INTEL 671

Hungarian Manifesto: Why We Mistrust Governments and Police

Introduction

For centuries, the Hungarian people have borne witness to a cycle of exploitation, control, and suppression at the hands of governments and law enforcement. From foreign invasions to oppressive regimes, the experience of the Hungarian nation is one of resilience, but also deep-rooted skepticism towards those who wield power. The mistrust of governments and police is not born from mere paranoia but from a history of betrayal, systemic abuse, and the exploitation of ordinary citizens by those in positions of authority. This manifesto seeks to lay bare the reasons why Hungarians mistrust these institutions and to articulate the deep historical and contemporary forces behind this skepticism.

I. A History of Betrayal and Subjugation

1. Foreign Rule and Oppression
   Hungary’s long history of foreign domination—by the Habsburgs, Ottomans, and Soviets—has fostered a deep mistrust of authority. These powers ruled Hungary with a heavy hand, prioritizing their interests over the welfare of the Hungarian people. The legacy of the 1848 Revolution, crushed by the Habsburgs, and the 1956 Uprising, brutally suppressed by Soviet tanks, has left scars on the national psyche. Each of these betrayals reinforced the idea that government is not a protector, but a force of subjugation.
2. Trianon and National Trauma
   The Treaty of Trianon in 1920, which saw Hungary lose two-thirds of its territory and millions of its people, was not just a geopolitical catastrophe but a moral one as well. The Hungarian people were betrayed by international powers, while successive governments were powerless to protect the nation’s sovereignty. This sense of abandonment and betrayal has echoed through generations, fueling national frustration and resentment towards those in power who seem incapable of defending Hungarian interests.
3. Soviet Occupation and Communist Dictatorship
   The post-World War II era brought a new wave of repression under the Soviet-backed communist regime. The ÁVH, the brutal state police, terrorized citizens, suppressing dissent, imprisoning political opponents, and maintaining control through fear. The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was a cry for freedom that was met with violence, deepening the rift between the state and its people. Decades of communist dictatorship cemented the idea that the government was an enemy of the people, not its servant.

II. Contemporary Exploitation and Corruption

1. Systemic Corruption
   Since the fall of communism in 1989, successive governments have been riddled with corruption, cronyism, and nepotism. Political elites, often closely tied to big business and oligarchs, have used their positions to enrich themselves while ordinary Hungarians struggle. Tax money is siphoned off for personal gain, infrastructure projects are awarded to friends of politicians, and the judiciary is manipulated to protect those in power. Hungarians have repeatedly seen that those who rise to government do so not to serve the people, but to exploit them.
2. Misuse of Police Power
   In Hungary, the police are often seen as tools of political power rather than protectors of public safety. The police have been used to suppress dissent, silence protests, and intimidate those who challenge the status quo. The misuse of law enforcement to protect the interests of the ruling elite rather than ensuring justice for all has further alienated the people. Police brutality, especially during key protests like the 2006 demonstrations, remains a painful reminder of how law enforcement serves the few at the expense of the many.
3. Taxation Without Representation
   Hungarians are heavily taxed, yet the public services they receive in return are often substandard. Schools are underfunded, healthcare is in crisis, and infrastructure is crumbling. Meanwhile, tax money is funneled into vanity projects and used to prop up the political class. The Hungarian people are acutely aware that their hard-earned money is not being used for their benefit but for the enrichment and perpetuation of a corrupt system.

III. A Controlled and Manipulated Democracy

1. Media Manipulation and Propaganda
   In modern Hungary, the government has seized control of most of the media, ensuring that the public narrative is tightly controlled. Independent journalism is under threat, and dissenting voices are silenced or marginalized. Through state-sponsored media, the government controls the flow of information, distorting the truth to maintain power. This manipulation deepens public distrust, as many Hungarians know they are not receiving the full picture.
2. Erosion of Democratic Institutions
   Democratic institutions in Hungary have been systematically weakened. The judiciary, once a check on government power, has been compromised. Electoral laws are manipulated to ensure the ruling party remains in control, creating an illusion of democracy while ensuring the government is not held accountable. As democratic institutions crumble, Hungarians see little reason to believe in the integrity of the system.
3. Centralization of Power
   The current government has centralized power to an unprecedented degree. Key institutions are no longer independent but serve the whims of the ruling elite. This centralization of power, coupled with the erosion of checks and balances, means that the government operates with little accountability. The people of Hungary feel increasingly powerless in the face of a state that no longer represents them.

