Molly’s Way && Br23’s Way
ARTE (one of my most favorite TV channels on ASTRA satellite) showed a very good movie tonight. It’s called Molly’s Way, and it’s a heartbreaking story of an Irish woman who had an unforgetable night with a cute Polish guy in Ireland, and now she came all the way across Europe to a small town in Poland to find him. All she knows about him is his first name (Marcin) and that he works in a coal mine. There’s little hope and plenty of misery, but she has enough determination to find him: thanks to her inner energy and a baby inside her belly. She finds a room in a whore house where she works as a cleaning lady. After work she goes around coal mines trying to find Marcin…
…But in the end Molly finds her own way.
Now as the political turmoil in Belarus is settling down a little bit, I’m also thinking about br23’s way and br23’s future.
I have to confess I’d rather revert back to my old “primitive ways” of keeping this journal, i.e. handling it more like a diary rather than a pro-opposition pro-democracy political news blog. I’d rather write about Belarusian language, history and literature than politics and Lukashenka’s filth.
Of course during these last two-three weeks I felt obliged to report what’s going on in the country, especially considering the fact that there’s virtually no information about Belarus in English. But I really don’t feel comfortable turning this personal blog into a political forum.
Your comments are welcome of course.
April 5th, 2006 at 3:01 am
While I understand where you’re coming from and what you’re saying (and feeling), despite your ambivalence and reluctance, you are performing a valuable and much-needed service, perhaps even one that fate and current events are forcing you into. The English-speaking world needs to learn more about Belarus past, present and future; sadly, there are too few sources or people who seem able to bridge the linguistic and cultural divide between the two in an intelligible and knowledgable manner. As an English-speaking Belarusian, that is your gift and your cross at this time.
At this particular moment, whether we like it or not, Belarusian language, culture, history and destiny cannot be divorced and compartmentalized apart from politics. The struggle between Lukashenka and his Soviet-minded ilk, and Milinkevich (one of the most hopeful, courageous, spirited and proactive figures to appear on the Belarusian scene in quite some time) and his fellow patriots, now unfolding before us is not merely a matter of ideology, or economics, or social policy, or international relations, as politics is in so many other countries. It is essentially and viscerally a struggle for the survival of the soul of a nation, the Belarusian people, a struggle between life and death, a struggle between humanity and inhumanity, a struggle between hope and stagnation.
“Daj Boh” that there is a time, and soon, when Belarusian politics are mundane, the stuff of petty squabbling, infighting, grandstanding and politicking among differing factions in the same social order. Then we can yawn. But right now, they seem to be of more consequence than that: the fate of Belarus and her heritage seem to hang in the balance.
Even when covering the “necessary evil” of politics in contemporary Belarus, you do so with a heartfelt, soulful, reflective and gentlemanly spirit. There is nothing coldly analytical, ideological or political in what I’ve found on your blog. In what you write and what you post, it is very obvious that you are in love with and care for Belarus, the Belarusian people and your Belarusian heritage. For that reason, your blog is so very different than so many others.
So do as you must and go where your heart leads, druža naš, but know that what you have been doing here has been invaluable to many of us, who would have had a hard time getting English-language information and insight about this latest (and very dramatic) stage in the evolution of Belarus. And for that much, we owe you one very sincere “vialiki dziakuj.” You are, wittingly or unwittingly, making a contribution to the Belarusian heritage in what you’re doing.
April 5th, 2006 at 3:10 am
Hryshka: Thank you! That’s quite a flattering comment. And lots of food for thought. Wow…
I guess my main point is that the original plan was to have a non-political blog, but latest events in Belarus sort of pushed me into something I wasn’t planning to jump into. I want to feel more in control of my own blog, I don’t want just to go with the tide. ;) Of course, I will go on posting Belarus-related news items from time to time, but I just don’t want to delve into politics too much.
First of all, I don’t feel prepared or experienced enough to engage in political debates and political writing. Second, I don’t find it satisfying. It’s just not my thing.
