Final Word from Thursday, May 12, 2011
Doesn't Vít Bárta's obsession with running the interior ministry explain much of what is happening in Czech politics today? Such a fantasy might seem totally out of Bárta's reach at this point, given the way he was run out of office as transport minister a month ago, but the facts work in Bárta's favor. First is the way he was allowed to explain away his time at ABL security agency without any fatal consequences. Second is the way VV has gone unchallenged in filling the anti-corruption gap in the cabinet's sagging armor. And third is the fact that Petr Nečas has turned out to be a complete milksop when it comes to enforcing the decisions he makes. What would Nečas do if Bárta demanded the interior ministry so that he could throw some big fish in jail? Nečas would probably have a hissy fit for a few days ... and then cave in to Bárta's every demand. Politically speaking, Bárta would be crazy not to go for it.
Glossary of difficult words
ballsy - tough and courageous, often recklessly or presumptuously so;
wimpy - weak, cowardly or unadventurous;
to explain something away - to minimize the importance of an embarrassing fact or action by giving an excuse or justification;
sagging - sinking or subsiding under weight or pressure or through lack of strength;
milksop - a person who is indecisive and lacks courage;
hissy fit - an angry outburst or tantrum;
to cave in to - to yield or submit under pressure;
to go for something - to make an effort to achieve something.