"Spiritual, territorial ravaging of Serbia"

DSS youth forum is something of a contradiction in terms.

So in the midst of a very serious economic crisis, when people are losing their jobs, prices are going up, serious mistakes have been made on the economy, what does he want to talk about?

Yep, you've guessed it things like 'national dignity', 'holy values' etc.
I have to say that I'm enjoying Kostunica's term in the political wilderness. His politics ('Serb nation', rather than including all citizens of Serbia) belongs in the 19th century and somebody like him no longer has any place in Serbian society.

He just has to hand his party over to what remains of SRS. I suppose their is place for something like a British National Party in Serbia as well.

Serbia not only needs a change, it must be some new government that doesn´t give away power to poeple like Tadic and co. that easy.

being a true patriot you don´t give in to these guys who are willingly bowing their heads...

Bganon, I agree with you to an extent. I am a very proud Serb patriot, but at the same time, I realize that the kinda talk of "Serb nation", "Holy values" is not the right kind of talk at this point in the world. Economy needs to be the biggest issue right now, and so far Kostunica has not talked much about how he would fix that.

At time same time Bganon, you seem to be the biggest criticizer of Kostunica on this website, (apart from the Albanians who come here daily on Serbian websites, who clearly have to much time on their hands). You seem to never give the guy a break, he hasn't done anything that bad for you to hate him so much. Hes an honest politician, he tells it like it is and unfortunately most people in Serbia would much rather hear fairy tales for the time being than actual descriptions of where we are and where we are going in the future.

bganon can bash Kostunica all he likes the fact of the matter is, Kostunica has achieved and done more for Serbia than bganon ever has or will. I have yet to hear any real solutions pertaining to the economy from other opposition parties or government.

If bganon, you had the initiative to read what DSS's economic policies are, you would look them up on the web. You can't expect all of what they say to make it into the news.

Here's a start just for you

http://www.dss.rs/

Kostunica is right in what he says. The Vojvodina statute has divided the country and DSS is not the only one to point it out nor voice its opinion on the matter. Why should Vojvodina be administrated from Novi Sad while the rest of Serbia under Belgrade? It makes no sense and is a dangerous prelude to secessionist rhetoric.

Granting Vojvodina administrative autonomy only means more cash in the trash and more politicians to deal with. It in no way benefits citizens living in Vojvodina.

Politics in Serbia are a tricky matter. In times such as these, Serbia needs the smallest and most economical government and parliament possible. Centralizing all of Serbia is a good start. Lets face the fact we are not a large country both in size and population so lets stop acting like it.

Kostunica is a good, sober, and principled man who is a good Christian and active member of the Church. He should lead Serbia through these challenging political times. He is simply stating that our roots and consciousness are as a patriotic and Christian nation, and the day that we lose sight of our common bonds is the day that we are easy prey for our enemies at home and abroad. I see parallels between him and the ancient King David, who was loved by his own, but despised by his enemies because his rhetoric was strong, yet simple, and he often spoke with the end of his sword to defend the interests of his kingdom. He recognizes that many Serbs today pay more heed to the voices of foreigners and have lost that certain sense of identity which our forefathers cherished, and what made us a great empire throughout history.

As a voter Djuro I am not here to visit the websites of political parties, particularly at a time when no elections are in prospect.

No, you are ignoring the fact that Kostunica himself is sending us the message with these statements that 'spiritual ravaging' (whatever that means) of Serbia is more important than the current situation in the country.

If you are in Serbia, or visit frequently, you will know that people are very worried (after being complacent - also due to government responsiblity) about their jobs, their lives. People are being paid reduced wages, firms are cutting back on basic items, people are being sacked, firms are going bankrupt. Just take a look around the very centre of Belgrade shops are starting to close down, restaurants are in deep trouble as nobody is eating out, taxi workers are saying that there is no customers and are scared what will happen when the weather is good.

How in the world is spiritual renewal or national dignity going to help them, if it won't feed their families. This is a very serious situation.

This world recession might become a world depression. This is by FAR the most important issue at the moment, but what does Kostunica want to do?

All I can say is that there is a time for national issues and a time for economic, life priorities. Now is without any doubt a time for economic, life priorities.

