Hungary Today - A Note From An Artist

Hungary has been stirred up in the last couple of weeks. As a Hungarian artist, I do have a couple of words to say about the events.

At the end of September, my country was in the international headlines for a couple of days. The riots are over - but what is going on in this small corner of the world? I am following the happenings through live broadcasts, uncut interviews, speeches and publications of the Prime Minister and his side, leaders of the opposite and comments of "average" Hungarian citizens on several channels.

People should see for themselves and form their own views, and not take the opinions of filtered communications in the media of various colours. An almost one hour long, uncut live TV interview with Mr. Ferenc Gyurcsany, without the comments of anybody else, obviously says much more than a 15-minute interview by another TV, of which only 8.5 minutes have been published so far and which is commented with a sentence that is heard from the PM's opposers. To such a media company with manipulated news, I don't give any credit, not even to the biggest companies.

So what is happening, if we try to look at it from an objective viewpoint? I am not interested in any of the political parties, nor to speak pro or contra any of them. That's not the name of the game.

It should be clear that the whole turmoil is caused by several reasons. Sometimes one needs to be shaken, in order to wake up. Improperly used words can also cause upsets. The feeling of being abused can also trigger misemotions in many people. There might very well be circles that are actively creating the disturbance, in order to achieve their dirty ends. Lack of knowledge and understanding of the real situation makes people react in ways that are far from common sense - from leading politicians to John Smiths in the countryside. Various media interpretations don't make the scene easier either. Ridiculous games between parties, blaming others, hate and rumor mongering don't help anyone.

It would be too early to state who exactly and how exactly caused the whole thing.

But this has to be also very clear: this country has only one choice and that is upward, to become a flourishing and prospering land. The other way would be further decay with a catastrophe, which is unthinkable for every sane person and group, inside or outside Hungary.

First, one has to really UNDERSTAND it what is the meaning of 'truth', 'lie', 'responsibility' and 'freedom' - at least these concepts. It is not a new thought but often seems to be neglected that one can't be free without taking responsibility first.

To that, the first elementary step is honesty, being able to see and to say what is true, even if it's painful, even if one needs to admit one has done wrong. After that have to come the next steps of making decisions as to how to go on. One should then continue to do what is one doing, if that is right and it serves the interests and betterment of most people involved - in this case it's a whole nation, including the person himself or herself - or one should change and do everything possible to straighten out the matters.

Only those can be supported, who are able to do this, the others have to leave from the playground.

Regardless of their political stands, positions in the society or occupations.

There is no any single Hungarian person or group (except little children) who is in one way or other isn't responsible for what is happening in the country today, including myself.

Hungary has been in much more difficult and dramatic situations throughout the history, yet survived. I personally do believe in that she is making her way, and as to me, I am ready to do everything that I can with my means to contribute to this. My vision for the future is a Hungary which is the economical-cultural centre of Middle-Europe, which can be reached, I think.