Some recent opinions in the Collegian consider the events in Eastern Europe as a triumph for the American ideals of democracy and freedom, of capitalism and free-enterprise.

It seems to me that, the values of liberty and equality are not uniquely an American trademark. The American spirit had little to do with the collapse of the ancient regime.

I grew up in a country, whose young people have largely considered the United States as a symbol of freedom, affluence and scientific progress. Often, they dream of coming here as if it were heaven.

Unfortunately, despite its enormous capacity, America failed to provide spiritual guidance to overthrow totalitarianism in the East.

In the United States, pragmatism has always played a stronger role than idealism.

On one hand, Uncle Sam's foreign policy has been hypocritical in a way and not always guided by the principles of promoting democracy or human rights. Any anti-Socialist or anti-Soviet sentiment was enough to turn a bloody dictator into a best friend (e.g. Pinochet, Ceausescu, etc.).

On the other hand, the society here seems to be largely conservative and self-content. The liberal label became the offensive "L" word. Perhaps the anti-abortionists now even dream of an American Causescu?

The peoples of Eastern Europe are not fascinated with the ideas and the harsh free-market brand of capitalism practiced in the United States. Polls show that nearly half of the public wants the economy to remain state-controlled, while less than five percent favor capitalism.

People dream of a Scandinavian-style social democracy, with its generous welfare benefits. This is very unfortunate, because they simply could not afford it.

In my view, these countries need a big dose of pure and bitter capitalism (not "goulash socialism") to revive their bankrupt economies and generate productivity.

Now comes the time for the true American values to show the way toward prosperity in the region. First, the spirit of the unsurpassed American managerial skills, competition, fruitful individualism and dynamic private entrepreneurship.

The second but far more important American value is the idea of tolerance and association between different peoples. I was extremely impressed by the sense of community, the volunteerism and the fact that "everyone feels he has a stake in the system."

As a country of immigrants, the United States has developed a unique and priceless culture, where all people are accepted without much prejudice and are given an equal opportunity.

The European countries, being much more homogeneous and traditional, lack the experience of diversity and tolerance. They fail to understand that the presence of a minority is, in fact, an advantage which may bring additional cultural and economic growth.

On the contrary, both in the East and West, there is a resurgence of chauvinism and centuries-old hatreds. The East Europeans are not even used to tolerating different opinions and to the idea that the truth has many faces.

The United States can offer true spiritual guidance and will gain great influence if it actively participates in the restructuring of the Old World, by sharing its inward maturity and intercultural accomplishments.

In that sense, the Americans have a special advantage in Eastern Europe -- this is one of the few places left where they would be greeted with open appreciation and hope.