If you’ve been with me for a long time, you’ll know that as far back as three years ago I was writing about how much I appreciate Romania’s democratic tradition of giving ample time and space for the public to debate the important issues of the day. Last week, I was watching such a program, a 78-minute interview with Aurelia Cristea, a local politician who … Continue reading The State of the Press
Over the weekend I’ve watched with growing dismay as the propaganda war over Transnistria has been heating up. As Hiram Johnson once (allegedly) said, “The first casualty of war is the truth” and during this latest buildup of tensions between Russia and “the West” that’s certainly been the case so I figured I’d do my humble part to set the record straight. Background For centuries … Continue reading The Battle of Tiraspol
I’ve long been critical of Ponta and his political allies and more supportive of President Basescu but I’m afraid the old man is off his medication. Either that or he’s fallen victim to Yanukovich Fever, that awful disease that strikes powerful politicians who were once popular but now see their time in the spotlight coming to an end (Basescu’s 10-year reign ends this November) and … Continue reading Gabba Gabba Huh?
If Laszlo Tokes had had the decency to die back in 1989, now he’d be a martyr to the revolution, a hero to all of Romania. Unfortunately, he’s still alive and continues to be the burr under this country’s saddle, just like he was back in 1989 when his stubborn refusal to leave Timisoara helped kick off the revolution. Everything was great back when he … Continue reading Barátok és ellenségek
Oh lord, if there’s one thing that makes me laugh, it’s my own foolishness. Just a few days ago I was writing about confirmation bias and last night I realized that I too had fallen into this trap. Since January 1, as you know, I’ve been undergoing intensive language training in Russian. With all the events ongoing in Ukraine, it’s been a boon for me … Continue reading Bunicuta de Aur
All Things Romania 