Final Word from Monday, June 16, 2014
Some Czech politicians must demean themselves by getting real jobs when their dedicated service to the country comes to an end, but a whole slew of others have been able to rise in the political afterlife to the level of president, with all the prestige that this entails. The prime example is President Miloš Zeman himself, but we shouldn't overlook ex-Agriculture Minister Miroslav Toman, who went on to become president of both the Agrarian Chamber and the Food and Drinks Federation. Ex-PM Mirek Topolánek is dispensing wisdom as president of the District Heating Association. Ex-Interior Minister Tomáš Sokol created the Union of Defense Lawyers so he could become a president too. And we can't forget new Pres. Vladimír Dlouhý of the Czech Chamber of Commerce. Petr Nečas feels he got the shaft as PM, but if he plays his cards right, he might one day become president of the Confederation of Political Prisoners. [Czech Republic chairman]
Glossary of difficult words
to demean oneself - to do something that is beneath one's dignity;
slew - a large number or quantity of something;
afterlife - life after death;
to get the shaft - to receive harsh or unfair treatment;
to play one's cards right - to make the best use of one's assets and opportunities.