We received an e-mail today from a Polish
American who stated that the accord to allow U.S. missiles in Poland was
treason and that those who approved it should be removed from Polish
office. Although that seems harsh, I tend to agree. It may not be
treason, but it surely is an extremely bad move on the part of the
Polish government. I hate to call it stupid, as that word mirrors the
Polish Joke syndrome, but, let’s face it … It is a stupid decision.
Think of it on personal level. If you knew
someone broke and entered into the home of someone on the next block,
and that person asked you to keep his gun in your house, would you agree
to do so? Now consider a country that invaded another country for no
good reason whatsoever, and that country asked you to put its weapons on
your territory, would you do so? Not unless you did not care about
yourself, your family or your neighbors.
Only the most partisan, uniformed or
deluded Americans now think that Mr. Bush ordered the invasion of Iraq
for any reasonable purpose. Having sense yourself, would you now let
that irresponsible person, sadly representing an otherwise decent
nation, place his weapons on your land. Not unless you are also as mentally
and morally deficient as the initiator of that wrongful act.
Perhaps Polish officials, adopting the
European notion that Obama will be the next American president, assume
that a new American leader will protect them from wrongful use of those
missiles on Polish land or, slightly less physically destructive, an
encroachment on Polish sovereignty. If so, they are being wildly
enthusiastic. American voters, impossible to predict, could very well
make McCain our leader, a man who has as much faith in the gun and as
much loyalty to oil producers as George W. Bush. His commercials may try
to convince you otherwise, but McCain and Bush are political twins.
Even if all the foregoing is hyperbole and
George W. Bush were a reincarnation of George Washington, the Polish
decision would remain a disastrous mistake. Other countries have been
forced, one way or the other, by military defeat or assistance, such as
Germany or Korea, to accept American arms on their soil, but Poland is
not in a similar situation. It is free, thankfully, after centuries of
occupation, and it should be jealous to remain so.
If you think that the Cold War is ancient
history, you had better think again. It is capable of resurrection at
any moment while America has a president willing to invade friend or foe
alike or a presidential possibility who would give a third term to that
political ideology.
The Russians are threatening to nuke Poland
if it allows American missiles on its land. At first glance that seems
to be an extremely harsh response. But, again, think about it. How would
the United States feel about Russian missiles within easy striking
distance of its land? Recall the Cuban Missile Crisis and the answer is
obvious. Even the timing of the accord, while the U.S. condemns Russia
about the situation in Georgia, muddled as it may seem, is clearly
inauspicious.
As Polish Americans, we might be expected
to appreciate American arms on Polish soil. Consider that more deeply. I
welcome the prospect no more than I would appreciate the occupation of
American soil by Poland on the pretense that it is necessary for the
defense of this country.
Poland, even more than others, should
realize how precious sovereignty really is. Give it away in part and you
give it away in its entirety. Perhaps it is not intentional treason …
but it is certainly a horrendous mistake.
Polonia is not a small community. Estimates
of the Polish American population reach as high as 12,000,000. That is a
healthy portion of the total number of people in this country. Few will
argue, though, that Polonia receives the measure of political attention
that its numbers deserve.
Surely, you have noticed that the
presidential candidates scurry to attend gatherings of Blacks,
Hispanics, Jews and others. If either of the two major candidates, or
the minor candidates for that matter, have appeared before a Polish
American group, I am sorry, but I must have blinked, because I missed
it.
It is hard to place blame of those seeking
office. They want to reach every possible voting group that can help
them be victorious. But, where do they go to meet with Polonians in a
mass meeting? Although I have been active in our community for decades,
I regret that I do not have an answer to that question.
Other groups provide large conventions,
conferences and gatherings, often attended by thousands, dramatically
organized in large meeting halls, replete with multimedia presentations
and the sort of hoopla upon which politicians naturally feed. Instead of
that we have a national Polish American Congress (PAC) that can deliver
an audience of under 100, still accustomed to debating Yalta and
addicted to presenting each other with awards. Supported substantially
by directors who pay for the honor of sitting in a powerless,
financially bereft and minimally recognized organization, it is out of
sight and out of mind for political leaders who could otherwise
recognize the Polonia’s potential.
As bad as that situation may seem, there is
no point in assessing blame. We must admit that those involved are
sincere, doing what little they can without a meaningful budget and
without grassroots support.
At the same time as the national
organization remains moribund, a few divisions in a small number of
states are valiantly attempting to bring the promise of the PAC to life.
Although they may be the hope for a reinvented organization with a plan
for Polonian empowerment, it is currently sad to report that the
national PAC has not developed or promoted a plan in this crucial
election year. Others, though, have taken up the struggle to cure our
political impotence.
If the present election campaigns can teach
us anything, it is that the people have hope for change. That is as true
of Polish Americans as it is for the general populace. So what can the
rest of us do? We can start by getting involved ourselves and
demonstrate that Polonia, with or without a central organization, is a
force with which to be reckoned. An independent group of journalists,
communicators and others, who believe that our community can grasp the
power it deserves, have united in a campaign called "Polonia Votes
2008." It is not a perfect or permanent solution, but it is a start.
Ever optimistic, we think it might even awaken the PAC from its long
sleep and finally move it toward change.
Typically, there are those who are prepared
to criticize, but less willing to cooperate for the benefit of all. On
our part we choose to combine forces with those who are attempting to
empower the Polish American community. You can take a step in that
direction, too, simply by visiting <http://www.poloniavotes2008.com> and
register. That may not rock the world, but it is a start … and you can
be a part of it.