April 5th, 2006 at 3:38 am
Just wanted to say thanks for what you’ve been doing and for whatever you decide to do here with br23. You have given a very personal view of the happenings and the news in Belarus, a view that is not corrupted by censorship or the fear thereof. Your view is very much appreciated, especially by those of us who have friends in Belarus and deep feelings for Belarus. No matter what you decide to do with the blog, br23 has been the best source anywhere for unbiased yet professional updates, and the place I have checked first for Belarusian news, especially over the last few eventful weeks. Not knowing the Belarusian language that well has made it harder than expected to keep up on the news. My Russian is good, but news coming out in Russian can be contradicting and hard to trust, so I want to tell you thanks for having the English blog too. Do you know of any Russian-language blogs that are viable and trustworthy? There are good English ones, but it’s pretty slim picking. I’ve tried picking up Belarusian, but not being able to speak with anyone here in the states and the lack of time have hindered me with that. Again, thanks for all that you have done and good luck with br23, whatever path it ends up taking.
April 5th, 2006 at 5:46 am
Being an aspiring linguist i actually missed the stories about Belarusian language. But being a former Soviet citizen and having an interest in politics, and particularly, dictatorships, i didn’t mind at all reading your reports. And your personal entries are fine too.
Go on, do all of them. From my experience it all just gets better.
If you would only write news, you could just as well work in Reuters.
April 5th, 2006 at 6:41 am
A huge thanks for all you’ve been writing lately - very important, very interesting. As for the future of this blog, you don’t owe anything to anyone - and Belarusian language, literature and history are as important and interesting as Belarusian politics. Even more, a lot more, if you ask me. And to find anything written on these subjects in English is more difficult than finding politics-related stuff. So please do keep writing and don’t worry about which direction you take.
Thanks and good luck,
Veronica
April 5th, 2006 at 7:14 am
br23 has become the voice of Belarus for many of us in the world outside. As long as you are writing, we know that the spark of freedom has not been quenched.
You must write what is in your heart, not what we necessarily want to read, or your blogging will become work. On the other hand, you have picked up a torch and held it high to cast light on dark deeds by men who would rather remain unknown.
Even in their lowered state of grace, there still lies within them some small residue of good or they would not feel shame when you write what they are doing to Belarus. Even if they attempt to deny it, your truthful account of what has happened will follow them and may eventually lead them to reconsider their non-survival choices.
Whatever path you choose, we are grateful that you were there when it counted.
Thank you,
David St Lawrence
April 5th, 2006 at 7:17 am
off topic
hello, thank you for visiting my blog.
For visting blogs in czech or slovak language visit and make choice from
http://www.toplist.cz/weblogy/osobni or http://blog.sme.sk/
I am sorry, but I do not know to recommend any website to learning czech or slovak language on-line.
April 5th, 2006 at 5:18 pm
You are right about your desires…really I want to thank you: I knew this blog during Belarus’ election and opposition ! Very very intersting for me . We are going to poll next sunday . it’s very difficult period for ITALY, many people hope Berlusconi is going to home..for Italy and for Europe ! Sincerely I would like to read other new on belarus next months…if you like :)) thanks ciao ciao Marco
April 5th, 2006 at 6:47 pm
Off-topic, i’m writing it here because i don’t have your email:
Rydel, i thought that you might find it interesting that lately there was some action about Belarus-related articles in the Hebrew Wikipedia. Among other things, there’s an argument on the proper Hebrew spelling of the word Belarus. Even though i am not even close to be an expert, i do my best to defend the honor of your country and language :)
April 5th, 2006 at 6:52 pm
I dont think there’s anything I could say that hasnt been said by the many insightfull comments posted ahead of me. I can very much understand the struggle whether or not to continue writing about politics. This topic is actually banned from various forums I know for reasons such as not making the forum into a flamewar. But I think you were right to report about events happening in Belarus during this period. I do hope you continue write about Belarusian affairs. You are right, there’s very little information around. During the elections I’ve had to resort to using two tv’s and three monitors simultaneously, reading numerous newspapers and listening to multiple radio stations to attempt and gather all information I could find. (If you dont believe me here’s a picture http://x.lanfanatics.nl/my%20room.jpg ) It sounds excessive but this is reality, this is how little information there really is and 90% of it was just the same with a little twist. Your blog contained all I could catch, and far far more. I’d say thats a job bloody well done!
As for your personal side, I really enjoy reading all the stories you write about events occurring in your life. The linguistic questions and articles make me stop and think. It’s all highly informative and often with a twist of humor :)
Running a personal blog or a political journal, I think that’s the question you are asking yourself. Why not both? Doesnt your title say “the two sides of one blogger”?
