This week we are all Hungarians.
Against all odds Hungary’s long-suffering masses rose up in a fit of righteous democracy to depose a corrupt tyrant who was the darling of both Trump and Putin.
Viktor Orban was supposed to be the harbinger of a golden age of neo-autocratic rule.
Not! Thus spake the voters.
Anyway, having visited Budapest a few years ago I wanted to share some images I captured of that splendid but much-oppressed city on the Danube.
They know a thing or two about living under oppression in Budapest. This memorial to Peter Mansfeld honors a young martyr who was tortured and executed during the city’s short-lived, non-violent 1959 revolution against Soviet occupation.
To its eternal shame Hungary embraced German fascism in World War II. A sobering statement of regret and atonement, Budapest’s Empty Shoes sculptures pay tribute to the countless Jews who were shot and summarily dumped into the Danube by Hungary’s Arrow Cross militia.
Never forget.
They are also quite proud of their literary heritage. There is a flight of stairs depicting the many works of Hungarian authors. And a statue of a decidedly gaunt poet Jozsef Attila.
Because, you know, poets don’t make enough money to be well fed.
Legend has it that the mythical bird Turul guided the ancient Magyar tribes to this Promised Land on the Danube – dropping its sword at journey’s end to mark where Budapest would take root.
Alas, it turned out to be such a strategic garden spot that a long line of sword bearers – Ottomans, Hapsburgs, Germans, Russians and such – also followed the Turul’s path and proceeded to settle in.
It’s fair to say Hungarians know a thing or two about occupation. Another reason this week’s elections were such a heady – dare I say? – liberating experience.
Plus they have a whimsical sense of humor despite everything they’ve been through. You gotta love that.
Is this a great town or what? I recommend it.
FreeGNV 