Nikola you know that I respect you and your position. I like that honest centre right approach you have. However, I do not believe that Kostunica is as honest as you think. I think the man is vain (thus his avoidance of proper cooperation with Nikolic - to be clear he is scared of being number 2), capable of serious political backstabbing (as they all are) but more importantly the man is out of touch with ordinary people. On the one hand he has this ordinary guy image, but on the other he is soo much a member of the establishment and so little in contact with ordinary people he doesn't even realise how worried people are about very real issues that are affecting them - their survival. He likes grand concepts but he is increasingly divorced from reality.

So when I say that I'm enjoying his time in the political wilderness, its because he truly deserves it. He does not understand people and he still thinks with this talk that he can impress certain sections of SRS and SNS. It did not work last time and it will work even less this time. I really think he should retire and let somebody else take over at DSS.

Actually I don't remember Albanians criticising Kostunica of late. If anything the removal of Kostunica from the Serbian political scene makes their job more difficult. If I was Albanian, probably I would like for Kostunica to be in power in Serbia. I don't think the west would ever cut him a break (on Kosovo, Bosnia), but I would be worried about Tadic because I would know that he is capable of speaking their language.

But let me tell you this. I am very, very disappointed with Kostunica, but if he turns around and starts talking about issues that concern people, if he adopts a more realistic, moderate position similar to DSS a few years ago, I will not be so cynical.

CG 'So allowing gays dancing around the streets would serve our economy,right???'

That kind of comment isn't even worty of a response.

'Restoring values, morality etc'. Well is that from the British National Party manifesto, or from Le Pen in France? Do you support these types of politics?

And there is no economic textbook that suggests that morality helps the economy. I suppose the boom in China was caused by restoring values and morality etc? Nope, exactly the opposite is true.

And no I don't want to push us into a European dictatorship. If you are going to write something, at least make sure it is worth writing, or at very least relevant to the topic.

There are more pressing issues at hand that comparisons to King David and 'back to basics' morality.

bganon

So allowing gays dancing around the streets would serve our economy,right???
If we want to prosper as a society we need to restore values and morality.
Only then a real economic surge could start.

BTW Why are you so down on Kostunica to speak about the Serbian nation?
87% of the people in Serbia are Serbs.
It is antinational fanatics (I call them Eurofanatics,yesterday they were Marxists,today they are pro-Europeans,tommorrow I guess they will be Marsmen )like you who forced the silent majority of Serbs into the decade long communist terror that has brought our Serbian nation to the verge of extinction.
And now you want us to push into a new European dictatorship that was solely designed for the benefit of Europes big multinational companies whose headquarters are located in Germany,the UK,France and other """friendly""" countries.

Kostunica is an honorable man and deserves the respect of all you Serbs.Although his understanding of economics may be limited there are many people who could fill that role while letting Kostunica focus on giving speeches like these.As an American economist with deep respect for the Serbian people I have pretty much spelled out the correct economic policies for Serbia to follow which would lead it to first world economic status in a shorter period of time than it is now taking.Shalom

Kostunica: "[...] everyone feels entitled to disparage the holy values that the Serb nation respects."

1. Kostunica counts himself in, too?
2. He disparages the good results of others?
3. He is turning towards the use of more fanatical, extremist language?

My dear Serbian people, would you announce here "the holy values that the Serb nation respects"? I want to learn about them.

Kostunica: "Serbs cannot be what they are."

Dear Serbs, what are you like, truly?

I would like so much to read about your ideas.

I call Kosovo Albanians to cast their views only in case they first write about the theme "How our self-image relates to our real appearance".

"There are more pressing issues at hand that comparisons to King David and 'back to basics' morality.
(bganon, 15 March 2009 22:26) "

Nope, patriotism, and a solid sense of one's nation overrides the temporal implications of mammon. You are clearly a materialist with little sense of nationality. You would not care for the eternal writings of St. Sava either, arguing that he is a relic, but he knew what was important. You would have found it illogical that we sacrificed half the male population in WWI for the sake of national identity. Lastly, Serbs always find a way to survive hard times, read our history. Our economy is much more localized and self sufficient than are export dependant countries. Vojo knows this.

serb leaders lied to the people and told them Kosova would be preserved no matter what. Kostunica is realising that the war against a secret society of men was a complete disaster. Republic of Kosova will serve our ends while Kostunica walks down the path of radicalization and self destruction.