April 5th, 2006 at 8:57 pm
Ditto for what’s written above. I don’t think you necessarily need to set yourself any hard and fast rules. This is the beauty of blogging. You can write about whatever you like. But as a source of information on all things Belarusian, we are sure you will continue to be valuable.
April 6th, 2006 at 12:26 am
As a Canadian journalist with an interest in the former Soviet bloc, your blog was an invaluable source of information. (Like many Canadians, I learned of it from Paul Wells’ blog at Macleans magazine.) Your blog should be exactly what you want it to be, but I hope you’ll revert to your political role when events warrant. My understanding of the election was so much richer thanks to your efforts.
I’m also a bit curious, if you have the time to answer a question, how you’ve managed to keep the blog going, given the government’s attitude towards dissent. I assume authorities know who you are (especially after your award). Are you at risk? What steps do you take to protect yourself?
April 6th, 2006 at 12:55 am
Logan: “My Russian is good, but news coming out in Russian can be contradicting and hard to trust, so I want to tell you thanks for having the English blog too.”
That’s true. You have to watch the sources. Russian news agencies such as ITAR-TASS or Interfax often use the official news items from Lukashenka’s BelTA, and lots of times it’s very biased.
> I’ve tried picking up Belarusian, but not being able to speak with anyone here in the states and the lack of time have hindered me with that.
That’s nice to know. :)
I guess if you know really good Russian, and then some Western Slavic tongue such as Slovak or Polish, Belarusian can be relatively easy to pick up…
April 6th, 2006 at 12:58 am
aharoni: “Being an aspiring linguist i actually missed the stories about Belarusian language. But being a former Soviet citizen and having an interest in politics, and particularly, dictatorships, i didn’t mind at all reading your reports. And your personal entries are fine too.”
Finally! Here’s my ideal reader. ;)
> If you would only write news, you could just as well work in Reuters.
That’s what bothers me. I don’t want to become some sort of weird competitor to some news sites. First of all, I can’t. Second, I’m not interested.
April 6th, 2006 at 1:01 am
neeka: Thanks for the kind words. Yes, I agree, there’s a lot of politics-related content in English, but it’s not deep. For example, you search for “Belarus” on news.google.com and you see 3,000 items, but maybe 1,000 of them will be exactly the same piece based on a Reuter or AP report and slightly rewritten.
April 6th, 2006 at 1:09 am
David St Lawrence: “You must write what is in your heart, not what we necessarily want to read, or your blogging will become work.”
That’s exactly why I told myself to make a break and asked for your comments.
“On the other hand, you have picked up a torch and held it high to cast light on dark deeds by men who would rather remain unknown.”
The deeds are pretty much known. There are organizations such as ILHR (International League of Human Rights), Amnesty International, Reporters without Borders, and other NGO’s which really document everything.
I’m only making occasional highlights.
PS. Thanks for your comment!
April 6th, 2006 at 1:10 am
jej bývalý: Diky moc! ;)
April 6th, 2006 at 1:11 am
Marco Peiretti: Grazia! ;)
Note: I don’t think you can compare Lukashenka and Berlusconi. Maybe, Berlusconi is also “evil” in some sense, but in totally different ways.
April 6th, 2006 at 1:13 am
Aharoni: “i thought that you might find it interesting that lately there was some action about Belarus-related articles in the Hebrew Wikipedia. Among other things, there’s an argument on the proper Hebrew spelling of the word Belarus. Even though i am not even close to be an expert, i do my best to defend the honor of your country and language :)”
So it’s the “white russia” thingy again? ;)
PS. My current e-mail is br23net@джымэйл.ком
April 6th, 2006 at 1:15 am
}T{Reme [Q_G]:
> http://x.lanfanatics.nl/my%20room.jpg
That’s a crazy hacker place! Is it at your office? :)
And which satellites / cable channels do you pick up on your TV?
April 6th, 2006 at 1:22 am
BiB: “I don’t think you necessarily need to set yourself any hard and fast rules. This is the beauty of blogging. You can write about whatever you like.”
I totally agree. I get your point.
