefits.
A well-regulated militia?
You can’t find a more “well-regulated” militia than that: armed groups established by the government as “the fist of the labor class” to intimidate its enemies, especially the labor class. Of course, they couldn’t be trusted with bullets for their guns.
To get a better feel for the exhibits, take the virtual tour here.
You wind your way through the rooms of the museum in what was once the Savarin Palace. The exhibits feature authentic memorabilia, though “memorabilia” is such a trifling-sounding word that implies nostalgia, and the memories here are far from fond. The last portion on your way out (before the gift shop, Comrade Lenin) is devoted to a small viewing room that plays a short film in a loop describing Czech life from the Communist takeover to the Velvet Revolution in 1989. It was called the “Velvet” Revolution because shots weren’t fired, but that does not mean it was peaceful or that the history leading up to it wasn’t bloody.
I can remember, as a kid, watching the news in 1969 as the Soviet tanks rolled into Prague to crush the “Prague Spring” and any nascent hopes of reform within the Czech Communist Party. This, too, was depicted in the film and on the wall outside the viewing room: riots, beatings, tear-gassing, armed troops and war-machines rolling over the cobblestones of Wenceslas Square that we’d come to know so well, plain-clothes agents in the crowd tackling and kicking protesters, plus accounts of three students who self-immolated in protest against Communist control.Despite the incessant cradle-to-grave indoctrination, propagandizing, intimidation and spying, the Communists couldn’t stamp out hope and a desire for freedom from such a dehumanizing existence.
Communist doctrine often referred to the “inevitability of history” and Communism’s ultimate victory, yet by the 1980s, history was clearly turning against Communism as Poland, Hungary and East Germany shook off the shackles of totalitarianism. Even so, Czechoslovakia’s escape was not a done deal. The first protest drew maybe 10,000 to Wenceslas; as the week went on the numbers grew, until finally 500,000 were crowding in every night to apply pressure and turn the tables of intimidation as they watched their one-time rulers caving in. (Velvet Revolution timeline and summary here). Blood was still being spilled; certain claws do not release easily, after all. The film ends with a bittersweet poem and images describing how much sweeter survival is after all the bitter pain that preceded it.
As I said, it is very affecting. As we left, I stopped at the desk of the woman who had sold us our tickets. She was about my age, and would have seen 1969 and 1989, and spoke very good English. She was standing, and turned to me. “Thank you,” I said, and she responded with a small, polite smile. “And thank you to people of Prague,” I added, and received a slow, solemn nod.
Hello, everything is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one is sharing
data, that’s in fact good, keep up writing. http://www.Dunklesauge.de/topsite/index.php?a=stats&u=dianapokorny
Peculiar article, exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on peinture boomerang point de vente.
Regards http://maps.Google.co.ao/url?q=http://Wiki.konyvtar.Veresegyhaz.hu/index.php?title=Szerkeszt%C5%91:SamaraOpa348984
Touche. Sound arguments. Keep up the good spirit.
Thanks very interesting blog! https://Images.Google.ms/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dunklesauge.de%2Ftopsite%2Findex.php%3Fa%3Dstats%26u%3Dretamahlum5394
TR 88
I’m excited to uncover this website. I need to
to thank you for your time for this wonderful
read!! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and i also have you
bookmarked to see new things in your site.
Hi Dear, are you truly visiting this website regularly, if so then you will without doubt take fastidious knowledge.
I got this website from my buddy who shared with me about
this web page and now this time I am visiting this web page and reading very
informative articles or reviews at this time.
Wow, that’s what I was searching for, what a information! existing here
at this website, thanks admin of this web page.
Inspiring quest there. What occurred after? Good luck!
What’s up, all the time i used to check website posts here early in the morning, as
i enjoy to gain knowledge of more and more.
Game bài ??i th??ng
I’ve read some excellent stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting.
I surprise how so much effort you set to make such
a great informative site.
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve remember your stuff previous to and you’re just too great.
I actually like what you’ve received right here, really like what you’re saying and the
best way by which you say it. You make it enjoyable
and you continue to care for to keep it sensible.