Bganon you are right about Kostunica in some respects. He in some ways put his self in the situation he is in. He back stabbed Nikolic and the Socialists when he had a chance to form a coalition with them. However as a Kosovo Serb, I cannot fully disown him because he threw his political career down the toilet fighting for Kosovo, it did not work, but the thought is what counts in that respect.

You are right though, he needs to worry more about the situation on the ground. When the economy picks up, investment resumes and the national unemployment rate is cut in half, talk about Kosovo and Vojvodina all you want, but now is defiantly not the time.

However Djuro is right as well, Serbia is not a big country with a big population. Further decentralization of Serbia makes no sense and just creates more politicians and more taxpayers money going to the wages of these politicians. So in that sense I agree with Kostunica, Vojvodina has no reason to be decentralized from Serbia.

I think Serbia's economic hardships are because of the global recession as well as political corruption. The best thing the government can do is to split the money up by municipality and have each municipality decide how much each city gets in public funding. It may not always be the case, but for the most part, mayors and city councilmen are usually less corrupt than presidents and MP's.

I have always believed that Mr. Kostunica always had and still has very good intentions for Serbia and even the rest of the Balkans.
I have been observing him since 1999 and I would really regard him as a Statesman.
I know that politicians from the US/UK/Greater German consortium dislike him intensely. This is understandable as such politicians come from the other end of the moral spectrum. They like what Mr. Kostunica has but yet they know they could never attain his level of morality, ethics and truthfulness.
These sad individuals will fall by the wayside (probably through substance abuse) while Mr. Kostunica can always stand tall.

MB,Ireland

Tesla I don't need to read history books to see whats going on around me.

History is not to be disregarded (nor are the techings of Sveti Sava), but neither is history to be venerated as more important than the present. It is not. Recognise that.

I can't remember where the quote comes from but something like this 'The accusation of materialism is never made by the beggar'.

But if you like to talk about (historical) sacrifices then feel free to give away all your income to workers in Serbia losing their jobs. If you did that I would not criticise your argument. Actions make the man, not words, or written claims to be somehow more holier than thou.

Nikola I will concede that as far as I'm concerened at this moment in time no change should be made with Vojvodina. Devolution of power is not the priority at the moment. Perhaps once we are over this recession (and have more money available) we can have a proper debate about it. I am personally wary of poorer part of Serbia being punished by withdrawal of federal funds provided by Vojvodina. That is, I can understand why some people in Vojvodina want to move ahead with development, but our job (as citizens of Serbia) is to see a more complete picture. That means helping poorer parts of Serbia. I would prefer to see some future for people in Vranje, rather than develop Vojvodina more, if I have to choose.

I do understand what you mean about Kosovo - my only reply is that I truly don't believe that Kostunica will help Serbia achieve a maximum result on Kosovo, although in your position I would not like to stab Kostunica in the back either, as he put 'my' issue (Kosovo) above everything else.

Its another difficult case between heart and head.

It's no use trying to convince bganon to adopt a reasonable view towards Kostunica.
People like bganon can not stand hounourable, principled, honest, and patriotic men like Vojislav Kostunica. You see, Kostunica worships Serbia's red, white and blue, while the yellows worship green and nothing else but green (money). That is their fundamental difference.

No-one interested in "the holy values that the Serb nation respects".

I'm in tears.

Vojislav, what shall we do now?

Rashan thanks for the lecture. You quote me a civilisation that crumbled as an example of what? Strength? Well if strength is to support the extinction of ones own people, that is hardly patriotism is it?

Its nice to know that you believe that Serbian workers have been so greedy as to expect to be treated fairly by their employers, that their concerns about their future and the future of their families is based upon selfishness and so on. You don't believe this? Then your point is what? Its not MY world that is falling apart. Its theirs. I'm ok, its the thousands of people in Serbia I'm worried about.
Why do you insult these people with your barbs? What kind of satisfaction can it give you to criticise those who do not have enough food to feed their families?

