Fly problem not serious in Slovakia
Dear Editor,
Mark Stolarik wrote recently [Vol. 6 No. 1, Mar. 27 to April 2] that he wondered why Slovaks did not have screens on their windows to keep out the flies.
What flies, Mark?
My great-grandfather emmigrated to Southern Alberta in 1886 where there is a problem with flies. That is in the summer - in the winter it's not a problem. Most young Canadian Prairie children are familiar with their mothers constantly yelling "Close the screen door, you are letting the flies in."
When my wife and I first visited Levoča and Nižné Slovinky, I was constantly concerned that there were no screens on the windows and that people left their doors open. Even after I realized that there were no screens because there were no flies, my early childhood training kept me uneasy about all those open doors.
George M. Rebar
Qualicum Beach,
B.C., Canada
Mein Kampf should not be locked away
Dear Editor,
I'd like to make some points about your article concerning Mein Kampf ["Mein Kampf to be used only for scientific purposes," Around Slovakia, Vol. 6 No. 14, April 3 to 9]. I think that no one in their right state of mind would deny anything about the atrocity that took place over 50 years ago. However, I do think that Hitler's book should be kept in certain institutions. I myself have read books by authors such as Friedrich Nietszche.
I do think it's important to understand the situation that occured in the mid 1930's in Germany. It's no use saying that only the Nazis were responsible for the hell they created; one has to know everything that actually caused and contributed to the holocaust, which means all of the factors behind the ethnic cleansing of Jews, slavic peoples, gypsies, gay poeple, the disabled and others.
I and my husband, who is English, are very big fans of your paper. Keep up the good work.
Lucia Newman,
London, England
Silicon investors must be protected
Dear Editor,
The efforts and vision of the Ministry of Economy and its associates in turning a massive industrial park into an investment centre for high technology ["Silicon valley takes shape in Slovakia," By Keith Miller, Vol. 6 No. 12, March 27 to April 2] must be commended and congratulated.
This project is by no means an easy task, and when it takes shape it will provide massive employment for the people of Slovakia, not to mention the improved quality of life. Attracting investments and foreign capital into Slovakia as stated by the ministry will rake in $952 million, enough to create approximately 5,000 jobs.
The Taiwan connection is a good start. However, it is important that the safety and security of these foreign investors be guaranteed. The potential Taiwanese investors are no different in outlook from the Japanese visitors, Chinese diplomat and the foreign students who have been attacked in the last year.
Although Slovakia offers an excellent IT knowledge base, perhaps these new potential investors are unaware that the safety of their future expatriate staff or families may be compromised by the increasing skinheads attack on foreigners.
Let's make sure the facts are presented to them. The local police and the responsible ministry have yet to execute any firm and decisive actions to root out these uncivilised skinheads. It is alarming (and grimly amusing) to read in your paper that the Police President [Ján Pipta] and the Slovak Police Presidium [a senior police body] are unaware of each other's actions. The uncivilised activities of young Slovak skinheads warrant a severe and drastic response. But perhaps only a death or a permanent disability will force action.
Lets' all hope the efforts by the Slovak government to create a silicon valley here not only take shape but also take off for the future of the country. Let's hope the Taiwan connection is found and protected, not severed by the skinheads.
Brandon J.
Bratislava
