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The Guilfordian January 23,1998 What's next for Eastern Europe? ♦As countries emerge from behind the Iron Curtain, they face uncertain futures with capitalism BY JACK SHULER European Affairs Columnist After travelling on the train from Berlin to Prague all day, my body was aching. I stared out the window as the train passed collapsed farm houses, fields, old tractors, and men that looked like the old tractors, old men who have farmed theses fields for days, many days. Years ago, when the communists collected their land, they came out here on cold November mornings and kicked the soil with crusted, cracking boots whose soles were wearing thin. They could not afford new soles, be cause the state could not afford new soles. These men kicked the soil and they looked at each other arid won dered. Then they walked to the next field over and they looked at each other again, and wondered, "What next?" In 1989, after the big united Ger man government sat down together and looked across the table into eyes they had not seen for many years, the farm ers were walking out into the fields, kicking the soil, looking into each other's worn and deep faces, wonder ing, "What next?" What next? That phrase was turning about in my mind as I traveled to Prague, across the former East Ger many and into the Czech Republic. The people of these lands are dealing with changes that are quite difficult for Americans to comprehend. Capitalism, in all its glory, has been thrust upon Eastern European nations. I have seen capitalism's dirtiest forms (i.e. strip malls, the Back Street Boys) as well as its greatest (e.g. CiCi's all you can eat pizza buffet for $2.99!), but for many living in former communist coun tries, capitalism is a frightening pros pect. "What next? What do we do? How can we survive? How can I af ford to feed my family and pay for housing?" I saw this frustration scratched into a section of the Berlin Wall. "The Soviet Union was a baby bear, but capi talism is a big, angry bear feeding on greed and power," signed, "Anony mous." "Wow," I thought, it must be incredible to deal with such drastic changes. What uncertainty this must breed! World & Nation But then, I got off the train at Prague's Wilsonovo Nadrazi station, a mistake because it was one stop away from the central station. Frustrated and lost, I decided to get some money at an exchange office. While in line, I heard a voice say, "Don't change your money here, they will rip you off." "Excuse me?" I responded. "Are you looking for room? I have rooms in city. Come with me, I show. We go to American Express, best rates." The man showed me his card, which read, "Pater Petrovic- apart ments, rooms, lodging." I was still a bit stunned. "I guess I am looking for a room," I said, hesi tantly. "Come with me. I show you. If you like, then you can stay. If you don't like then you are in city center and can find hostel. Okay?" "Okay," I replied. It seemed a bit sketchy, but hey, he did give me his card. He kept his word, and the apart ment, at $27 a night, was an excellent bargain. Pater was a true capitalist. He told me that he had visited America on a few occasions since the end of the eight ies in order to practice his English and get his driver's license, which is much cheaper in the States. He said that he wanted to take care of himself, now that he could, and maybe run for a govern ment position one day. h>"" -'' Slftip'Sfe?? S OF THE WEEK'S TOP NEWS Copyright Reuters, 1998 At age 30, Pater has many years to achieve his goals. His youth, energy, and education increase the chances that he will reach a certain level of security. But what about the old farmers kick ing the soil in the fields, what will they j~ - longer serves ' do? What's next for them? Can they com pete without much assistance? Capitalism can be a little or a big bear, depending on your perspective. For Eastern Europe, tough opinions for and against capitalism do not really matter anymore. Capitalism has arrived. McDonalds has planted its flag in the soil of many new countries. There is talk of new markets, the global economy, inter national trade, and many entrepreneurs are starting to rake it in. And yes, there is a Dunkin' Donuts in Prague! Clinton and Netanyahu meet President Bill Clinton met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday about Israeli troop withdrawals from the West Bank and other aspects of the Mideast peace process. Violence breaks out in Ireland Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and British Prime Minister Tony Blair met Monday. Overshadowing the talks was the killing of a Protestant shop keeper following the murder of four Catholics. Pope to visit Havana, Cuba The Pope arrived in Havana, Cuba, on Wednesday in a much-antici pated visit. As part of the preparations, authorities issued about 3,000 invita tions to international media. American Students Ambushed. Robbed, and Raved in Guatemala Five American students from St. Now what's next? We will have to wait and see. In the meantime, I'm wish ing the best of luck to all the Pater Petrovic's, Anonymous/ students and farmers throughout Eastern Europe. The train is leaving the station. Choose your car. Choose the role you will play. This is very important. A note from the writer: The above is a taste of what I plan on writing about throughout the semester. As part of an independent study, I will be writ ing about current is sues affecting Eu rope. Many of the ideas I plan on pre- senting came to me while studying in Maastricht, the Netherlands, last semes ter. It was an enlightening experience, especially considering Maastricht's role as the sight where the "Maastricht Treaty on the European Union" was signed in 1992. The question, "What next?" seems apropos considering the uncertainty of the future of this new Eu rope. It is an exciting and difficult time for all of Europe and I hope to highlight some of the most important issues. Sug gestions would be greatly appreciated. Mary's College were raped when the bus they were riding on was am bushed last Friday. The U.S. State Department reported that Guatema lan authorities have four suspects in custody. Altogether, 13 students from the college and three college repre sentatives were robbed and as saulted in the attack. Unabomber suspect deemed mentally competent to stand trial SACRAMENTO, California Prosecution and defense lawyers today backed a prison psychiatrist's finding that Unabomber suspect Theodore Kaczynski is mentally com petent to stand trial. The agreement eliminated the need for a formal competency hear ing, but left open the question of who would represent Kaczynski. The former mathematics professor is seeking to represent himself. 11
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