Vaclav Havel

Open Letters: Vaclav Havel

The readings by Havel is poignant because as a dissident during the Communist regime and being blacklisted, he puts so much effort to help people. One of the essays, “Dear Mr. Husak,” Havel writes about a consolidated society, where the rich and poor are able to succeed and have equal opportunity. Dr. Husak was the general secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist Party and Havel writes an open letter to him. The open letter consists of scenarios about ordinary citizens that are suffering. Additionally Havel encourages Dr. Husak for a more “consolidated” and fair society. He also talks about the oppressors of society. The oppressors, being the past history for Czechoslovakia. He talks of how Czechoslovakia was marred and oppressed by the communist regime that no matter what the government does, the people of Czechoslovakia will be afraid and will never speak up and thus hinder the ideal society. I liked reading Havel’s letters because it not only brought up many communist references but also made me think about the great efforts of people like Havel who are able to change history. Havel was extraordinary because as a playwright, he was an outsider to the political world and yet made such an impact for Czechoslovakia. Even though he was blacklisted and probably threatened by the communist regime, he continued to encourage the Czechoslovak people and even criticize the regime for oppressing the people and demanding change. This got me to wonder how brave and self-sacrificing he must have been to have put himself on the line for his country. I cannot imagine a society where speaking about one’s country and leaders were a subject of threat and where one must always oppress your opinions. It is lucky and fortunate that we as Americans are able to do this and not feel pressured or afraid so do so. However, I think that America, though progressive, must always think ahead. Today we hear about the topic of gay marriage. Opposing gay marriage, in itself is wrong. I do not see why the government must dictate and approve of two people who care for one another must be banned from getting marriage. Regardless of sex, marriage should be one’s choice and the government should not be involved. It is a pity that Proposition 8 cost so much money to advocate and how the opposing side spent millions of dollars to campaign against them. All of that money could have been spent on something else. Whereas arguing about something we already know and should not even be arguing about is a waste of time and money. During the time of Vaclav Havel, where an open letter could impact so many people, I feel that America needs their own Vaclav Havel.