In 1956, young Hungarians told the world that the slavery imposed on our people by the Soviet empire was intolerable. Unfortunately, in addition to the verbal encouragement of the West at the time, there was no friendly help. America's voice was not accompanied by weapons, but the free countries of Western Europe also took their comfortable place in the off-field sector. The continuation of the Cold War was more rewarding than showing off how powerful the Soviet empire was. Despite this, the Hungarians wrote "Ruszkik haza" on the walls in their blood-soaked streets.
In 1989, it happened again that a 26-year-old young man, 33 years after the suppression of our revolution, again boldly said that he was "coming home to Russia". The last Soviet soldier left our country in 1991. We have become our own masters. Since then, we have been right to ask what would have happened if, for example, we received the kind of help from the West that Ukraine is receiving now. However, the past must be overcome, even if the imperial exploitation of the Soviets had to be endured for 45 years in the absence of Western help. However, it is with us, albeit indirectly, that the Hungarians made it possible to tear down the Berlin Wall and unify Germany. Of course, it is also true that we still carry Trianon's backpack full of lead. We had no choice, we took note of the unjust decision of the great powers. However, when the Western world extended a hand of friendship to us, we accepted it without hesitation. Today, as a member of the EU, as an ally of NATO, we believe in the spirit of true friendship. Our sovereignty and nationhood are deeply rooted in our past.
We faithfully keep the words of our current prime minister, spoken in 1989 in a hostile environment, in our hearts and souls.
Since 2010, the vast majority of Hungary's citizens have freely enjoyed the fruits of our free country. Legitimate governance that respects the sovereignty of the people follows the principle of the sovereignty of the people. For this reason, the American-Hungarian friendship cannot be negatively affected by the independent decision of the citizens, in connection with the election of the leaders.
We experience it as a diplomatic blunder when, as a manifestation of ideological and party interests, our ally warns us on a poster about our blood-soaked words, "the Russians will go home". We want to reassure you that we will not forget. We believe that peace is the foundation of the recognition of the sovereignty of the people. The measure of true friendship is valuing and respecting each other's situation.
Mr. David Pressman also knows that the US government has the key that can immediately close the door to war. Interference in Hungarian internal affairs with financial support and posters is not acceptable. It has its place in a democracy that can satisfy the needs of political parties and the ideologies they represent to gain power.
The decision is in the hands of the voters of each state. Let's agree together that this can be the direction of our perception of personal freedom and the guarantee of preserving the friendship between our peoples.
László Csizmadia is the chairman of CÖKA's board of trustees