Yes, the capitalists are rubbing their hands together. For as long as there are people like you tell these unfortunate people to go to church, rather than protest on the streets for their livelihoods, the multinational corporation can reign supreme. Oh and whilst they are undergoing a spiritual renewal, a neo-liberal government is free to destroy Serbia. Who wants that, I know I don't.

You mention humanity but you are showing very little concern in your posts for ordinary people. Its all some theory from the history books, about events none of us can even be sure ever happened, with some dubious point about sacrifice. I wonder whether you talk more about sacrifices than make sacrifices of your own?

Dragan you are right that nobody can persuade me about Kostunica. Only he can persuade me and sadly for him, he persuaded me (and the majority of Serbia) that he is no good for Serbia.

Thats a fact.

What does all that mean? It seems like a poem; it means whatever you want it to mean.

Geez BG- Anon here goes, perhaps your personal censors on this site will allow you to receive some enlightenment.

#9 "How in the world is spiritual renewal or national dignity going to help them, if it won't feed their families. This is a very serious situation".


Never a truer word spoken about your lack of perspective of the world.

Perhaps in a world with no values the UCK can sell more organs for a quick dollar to feed their families

When you begin to understand how the ancient Egyptians maintained a civilization for 4,000 years built on exactly those principles you regard as irrelevant you will begin to understand your own lack of perception of what makes this world human.

Please consider the last verse in the book "Coming forth by day" largley the last chance to receive salvation.

Perhaps your "Western" teachers never taught you how contracts are struck.

It is solely based on your word and honor. If courts were there solely to keep peoples word (contracts) then no business would ever be conducted.

The only reason your world is falling apart is because the moral less, valueless, corrupt world spwaned this unrestrained greed.

Serbia, yes that includes even the one that was re-drawn Josip B, was torn apart by the same moral less, valueless, greedy non entity otherwise known as the uncle sam corporation.

So if you are looking for salvation from this please spend a dollar, buy a house in Detroit, California, Florida, etc and best of luck.

Thank God that Srbia is largley a nation of St Sava's and Nikola Tesla's much to your consternation.

Kostunica: "[...] everyone feels entitled to disparage the holy values that the Serb nation respects."

1. Kostunica counts himself in, too?
2. He disparages the good results of others?
3. He is turning towards the use of more fanatical, extremist language?

My dear Serbian people, would you announce here "the holy values that the Serb nation respects"? I want to learn about them.

Kostunica: "Serbs cannot be what they are."

Dear Serbs, what are you like, truly?

I would like so much to read about your ideas.

I call Kosovo Albanians to cast their views only in case they first write about the theme "How our self-image relates to our real appearance".

serb leaders lied to the people and told them Kosova would be preserved no matter what. Kostunica is realising that the war against a secret society of men was a complete disaster. Republic of Kosova will serve our ends while Kostunica walks down the path of radicalization and self destruction.

Serbia not only needs a change, it must be some new government that doesn´t give away power to poeple like Tadic and co. that easy.

being a true patriot you don´t give in to these guys who are willingly bowing their heads...

DSS youth forum is something of a contradiction in terms.

So in the midst of a very serious economic crisis, when people are losing their jobs, prices are going up, serious mistakes have been made on the economy, what does he want to talk about?

Yep, you've guessed it things like 'national dignity', 'holy values' etc.
I have to say that I'm enjoying Kostunica's term in the political wilderness. His politics ('Serb nation', rather than including all citizens of Serbia) belongs in the 19th century and somebody like him no longer has any place in Serbian society.

He just has to hand his party over to what remains of SRS. I suppose their is place for something like a British National Party in Serbia as well.

bganon can bash Kostunica all he likes the fact of the matter is, Kostunica has achieved and done more for Serbia than bganon ever has or will. I have yet to hear any real solutions pertaining to the economy from other opposition parties or government.

If bganon, you had the initiative to read what DSS's economic policies are, you would look them up on the web. You can't expect all of what they say to make it into the news.

Here's a start just for you

http://www.dss.rs/

Kostunica is right in what he says. The Vojvodina statute has divided the country and DSS is not the only one to point it out nor voice its opinion on the matter. Why should Vojvodina be administrated from Novi Sad while the rest of Serbia under Belgrade? It makes no sense and is a dangerous prelude to secessionist rhetoric.

