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The Eastern European art of the political joke is in abeyance in Poland right now, because what previously had to be veiled can be, and is, said out loud. However, in the GDR and in Romania freedom of speech hasn't broken ground yet.

A young member of the German communist party went to his senior comrade with a strange request: he wanted permission from the Party to emigrate to West Germany. (It is only with the permission of the Party that people are allowed to leave East Germany. Often it is ``granted'' as a method of eliminating people with inappropriate attitudes.)

``For what reasons could you possibly want to leave the Socialist paradise, young comrade?''

``Well, sir, I have a main reason, and a kind of side reason. The side reason is this: I know our Party has established a paradise here in the Democratic Republic, but the reason I want to leave is that I am very afraid that is will not last.''

``Don't worry, son! It will last for ever.''

``Well, good, sir: but that brings me to my main reason....''

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