IV. The Families and Elites Behind the Exploitation

1. Political Dynasties and Oligarchs
   Many of the same families and individuals who profited during the communist era continue to wield power today. These elites have transitioned seamlessly from one regime to the next, always positioning themselves to benefit from the exploitation of ordinary citizens. They control vast swathes of the economy, from media to industry, using their wealth and influence to maintain control over the political system.
2. Cronyism and Nepotism
   The Hungarian political system is plagued by cronyism and nepotism. Key government contracts, positions, and opportunities are awarded not based on merit but on connections. This concentration of power among a small, interconnected elite leaves the majority of Hungarians excluded from the benefits of economic growth or political participation.
3. Exploitation Through Public Funds
   These elites use public funds to line their pockets. Infrastructure projects, public services, and national resources are exploited for personal gain. The same families and political figures have created a system where tax money, which should serve the people, is instead funneled into their private coffers.

V. The Path Forward: Reclaiming Our Nation

1. Building Local Communities
   To counter the centralized power of the state and police, Hungarians must focus on strengthening local communities. Local self-governance, grassroots organizations, and mutual aid networks offer an alternative to the exploitative national system. By building from the ground up, Hungarians can create systems of governance that are transparent, accountable, and truly representative.
2. Resisting Corruption and Demanding Transparency
   The fight against corruption must be relentless. Citizens must demand transparency in government, public spending, and the judiciary. Independent watchdogs, investigative journalism, and civic activism are crucial in exposing corruption and holding those in power accountable.
3. Creating New Political Movements
   The current political system is broken, and new movements are needed to challenge the status quo. These movements must reject cronyism, stand for transparency, and be rooted in the needs of ordinary Hungarians. It is only through new political leadership that the cycle of exploitation can be broken.
4. Protecting Freedom of Expression
   The Hungarian people must defend their right to free speech, free press, and peaceful assembly. Independent media, both traditional and digital, must be supported to provide unbiased reporting and expose corruption. Protecting these freedoms is essential to resisting manipulation by the state.

Conclusion

The mistrust Hungarians hold towards governments and police is deeply justified. It stems from a long history of betrayal, oppression, and exploitation. But it is also a call to action. The Hungarian people must stand together to resist corruption, demand accountability, and build a future where government serves the people, not the elites. The road ahead is challenging, but Hungary has a long history of resilience. It is time to reclaim our nation, our rights, and our future.

People who are drawn to money without reason or a higher purpose are often driven by a combination of psychological, social, and cultural factors. These individuals can manifest various traits and behaviors that make them vulnerable to, or complicit in, exploiting government systems for personal gain. Understanding the dynamics of these individuals and their impact on government systems can help in identifying ways to mitigate exploitation.

Types of People Drawn to Money Without Reason

1. Greedy Individuals:

• Motivated by excessive desire for wealth: These individuals are not satisfied with meeting their needs but constantly seek more, regardless of the cost to others. They view wealth as a status symbol or a means of power and control.

1. Narcissists and Ego-Driven People:

• In pursuit of status and self-importance: Narcissists tend to chase money because it validates their sense of superiority over others. For them, wealth is a way to boost their ego and gain admiration.

1. Opportunists:

• Always seeking shortcuts to wealth: These people look for opportunities to exploit weaknesses in systems, including government, for personal gain. They might engage in unethical or illegal activities if it means a quick financial reward.

1. Sociopaths/Psychopaths:

• Lack of empathy and moral compass: These individuals may be driven by a desire for control and power, using money as a tool to achieve these ends. They are indifferent to the harm they cause to others or society.

