Bratislava's SNP Square in November 1989 (source: TASR)
We had no idea how much and how long things were going to be tough. Back then in November, we thought freedom was a strong, loving mother, who would hold us in her arms like the homecoming sons and daughters. But our freedom was a toddler. And we needed to take care of it - our freedom and democracy.
We had no idea that it could be abducted, abused, and completely changed.
We thought freedom was a bullet-proof shield that would protect us, and that could only be destroyed by foreign tanks. We had no idea that it would not protect us from the attacks of our own people, and that it would be us who would have to protect her.
In a painful way we are learning that freedom is a collective force, and if we take it away from others, we give up on it. Freedom is not limitless. And it matters who the people are who set the limits. And with what intentions.
