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July 25th, 2007 issue

On the border

I suppose it is easy to understand the attraction of these border markets (“Border pirates,” Business, July 11–17). Giant multinational companies like Tesco completely overcharge (more than twice the normal price for DVDs, CDs and video games than in countries like the United States) for their low-to-plain-quality goods. Of course, pirate markets will be produced given this situation. If greedy companies lower their margins, there would be no reason for people to visit the markets.
At the same time, Czechs are unlikely to vote for any measure that enforces more strict controls for citizens at the border, which would hurt commerce and remind people of times when checkpoints were a part of normal life.
Economic sanctions placed on Ukraine were inconsequential; trade and relations with Ukraine in the energy field has outgrown any sanctions less severe than those on Cuba.
Oliver White
Prague
It was politically smart not to mention where people can find these markets. Do you want some economic sanctions, too?
I don’t think there are any laws against telling people where to go (one good place is Hřensko, just north of Děčín). However, we do need bus and train connections, plus some idea of the range of titles available and the prices.
Peter Marshall
Prague
Czech identity
As a half-Czech person who has lived in Greece all of my life, I can attest not to the endlessness of negative traits of Czech people but only to their low self-esteem (“Redefining relationships,” Opinion, July 11–17). I have never heard so many complaints, not from any other nationality.
I live in a country where people are believed to be the exact opposite. Greeks believe they are the best even though they admit the inefficiencies of their state. It is so surprising to see that Czechs, people I consider highly polite, although reserved, think of themselves as impolite and inconsiderate. Don’t be so harsh when it comes to yourself! Do yourself a favor and see how French, Greeks, Americans, Italians and so many others you think so highly of, are themselves irresponsible and corrupt.
And what’s with the record in speed and car accidents? In Greece, TV reports Greeks as the first in Europe in terms of reckless drivers, cancer patients and use of mobile phones.
Eleni Ioannou
Athens
Donor club
Congratulations. Welcome to the club from the United States (“Czech Republic graduates to donor status,” Business, March 8–15, 2006). The World Bank says you actually made it in 2005, Estonia made it in 2006, and Hungary will make it in 2007. The rest of the first layer is on track to join within the next decade.
Richard Bruce
Davis, California, U.S.A.


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