It is not yet a crime for Czechoslovaks to visit the grave of Thomas Masaryk, who founded their republic 50 years ago this week. But it is at least an act of courage. Last week, in advance of Czechoslovakia's anniversary celebrations, security agents at the graveside conspicuously photographed each pilgrim. Everywhere, Czechoslovaks are surrounded by a poised apparatus of repression. They are settling into a mood of resignation, withdrawing back into their private lives, abandoning politics once more to the politicians.
There was not even much reason to cheer last week as...