1. Fear-Driven Hoarders:

• Obsessed with financial security: Some individuals are overly focused on accumulating wealth out of fear of poverty or loss, even if their actions are harmful to society. This irrational attachment to money can drive them to exploit systems to safeguard their financial standing.

1. Materialists:

• Equating happiness and success with wealth: These people prioritize the acquisition of money and possessions over ethical concerns. They believe money is the key to personal fulfillment and are often willing to compromise their values to accumulate more.

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How These People Exploit Government

1. Corruption and Bribery:

• Exploiting government officials for personal favors: Greedy and power-hungry individuals may bribe government officials to gain favorable treatment, such as avoiding regulations, receiving contracts, or accessing public funds.

1. Regulatory Capture:

• Influencing policymakers: Wealthy individuals or corporations may manipulate government regulations in their favor by lobbying or placing their own people in key regulatory positions, leading to policies that benefit the few at the expense of the public.

1. Tax Evasion and Avoidance:

• Manipulating the tax system: By exploiting loopholes and engaging in unethical financial practices, such individuals can avoid paying their fair share of taxes, depriving governments of essential revenue for public services.

1. Monopolistic Practices:

• Crippling competition through influence: Wealthy opportunists may use government connections to maintain monopolies, restrict competition, or gain exclusive contracts, reducing market fairness and innovation.

1. Misuse of Public Funds:

• Diverting resources for personal gain: Corrupt individuals may manipulate government programs and budgets to funnel money to themselves, their businesses, or their political allies.

1. Political Donations and Influence Peddling:

• Undue influence in policymaking: Wealthy individuals can donate large sums of money to political campaigns, ensuring that their interests are protected once the politician is in office, leading to policy decisions that favor the rich and powerful over the public interest.

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Strategies to Address and Mitigate Exploitation

1. Stronger Anti-Corruption Laws:

• Implementing and enforcing stricter anti-corruption legislation can prevent individuals from bribing government officials or manipulating the system for personal gain. Transparency in government contracts, decision-making, and public procurement is key.

1. Campaign Finance Reform:

• Limiting the influence of money in politics is crucial. This can involve setting caps on political donations, ensuring transparency in campaign financing, and preventing politicians from being beholden to wealthy donors or corporate interests.

1. Closing Tax Loopholes:

• Governments should reform tax codes to eliminate loopholes that allow wealthy individuals and corporations to evade taxes. Proper enforcement of tax laws, alongside penalties for avoidance, can increase government revenue and reduce exploitation.

1. Stronger Regulatory Agencies:

• Ensuring regulatory agencies are independent and free from industry influence is essential. This can be achieved through stricter oversight, transparency in hiring and appointments, and holding regulators accountable for their actions.

1. Whistleblower Protections:

• Providing legal protections for whistleblowers who expose corruption or unethical practices can help bring to light the activities of individuals exploiting government systems. Encouraging transparency and accountability is key to preventing exploitation.

1. Public Awareness and Media Accountability:

• Promoting public awareness of government corruption and the negative impact of financial exploitation can lead to greater demand for change. Independent journalism and investigative reporting play a crucial role in exposing wrongdoing and holding officials accountable.

1. Ethical Education and Cultural Shifts:

• Encouraging a cultural shift that prioritizes ethical behavior, civic responsibility, and public service over material wealth can reduce the appeal of exploiting government systems for personal gain. This can involve educational campaigns and community-based initiatives.

1. Technology and Transparency Tools:

• Governments can leverage technology to increase transparency in public spending and decision-making. Blockchain and open data platforms, for example, can allow the public to track government spending and reduce the potential for manipulation and corruption.

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Conclusion

People who are drawn to money without reason are often motivated by greed, power, or status, and can exploit government systems to further their financial ambitions. However, with stronger laws, regulatory oversight, public awareness, and ethical governance, it is possible to curb their influence and protect public resources from being misused. Transparency, accountability, and civic engagement are crucial in creating a fairer and more just system for all.