About a year and a half ago I met a man named Zoltan Kesz who had a think tank foundation in Hungary fighting against nazism, racism, and government corruption and for free markets and capitalism. Hungary emerged from communism in 1990, and today the ruling party had a 2/3 supermajority and could do whatever it wanted – and it did. Bad things. They controlled the media, nationalized private pensions, took bribes, etc. etc. etc.
I decided to help Zoltan’s tiny upstart foundation. I held a fundraiser and asked many of you to help. Together we raised $50,000. His fondation’s annual budget was $120,000 including what we provided.
They did talks, hired security and attended soccer games to counter the nazi’s message of hate, wrote articles and papers. They soldiered on through heavy criticism. Then something happened. The Parliament Member (from the ruling party) from Zoltans home district vacated his seat to go work at the European Parliament. Zoltan decided to run against another ruling party candidate in a special election to fill the open seat.
The newspapers blasted him as a “free market extremist” rather than one who believes in central planning. But he went door to door talking to the people and worked social media. A tense election day came, and when it was done, Zoltan won a seat in Parliament by a landslide, breaking the ruling party’s supermajority by one seat – his!
It’s a start. It shows that we can make a difference. Zoltan says he could not have even started his work without help from the US such as the Atlas Economic Research Foundation and private donors.
In the last year we have done this, kept a woman with CP in her home forever, fixed an urban church and more. Can we make a difference?
Apparently so. Thank you!
Way to go Larry–yes we can all make a difference. Nothing more satisfying than doing so. Congratulations on the DIFFERENCES you have been making! Hi from Doris. Cheers, Charlie
Fabulous story! Please keep us posted on Zoltan’s progress. One person can make a difference. I pray that the people of Hungary will open their hearts and minds to Zoltan’s ideas and act courageously on their own behalf.
Larry, I’m sorry I missed the event only to have the chance to shake the hand of a patriot for the human race. As for you, please don’t ever go into national politics; you do more good in the private sector than you likely could get done in the “public cesspool” that is national politics.
Great story. Would love to hear more about Zoltan and what he experiences in Parliament.
Awesome post Larry thanks
Your little grandmother would be proud of you. I know I am.
Such a timely post! Been feeling the weight of the negativity in this world. Losing a bit of hope and respect for mankind. Really appreciate the reminder that there are many kind people doing very good things. Your passion continues to inspire me and your desire to help those in realy need is in complete alignment with mine. Thank you for providing yet another vehicle to make a difference to many.
We have great leaders – don’t we.
Glad to be tuned in on parts of the journey!
Thank you Larry and the others who helped me last year. I am really grateful to Atlas as well. Yes, with the help of you guys, we are making a difference.
Thank you for every single day, for every single word, for every single thought, for every single action, thank you for working to make a difference.