That’s the reason I’ve brought it up. If I create artificial rules or limitations, it will only damage the whole thing. And I kind of created the rule, after seeing that instapundit or publius pundit usually link to political items, that I should write something about politics every day. And then I realized that I confine myself to something I don’t necessarily want or can write about.
But now I shouldn’t create the rule that I’m not writing about politics. Because that’s just one more rule that overrides the other rule. Blogging is about personal freedom.
April 6th, 2006 at 1:32 am
Jacques Poitras: Thank you for your comment!
I’m very thankful to Paul Wells! I’ve got 500 extra links on that day just from one link that he posted.
And then I was surprised to see that Canada, in spite of being so remote geopoliticaly, was actively involved. One Canadian journalist was arrested on the October square. And then even your froeign minister reacted to that.
> I’m also a bit curious, if you have the time to answer a question, how you’ve managed to keep the blog going, given the government’s attitude towards dissent.
The answer is simple: currently, I’m not located in Minsk.
> I assume authorities know who you are (especially after your award).
Well, the president of TUT.by Jury Zisser was very understanding. I was the only participant out of 177 sites, which they didn’t name by real name, but referred to as simply “br23″.
And my dad, when he came to the stage, also said “my son who’s known online as br23…”
Of course, there are dozens of people that know my real identity. But I hope there won’t be any harm because of that.
The people who are at risk are the ones who are actively involved INSIDE Belarus.
Lukashenka’s people don’t care about Internet that much, yet…
April 6th, 2006 at 6:51 am
> That’s a crazy hacker place! Is it at your office? :)
> And which satellites / cable channels do you pick up on your TV?
Lol no I wish, it’s just my livingroom. I can pick up roughly 15-20 local stations, 3 german ones, one from turkey, italy, france, 3 from england, 2 from america… still need to get a sattelite receiver :/
That’s alot of really positive comments posted here, I hope it gives you material to think about administrator. Sorry I cant write any more, gonna be late for work :)
April 6th, 2006 at 8:03 am
(This comment uses Hebrew characters. It should work if you have a Unicode font installed.)
Yep, there are several ways of writing Belarus in Hebrew. My favorite is “בלארוס” = “Belarus”. It is sometimes called “רוסיה לבנה” = “Rusiya Levana” = “White Russia”, which i change to Belarus on sight. Currently there is only one instance of it, which is a direct citation from a different book, so i left it as it was. There are also several spellings of the Russianiazed name Byelorussia (ביילורוסיה, בלורוסיה, etc.), which i also change to Belarus. The funniest problem is that even the plain Belarus can be spelled in at least two different ways - with an Aleph and without it. I prefer the version with the Aleph, because it stresses out that it is Bela and not Belo (even though most people don’t realize it). I even emailed the Hebrew Language Academy, and although their answer was rather vague, they mostly supported my opinion. From time to time i also run a search for offending spellings and fix them (the problem is not big enough to justify a bot).
My biggest dilemma lately was when i edited an article about Marshall Konstantin Rokossovsky. It lists the names of the fronts in which he fought, and i wasn’t sure whether to leave the more Soviet name “Byelorussian Front” (חזית ביילורוסית) or to change it to “Belarusian” (בלארוסית) - because it was the Soviet army afterall. In the end i changed to Belarusian for consistency …
April 9th, 2006 at 12:31 am
Dear br23,
Thanks for your reply, and congratulations again on your efforts. You bring to mind Havel’s classic essay “The Power of the Powerless.” He uses the example of a greengrocer who refuses to put a pro-party sign in his store window, but he could have been writing about you:
By breaking the rules of the game, he has disrupted the game as such. He has exposed it as a mere game. He has shattered the world of appearances, the fundamental pillar of the system. He has upset the power structure by tearing apart what holds it together. He has demonstrated that living a lie is living a lie. He has broken through the exalted facade of the system and exposed the real, base foundations of power. He has said that the emperor is naked. And because the emperor is in fact naked, something extremely dangerous has happened: by his action, the greengrocer has addressed the world. He has enabled everyone to peer behind the curtain. He has shown everyone that it is possible to live within the truth. Living within the lie can constitute the system only if it is universal. The principle must embrace and permeate everything. There are no terms whatsoever on which it can co-exist with living within the truth, and therefore everyone who steps out of line denies it in principle and threatens it in its entirety.
Best wishes!
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