...the list of fathers of the rightly begone political system... shouldn't there be somebody more?
Who's another important person whose presence in the history of central-eastern Europe cannot be overlooked?
Yep, there is still enough space on the book cover for one more name: Stalin.
The name was erased already well over 60 years ago at the period called "the Taw", which commenced after the death of the dictator. It was a time when the communist top decided to give up the "worship of an indivdual", which had been all the rage over the 40s and early 50s, while "the sun of nations" was still alive. And so his name dissapeared from the list of forefathers.
(some sources claim that it happened in the 80s, during the surge of the opposition movement.)
The statue adorns the most emblematic symbol of the communism in Warsaw - the Palace of Science and Culture. When you walk around the Palace, you will find other statues representing arts, technologies, continents... all enlightned by the only right idealogy.
The Palace itself was constructed as a gift from the Soviet Russia - upon its completion in 1955, it was honoured with Stalin as its patron - his name is still there in the offical title, though unspoken...
About 10 years ago a member of the city council suggested that the names on the statue's book should be erased - at least the current last name. The founders of the socialist theory could be left as are, but Lenin, who was forcefully implementing the ideology both inhouse and abroad, must dissappear. Lenin's name in a public place, went on the council member, is a disgrace, as well as an instance of promoting communism - which is actually a crime, just like promoting nazizm...
The suggestion arose controversies: should this be done?
Yes - because the city and the land which suffered so much from Lenin's politics should not bear his name in a public place. We have already removed names of communist politics from our streets and squares, this one still remians here.
No - the palace is already a monument and there should not be any ingeration into its form. As a monument it is a witness of the begone era - its ornaments tell us about our history.
Apparently the latter approach prevailed, if the statue with its book is still here.
However the idea of pulling down the palace altogether still keeps returning! As said, the building is often perceived as the most consipucous remnant of the Russian past domination. Will its status of a monument save it?
Personally I hope so.