I can’t wait to learn far more from you.
That is actually a great website.
I do agree with all the ideas you’ve introduced to your post.
They are really convincing and can certainly work.
Nonetheless, the posts are too brief for starters.
May you please lengthen them a bit from next time?
Thanks for the post. http://Dunklesauge.de/topsite/index.php?a=stats&u=lizziedoolan
It’s an amazing piece of writing in support of all the internet visitors;
they will get benefit from it I am sure.
Hi there, just wanted to say, I loved this blog post.
It was practical. Keep on posting!
Goodness, ?egardless if establishment ?emains atas, mathematics serves as the
decisive discipline f?r cultivating assurance r?garding num?ers.
Oh no, primary mathematics teaches practical implementations
?uch as money management, t??s guarantee y?ur child grasps t?is properly
from ?arly.
Jurong Pioneer Junior College, formed f?om a tactical merger, ?ffers a forward-thinking education t?at emphasizes
China preparedness ?nd global engagement. Modern schools supply exceptional resources f?r commerce, sciences, and arts, fostering practical skills ?nd imagination. Trainees delight ?n enhancing programs ?ike international partnerships ?nd character-building initiatives.
The college’s encouraging neighborhood promotes strength ?nd management throu?h varied c?-curricular activities.
Graduates a?? ful?y equipped f?r vibrant careers, embodying
care ?nd continuous improvement.
Victoria Junior College ignites imagination ?nd cultivates visionary management,
empowering trainees t? produce favorable chang? th?ough a curriculum t?at sparks enthusiasms ?nd
motivates strong thinking ?n a stunning coastal campus
setting. ?he school’s th?rough centers,
consisting ?f humanities conversation ?ooms, science ?esearch suites, ?nd arts performance venues, support
enriched programs ?n arts, liberal arts, and sciences t??t promote interdisciplinary insights ?nd academic proficiency.
Strategic alliances ?ith secondary schools t?rough incorporated programs guarantee a seamless instructional journey, ?sing accelerated finding ?ut paths and specialized electives th?t cater to specific strengths ?nd interests.
Service-learning initiatives and international outreach
projects,?uch as global volunteer explorations ?nd leadership
online forums, construct caring personalities,
strength, ?nd ? dedication to community wel?-b?ing.
Graduates lead w?th undeviating conviction ?nd achieve extraordinary success ?n universities
and professions, embodying Victoria Junior College’? tradition ?f
nurturing creative, principled, ?nd transformative people.
Parents, kiasu mode activated lah, robust primary mathematics leads
t? better scientific understanding ?nd tech aspirations.
Oh, math acts like t?e foundation stone in primary education, helping kids ?n spatial
thinking f?r architecture careers.
Goodness, ?egardless if school ?emains fancy,
math ?s t?e ma?e-or-break subject t? cultivates assurance ?egarding figures.
?h no, primary math instructs practical applications ?ike financial planning, therefore
guarantee ??ur youngster masters t?at ?ight starting ear?y.
Aiyah, primary mathematics teaches practical applications ?uch ?s financial planning, th?s ensure your kid masters t?at ?ight ?eginning early.
A-level distinctions ?n core subjects ?ike Math ?et you
?part from t?? crowd.
Wow, maths acts ?ike the base stone f?r primary learning, assisting youngsters ?n geometric
reasoning ?n building routes.
Alas, minus strong mathematics ?uring Junior College,
?ven top establishment children m?y falter ?n secondary calculations, t?us develop th?t immediately
leh.
Have a ?ook ?t my p??e – math tuition for primary 5
I every time emailed this webpage post page to all my associates,
because if like to read it after that my contacts will too.
After going over a handful of the articles on your web site, I honestly like your way of writing a blog.
I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my web site as well and let
me know what you think.
Nice replies in return of this query with firm arguments
and telling the whole thing on the topic of that.
Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this
board and I in finding It truly useful & it helped me out a
lot. I’m hoping to offer one thing back and help others like you
aided me.
whoah this weblog is great i love studying your posts. Keep up the great work!
