Inclusive and deleterious

Commenting on Barack Obama's visit to Prague, the New York Times wrote that Obama has emulated Václav Havel's "inclusive brand of politics." Such is the stuff myths are made of! Obama, at this point, is the most divisive U.S. president in 40 years, and VH the great polarizer has plenty more to teach BHO in this respect. Havel is finally mending fences with the Czech Right by cozying up to Mirek Topolánek, but many observers think it's more an underhanded assault on Klaus than a smooch with ODS. Coal magnate Zdeněk Bakala, who allegedly played the mediator between Havel and Topolánek, might be the real winner. That is unless the Havel seal of approval turns into a kiss of death. Havel, you see, will also likely support the Greens in the elections. In last year's Prague 1 Senate race, Havel backed two candidates (Kocáb, Stránský), dividing the vote and helping them both, inclusively, to lose. [Czech Republic president Michael Martin Jan United States of America]