Human Rights in Slovakia - a hypocrite society

My breakfast coffee had a strange taste this morning as I read a disturbing article: The bottom line was this, that citizens do not only initiate petition-campaigns against hazardous garbage fills or oil pipelines. In the case of the East-Slovak town of Veľký Šariš, citizens have started a petition as a protest. Namely, four houses are being build in a residential area. The reason why they are against, is that it was found out that these houses are intended for handicapped children. The mere fact that among these children a certain percentage is of Romany origin is an additional reason for the protests.

Dumping children with a certain handicap into run-down and fully unsuitable buildings seems still to be the norm. But with all respect - and perhaps my opinion this time will be very harsh: a society, which is constantly hammering on religious catholic values/traditions, pro-life anti-abortion campaigns simultaneously pushing aside innocent children, be it because they do not fit the norm or their skin colour, has to say it still in a diplomatic way not much of my respect. 

This alarming case is definitely not unique in its kind; apparently in other municipalities recent and similar petitions have been successful or even cost the mayor's head. The reality is indeed very sad. Society not only does not understand civic principles of a democratic society, even civil principles, where it only based on their so-called Christian tradition, is barely to be found. I have honestly no words for such behaviour. Still much educating lies ahead.

MS

My breakfast coffee had a strange taste this morning as I read a disturbing article: The bottom line was this, that citizens do not only initiate petition-campaigns against hazardous garbage fills or oil pipelines. In the case of the East-Slovak town Veľký Šariš, citizens have started a petition as a protest. Four houses are being build in a residence area. The reason why they are against, is that it was found out that these houses are intended for handicapped children. The mere fact that among these children a certain percentage is of Romany origin is an additional reason for the protests. Dumping children with a certain handicap into run-down and fully unsuitable buildings seems still to be the norm. But with all respect - and perhaps my opinion this time will be very harsh: a society, which is constantly hammering on religious catholic values/traditions, pro-life anti-abortion campaigns simultaneously pushing aside innocent children, be it because they do not fit the norm or their skin colour, has to say it still in a diplomatic way not much of my respect. This alarming case is definitely not unique in its kind; apparently in other municipalities recent and similar petitions have been successful or even cost the mayor's head. The reality is indeed very sad. Society not only does not understand civic principles of a democratic society, even civil principles, where it only based on their so-called Christian tradition, is barely to be found. I have honestly no words for such behaviour. Still much educating lies ahead. MS

My breakfast coffee had a strange taste this morning as I read a disturbing article: The bottom line was this, that citizens do not only initiate petition-campaigns against hazardous garbage fills or oil pipelines. In the case of the East-Slovak town Veľký Šariš, citizens have started a petition as a protest. Four houses are being build in a residence area. The reason why they are against, is that it was found out that these houses are intended for handicapped children. The mere fact that among these children a certain percentage is of Romany origin is an additional reason for the protests. Dumping children with a certain handicap into run-down and fully unsuitable buildings seems still to be the norm. But with all respect - and perhaps my opinion this time will be very harsh: a society, which is constantly hammering on religious catholic values/traditions, pro-life anti-abortion campaigns simultaneously pushing aside innocent children, be it because they do not fit the norm or their skin colour, has to say it still in a diplomatic way not much of my respect. This alarming case is definitely not unique in its kind; apparently in other municipalities recent and similar petitions have been successful or even cost the mayor's head. The reality is indeed very sad. Society not only does not understand civic principles of a democratic society, even civil principles, where it only based on their so-called Christian tradition, is barely to be found. I have honestly no words for such behaviour. Still much educating lies ahead. MS