Granting Vojvodina administrative autonomy only means more cash in the trash and more politicians to deal with. It in no way benefits citizens living in Vojvodina.

Politics in Serbia are a tricky matter. In times such as these, Serbia needs the smallest and most economical government and parliament possible. Centralizing all of Serbia is a good start. Lets face the fact we are not a large country both in size and population so lets stop acting like it.

Kostunica is a good, sober, and principled man who is a good Christian and active member of the Church. He should lead Serbia through these challenging political times. He is simply stating that our roots and consciousness are as a patriotic and Christian nation, and the day that we lose sight of our common bonds is the day that we are easy prey for our enemies at home and abroad. I see parallels between him and the ancient King David, who was loved by his own, but despised by his enemies because his rhetoric was strong, yet simple, and he often spoke with the end of his sword to defend the interests of his kingdom. He recognizes that many Serbs today pay more heed to the voices of foreigners and have lost that certain sense of identity which our forefathers cherished, and what made us a great empire throughout history.

bganon

So allowing gays dancing around the streets would serve our economy,right???
If we want to prosper as a society we need to restore values and morality.
Only then a real economic surge could start.

BTW Why are you so down on Kostunica to speak about the Serbian nation?
87% of the people in Serbia are Serbs.
It is antinational fanatics (I call them Eurofanatics,yesterday they were Marxists,today they are pro-Europeans,tommorrow I guess they will be Marsmen )like you who forced the silent majority of Serbs into the decade long communist terror that has brought our Serbian nation to the verge of extinction.
And now you want us to push into a new European dictatorship that was solely designed for the benefit of Europes big multinational companies whose headquarters are located in Germany,the UK,France and other """friendly""" countries.

CG 'So allowing gays dancing around the streets would serve our economy,right???'

That kind of comment isn't even worty of a response.

'Restoring values, morality etc'. Well is that from the British National Party manifesto, or from Le Pen in France? Do you support these types of politics?

And there is no economic textbook that suggests that morality helps the economy. I suppose the boom in China was caused by restoring values and morality etc? Nope, exactly the opposite is true.

And no I don't want to push us into a European dictatorship. If you are going to write something, at least make sure it is worth writing, or at very least relevant to the topic.

There are more pressing issues at hand that comparisons to King David and 'back to basics' morality.

As a voter Djuro I am not here to visit the websites of political parties, particularly at a time when no elections are in prospect.

No, you are ignoring the fact that Kostunica himself is sending us the message with these statements that 'spiritual ravaging' (whatever that means) of Serbia is more important than the current situation in the country.

If you are in Serbia, or visit frequently, you will know that people are very worried (after being complacent - also due to government responsiblity) about their jobs, their lives. People are being paid reduced wages, firms are cutting back on basic items, people are being sacked, firms are going bankrupt. Just take a look around the very centre of Belgrade shops are starting to close down, restaurants are in deep trouble as nobody is eating out, taxi workers are saying that there is no customers and are scared what will happen when the weather is good.

How in the world is spiritual renewal or national dignity going to help them, if it won't feed their families. This is a very serious situation.

This world recession might become a world depression. This is by FAR the most important issue at the moment, but what does Kostunica want to do?

All I can say is that there is a time for national issues and a time for economic, life priorities. Now is without any doubt a time for economic, life priorities.

Nikola you know that I respect you and your position. I like that honest centre right approach you have. However, I do not believe that Kostunica is as honest as you think. I think the man is vain (thus his avoidance of proper cooperation with Nikolic - to be clear he is scared of being number 2), capable of serious political backstabbing (as they all are) but more importantly the man is out of touch with ordinary people. On the one hand he has this ordinary guy image, but on the other he is soo much a member of the establishment and so little in contact with ordinary people he doesn't even realise how worried people are about very real issues that are affecting them - their survival. He likes grand concepts but he is increasingly divorced from reality.

So when I say that I'm enjoying his time in the political wilderness, its because he truly deserves it. He does not understand people and he still thinks with this talk that he can impress certain sections of SRS and SNS. It did not work last time and it will work even less this time. I really think he should retire and let somebody else take over at DSS.