You already know, many people are hunting round for this information, you could help them greatly.
Hello, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility problems.
When I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues.
I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
Apart from that, great blog!
You have made some decent points there. I looked on the web for more info about the issue and found most people will go along
with your views on this web site.
Excellent blog you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find good quality writing like yours these days.
I honestly appreciate people like you! Take care!!
Thanks in support of sharing such a nice idea, article is good, thats why i have read it fully
Mp3Juices Looking for a great way to get the latest songs and albums from your
favorite artists – without paying for it – looks
no further than Mp3juices Free Mp3 Downloader! With this app, you can download free
mp3s straight from featured artists.
you’re truly a just right webmaster. The site loading velocity is incredible.
It sort of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick.
Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you’ve
done a magnificent process on this matter!
Excellent post but I was wanting to know if you
could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate
a little bit further. Thanks!
What i do not realize is in truth how you’re not
really a lot more well-liked than you might be right now.
You’re so intelligent. You know therefore considerably when it
comes to this matter, produced me in my view imagine it from numerous numerous angles.
Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to
do with Woman gaga! Your personal stuffs nice. All the time maintain it up! http://Www.Dunklesauge.de/topsite/index.php?a=stats&u=pansydupont31
continuously i used to read smaller content that also clear their motive, and
that is also happening with this piece of writing which I am reading at this time.
I quite like reading an article that can make men and women think.
Also, thanks for allowing me to comment! http://www.Dunklesauge.de/topsite/index.php?a=stats&u=dixieandrade47
I really like it when individuals get together and share opinions.
Great site, keep it up!
Hi there I am so grateful I found your website, I really found you
by error, while I was browsing on Aol for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say
thanks a lot for a fantastic post and a all round
enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over
it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more,
Please do keep up the great job.
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t
show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again.
Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog! https://Rachmanist.Hatenablog.com/iframe/hatena_bookmark_comment?canonical_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.Dunklesauge.de%2Ftopsite%2Findex.php%3Fa%3Dstats%26u%3Djacquelynwithnel
What’s up, its pleasant piece of writing about media
print, we all understand media is a fantastic source of facts. https://Haderslevwiki.dk/index.php/Bruger:ChastityRenteria
Hi there mates, how is everything, and what you wish for to say about this post,
in my view its actually awesome in favor of me. https://321pot.com/click/?sessionid=ievvtunsuj&adid=1_0&adspacenumber=0&url=https%3A%2F%2FWww.Dunklesauge.de%2Ftopsite%2Findex.php%3Fa%3Dstats%26u%3Dabe58t87728
Hey there, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your blog in Ie, it looks fine
but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that,
fantastic blog!
My brother suggested I might like this website. He used to be entirely
right. This submit actually made my day. You cann’t consider just how
so much time I had spent for this info! Thank you! http://www.Dunklesauge.de/topsite/index.php?a=stats&u=ruebenhirst9
If you would like to grow your experience simply keep visiting this website and be
updated with the most recent information posted here. http://www.Dunklesauge.de/topsite/index.php?a=stats&u=ambercollado
Hmm it looks like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it
up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly
enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any points for inexperienced blog writers?
I’d certainly appreciate it. http://www.dunklesauge.de/topsite/index.php?a=stats&u=lenardmenendez7
What i don’t realize is actually how you are now not
really much more smartly-preferred than you may be right now.
You’re very intelligent. You realize therefore
considerably in the case of this subject,
produced me in my opinion believe it from so many various angles.
Its like men and women are not fascinated unless it
is one thing to do with Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs outstanding.
Always deal with it up!
I constantly emailed this website post page to all my friends,
because if like to read it afterward my
contacts will too.
Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after browsing through a few
of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Regardless,
I’m definitely pleased I found it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back often!
I like the valuable information you provide in your
articles. I will bookmark your blog and check
again here frequently. I’m quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your website.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
Exceptional work!
+905072014298 fetoden dolayi ulkeyi terk etti
As the admin of this web page is working, no uncertainty very quickly
it will be well-known, due to its feature contents.