The U.S. soccer team today plays its first World Cup game against the Czech Republic.

As we patriotically cheer on America, it’s worth to pay a bit of tribute to the Czechs for their embrace of freedom and capitalism.

The Czechs have had a spotty record in the democracy department.  During World War II, they willingly gave up Prague’s Jews to the Nazis.  Their despicable actions cost thousands of innocent lives.  And by depleting their economic base and ridding themselves  of their own entrepreneuers, the Czechs cost themselves valuable time in rebuilding their economy, particularly after Communism was defeated.  They only had themselves to blame for getting a late start.

But now, in the modern day Czech Republic, freedom has really caught on.  I’ve been to Prague twice in recent years, and have been amazed both times to see a vibrant capitalist economy, full of American companies — and even Western-style casinos.  The Czechs also are out front in their support of the Cuban dissident movement, and Prauge has hosted freedom-in-Cuba conferences.  Meantime, Prague is home to Radio Free Europe, which enjoys the friendliest of relations with its host.  And Vaclav Havel continues to play a world-wide role in the freedom movement.

So cheer on the USA today, but save a little joy for freedom and democracy, Czech-style.