A truly inspiring writer, humanitarian, and master politician died today.
Vaclav Havel, a former dissident playwright, was the revered first president of Czechoslovakia (which later became the Czech Republic) after it overthrew Communist rule — 1989’s “Velvet Revolution”. After Slovakia split away, Havel served as President of the Czech Republic from 1993-2003.
“May truth and love triumph over lies and hatred.”
(His dissident slogan)
He was awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush, who called Havel, “one of liberty’s great heroes.”
Havel was a playwright who used the only weapon he knew: powerfully chosen words; he took on dictators, who feared his writing so much it was deemed to be a crime to produce his plays and forbidden to even publish his photograph.
The world needs more people like Havel.
Rest in peace,
Justin
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These comments were transferred from the old Posterous Blog:
15 days ago zencherry (Twitter) responded:
Can you imagine your words having such import that a whole world is changed by their existence?
May Vaclav be remembered always.
15 days ago Justin responded:
No, but wouldn’t that world be a bit more peaceful! — The pen is mightier than the sword is not a cliche in this case. They don’t make many people with the drive and vision Havel had in spades…
13 days ago Amberr Meadows responded:
It’s always sad to lose a great man who is able to make such a profound and positive difference. May he rest in peace.
13 days ago Justin responded:
Amberr, thank you for your kindness here, and I agree.