Chris Smith: “Vaclav Havel is sometimes called the ``conscience of the Czech Republic.'' In fact, he could be called the conscience of…”

“Vaclav Havel is sometimes called the ``conscience of the Czech Republic.'' In fact, he could be called the conscience of the world. As both playwright and president, he has set an example for his country men and women and inspired others around the globe. As a Member serving on the Helsinki Commission, I first became aware of Vaclav Havel and his stance as a leader of the Charter '77 human rights movement. At a time when most Czechoslovaks preferred to keep their heads low, he held his up. When others dared not speak out, he raised his voice. While others hid from communism in their apartments and weekend cottages, he faced it down in prison. In recognition of his extraordinary leadership and courage, the Commission leadership recommended him for the Nobel Peace Prize in February 1989. Vaclav Havel once wrote of the ``power of the powerless'' and, on November 17, 1989, when the Velvet Revolution began, the world saw that power manifested in reality. Mr. Speaker, Vaclav Havel is a man who has always been guided by the courage of his convictions. Remarkably, his courage did not fade upon his assumption of the presidency. Indeed, he is all the more heroic for his remaining steadfast to his commitment to human rights even from the comforts of the Prague Castle. From the beginning of his tenure, as he addressed his country's communist and totalitarian past, he was a voice of reason, not revenge.”