[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 196 (Monday, December 19, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H9932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    BIDDING FAREWELL TO CZECH REPUBLIC FORMER PRESIDENT VACLAV HAVEL

  (Mr. McCOTTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, the late Czech champion of freedom, Vaclav 
Havel, once explained the battle between good and evil as ``an eternal, 
never-ending struggle waged not just by good people against evil 
people. It takes place inside everyone. It is what makes a person a 
person, and life, life.
  ``So anyone who claims that I am a dreamer who expects to transform 
hell into heaven is wrong. I have few illusions. But I feel a 
responsibility to work towards the things I consider good and right. I 
don't know whether I'll be able to change certain things for the 
better, or not at all. Both outcomes are possible. There is only one 
thing I will not concede: that it might be meaningless to strive in a 
good cause.''
  Mr. Haval, for your meaningful life's work engaging the affairs of 
state and of the heart for right and good, thank you and God bless you 
as your mortal struggle ends and you finally rest in peace amidst the 
freedom of your beloved Republic.

                          ____________________