Actually I don't remember Albanians criticising Kostunica of late. If anything the removal of Kostunica from the Serbian political scene makes their job more difficult. If I was Albanian, probably I would like for Kostunica to be in power in Serbia. I don't think the west would ever cut him a break (on Kosovo, Bosnia), but I would be worried about Tadic because I would know that he is capable of speaking their language.

But let me tell you this. I am very, very disappointed with Kostunica, but if he turns around and starts talking about issues that concern people, if he adopts a more realistic, moderate position similar to DSS a few years ago, I will not be so cynical.

No-one interested in "the holy values that the Serb nation respects".

I'm in tears.

Vojislav, what shall we do now?

"There are more pressing issues at hand that comparisons to King David and 'back to basics' morality.
(bganon, 15 March 2009 22:26) "

Nope, patriotism, and a solid sense of one's nation overrides the temporal implications of mammon. You are clearly a materialist with little sense of nationality. You would not care for the eternal writings of St. Sava either, arguing that he is a relic, but he knew what was important. You would have found it illogical that we sacrificed half the male population in WWI for the sake of national identity. Lastly, Serbs always find a way to survive hard times, read our history. Our economy is much more localized and self sufficient than are export dependant countries. Vojo knows this.

I have always believed that Mr. Kostunica always had and still has very good intentions for Serbia and even the rest of the Balkans.
I have been observing him since 1999 and I would really regard him as a Statesman.
I know that politicians from the US/UK/Greater German consortium dislike him intensely. This is understandable as such politicians come from the other end of the moral spectrum. They like what Mr. Kostunica has but yet they know they could never attain his level of morality, ethics and truthfulness.
These sad individuals will fall by the wayside (probably through substance abuse) while Mr. Kostunica can always stand tall.

MB,Ireland

It's no use trying to convince bganon to adopt a reasonable view towards Kostunica.
People like bganon can not stand hounourable, principled, honest, and patriotic men like Vojislav Kostunica. You see, Kostunica worships Serbia's red, white and blue, while the yellows worship green and nothing else but green (money). That is their fundamental difference.

Geez BG- Anon here goes, perhaps your personal censors on this site will allow you to receive some enlightenment.

#9 "How in the world is spiritual renewal or national dignity going to help them, if it won't feed their families. This is a very serious situation".


Never a truer word spoken about your lack of perspective of the world.

Perhaps in a world with no values the UCK can sell more organs for a quick dollar to feed their families

When you begin to understand how the ancient Egyptians maintained a civilization for 4,000 years built on exactly those principles you regard as irrelevant you will begin to understand your own lack of perception of what makes this world human.

Please consider the last verse in the book "Coming forth by day" largley the last chance to receive salvation.

Perhaps your "Western" teachers never taught you how contracts are struck.

It is solely based on your word and honor. If courts were there solely to keep peoples word (contracts) then no business would ever be conducted.

The only reason your world is falling apart is because the moral less, valueless, corrupt world spwaned this unrestrained greed.

Serbia, yes that includes even the one that was re-drawn Josip B, was torn apart by the same moral less, valueless, greedy non entity otherwise known as the uncle sam corporation.

So if you are looking for salvation from this please spend a dollar, buy a house in Detroit, California, Florida, etc and best of luck.

Thank God that Srbia is largley a nation of St Sava's and Nikola Tesla's much to your consternation.

Bganon, I agree with you to an extent. I am a very proud Serb patriot, but at the same time, I realize that the kinda talk of "Serb nation", "Holy values" is not the right kind of talk at this point in the world. Economy needs to be the biggest issue right now, and so far Kostunica has not talked much about how he would fix that.

At time same time Bganon, you seem to be the biggest criticizer of Kostunica on this website, (apart from the Albanians who come here daily on Serbian websites, who clearly have to much time on their hands). You seem to never give the guy a break, he hasn't done anything that bad for you to hate him so much. Hes an honest politician, he tells it like it is and unfortunately most people in Serbia would much rather hear fairy tales for the time being than actual descriptions of where we are and where we are going in the future.

Rashan thanks for the lecture. You quote me a civilisation that crumbled as an example of what? Strength? Well if strength is to support the extinction of ones own people, that is hardly patriotism is it?

Its nice to know that you believe that Serbian workers have been so greedy as to expect to be treated fairly by their employers, that their concerns about their future and the future of their families is based upon selfishness and so on. You don't believe this? Then your point is what? Its not MY world that is falling apart. Its theirs. I'm ok, its the thousands of people in Serbia I'm worried about.
Why do you insult these people with your barbs? What kind of satisfaction can it give you to criticise those who do not have enough food to feed their families?

Yes, the capitalists are rubbing their hands together. For as long as there are people like you tell these unfortunate people to go to church, rather than protest on the streets for their livelihoods, the multinational corporation can reign supreme. Oh and whilst they are undergoing a spiritual renewal, a neo-liberal government is free to destroy Serbia. Who wants that, I know I don't.

You mention humanity but you are showing very little concern in your posts for ordinary people. Its all some theory from the history books, about events none of us can even be sure ever happened, with some dubious point about sacrifice. I wonder whether you talk more about sacrifices than make sacrifices of your own?

Dragan you are right that nobody can persuade me about Kostunica. Only he can persuade me and sadly for him, he persuaded me (and the majority of Serbia) that he is no good for Serbia.

Thats a fact.

Kostunica is an honorable man and deserves the respect of all you Serbs.Although his understanding of economics may be limited there are many people who could fill that role while letting Kostunica focus on giving speeches like these.As an American economist with deep respect for the Serbian people I have pretty much spelled out the correct economic policies for Serbia to follow which would lead it to first world economic status in a shorter period of time than it is now taking.Shalom

Tesla I don't need to read history books to see whats going on around me.

History is not to be disregarded (nor are the techings of Sveti Sava), but neither is history to be venerated as more important than the present. It is not. Recognise that.

I can't remember where the quote comes from but something like this 'The accusation of materialism is never made by the beggar'.

But if you like to talk about (historical) sacrifices then feel free to give away all your income to workers in Serbia losing their jobs. If you did that I would not criticise your argument. Actions make the man, not words, or written claims to be somehow more holier than thou.

Nikola I will concede that as far as I'm concerened at this moment in time no change should be made with Vojvodina. Devolution of power is not the priority at the moment. Perhaps once we are over this recession (and have more money available) we can have a proper debate about it. I am personally wary of poorer part of Serbia being punished by withdrawal of federal funds provided by Vojvodina. That is, I can understand why some people in Vojvodina want to move ahead with development, but our job (as citizens of Serbia) is to see a more complete picture. That means helping poorer parts of Serbia. I would prefer to see some future for people in Vranje, rather than develop Vojvodina more, if I have to choose.

I do understand what you mean about Kosovo - my only reply is that I truly don't believe that Kostunica will help Serbia achieve a maximum result on Kosovo, although in your position I would not like to stab Kostunica in the back either, as he put 'my' issue (Kosovo) above everything else.

Its another difficult case between heart and head.

What does all that mean? It seems like a poem; it means whatever you want it to mean.

Bganon you are right about Kostunica in some respects. He in some ways put his self in the situation he is in. He back stabbed Nikolic and the Socialists when he had a chance to form a coalition with them. However as a Kosovo Serb, I cannot fully disown him because he threw his political career down the toilet fighting for Kosovo, it did not work, but the thought is what counts in that respect.

You are right though, he needs to worry more about the situation on the ground. When the economy picks up, investment resumes and the national unemployment rate is cut in half, talk about Kosovo and Vojvodina all you want, but now is defiantly not the time.

However Djuro is right as well, Serbia is not a big country with a big population. Further decentralization of Serbia makes no sense and just creates more politicians and more taxpayers money going to the wages of these politicians. So in that sense I agree with Kostunica, Vojvodina has no reason to be decentralized from Serbia.

I think Serbia's economic hardships are because of the global recession as well as political corruption. The best thing the government can do is to split the money up by municipality and have each municipality decide how much each city gets in public funding. It may not always be the case, but for the most part, mayors and city councilmen are usually less corrupt than presidents and MP's.