Polonians are sensitive to derogatory words
or actions. When they see something anti-Polish on TV, hear it on the
radio or read it in a publication, we are sure to receive e-mails and
letters about it. They usually ask us to publicize the calumny or do
something about it. We generally reply that we will report the insult,
but are totally occupied with that primary duty and that, anyway, a
complaint from the public is more powerful than action from another
member of the media. Often, they do take action themselves, such as
writing letters and e-mails or making phone calls. We consider that a
worthwhile activity and are always pleased to hear about it.
It is surprising to us, though, that some
of the same people who are offended by an insult to our community are
also ready to cast aspersions and insults at other groups. Thankfully,
that portion of Polonia is not large, but those who subscribe to such
bigotry are particularly active and noisy in this political season. It
cannot but be wondered if they recognize the dichotomy their hate
represents. Apparently not.
A Polish American friend since college days
continued for weeks to send us scurrilous e-mail regarding the mixed
race candidate for President. You know some of this garbage,
such as the lies that Senator Obama is a Muslim or that he has no
respect for the American flag. Other communications were more clearly
simply racist. This "friend" is otherwise intelligent and knows the
truth. He surely recognizes his own words to be a racially based attack.
To us, there is no difference between spreading these hateful messages
than claiming Poles cooperated with the Nazis. These are all
insufferable falsehoods.
We repeatedly asked this person to cease
sending us this scandalous material, but his hate was too great. Our
only recourse was to remove him from our address book and block his
incoming mail. In actuality, we do not care what candidate he supports,
the party with which he identifies or to what political ideology he
subscribes. That’s his business and, although we do not have much time
for political propaganda, he is certainly free to promulgate whatever
political opinion he may hold. Fortunately, e-mail programs provide a
delete button, so we can read intelligent arguments or simply remove
those that seem less worthy of attention. What we object to are vile
messages based on race, nationality, color, gender, orientation or
religion.
A high ranking official from Poland
recently told us that he was "ashamed of Polonians who make offensive
political statements based on race." We were delighted to hear that
opinion. He obviously shares our understanding of how foolish it is for
a Polish American to accept bigotry directed at others, while claiming
disgust at the derogation of Poland and Poles. It obviously does not
make sense.
The race for the White House will
undoubtedly intensify in the coming months. That will tempt some of us
to say things we might not even otherwise think. Let us hope that we, as
Polish Americans, who know personally how harmful discrimination, hate
or insensitivity can be, raise ourselves above those vices. We are free
to make whatever political decision pleases us, but it should be based
on the issues, on our hopes for America and the world, on respect for
each other.
The Polish Constitution Day celebrations in
Chicago on May 3, 2008, were totally outstanding, marred only by a lack
of participation by Polish Americans. Although the Polish-speaking
community was well informed about the events, the larger portion of the
community hardly knew about the parade, the highlight of the weekend.
The festivities began Friday, the day prior
to May, with a reception for Deputy Prime Minister Waldemar Pawlak, but
although Pawlak speaks excellent English, it was a totally Polish
language event, with the rest of Polonia neither advised nor invited.
The next major party was an "Evening with the Stars," understandably
directed at immigrants, who would know the personalities involved.
Simultaneously with the aforementioned
celebrations, the Polish American Police Association of Illinois,
presented its annual banquet. Even though that banquet was held at the
same huge facility as the two previously mentioned events, it
highlighted the divide between the predominantly Polish-speaking and the
English-speaking parts of the community. A minority of the police
organization’s membership speaks Polish, so that happening is conducted
totally in English.
The following day, Saturday, began with a
Pre-Parade Brunch, bi-lingual, although accomplished primarily in
English. The undeniable fact is that almost all Polish immigrants are
also conversant in Polish. Unlike the Hispanic community, Poles adapt to
English very quickly.
The main feature of the weekend is, of
course, the Polish Constitution Day held in Downtown Chicago,
realistically touted as the largest event of its kind in the nation.
This year’s edition featured 137 units and seems to go on forever. What
did not extend to the horizon was the number of onlookers. Claims are
made that as many as 250,000 attend the march, but the actual numbers
fall far below that optimistic announcement. Although it must be
admitted that the weather, chilly and rainy, did not cooperate, it is
also true that most Polish Americans knew little or nothing about the
parade.
The Alliance of Polish
Clubs [Związek Klubów Polski],
sponsor of the parade, does an outstanding job of organizing and
presenting the spectacle, a huge undertaking. Unfortunately, being a
totally Polish-speaking organization, it is not capable of properly
announcing and advertizing it to the larger Polish American community.
As a corollary, it is almost completely ignored by the American press.
A magnificent show, including folk dancers,
performers from Poland and a 70-piece orchestra, thrilled those in
attendance. There, though, as well, the large audience could have been
huge, if it was swelled by the unaware community.
It is not my purpose to criticize anyone.
Those who plan and present the mammoth parade deserve praise and thanks.
Perhaps, though, it might be wise for them to include an organization
from the other side of Polonia, bringing the American-born together with
immigrants. The more time passes since massive immigration, the more
reason there is for us to come together.
The Libertarian Party’s National Committee
issued a statement on March 11, 2008, complaining that President Bush is
pandering to Poland and forgetting America. The cause for the complaint
was the President’s promise to help modernize the Polish military. It
was the best laugh that some of us have had in ages.
It is true. of course, that Mr. Bush has
forgotten America. Halliburton, other major corporations, oil interests
and the obscenely rich have been the true objects of his affection for
years. However, to suggest that his lapse of memory is due to pledges to
Poland is nothing short of laughable.
Our President promised military assistance
to Poland in exchange for a commitment to host a part of a global
missile defense shield, which is basically just another boondoggle to
make Bush’s wealthy friends even wealthier, anyway. The Libertarians
grumble that this new deal comes while American soldiers in hostile
combat in Afghanistan and Iraq have warned that they are desperate
for vital equipment, from armored vehicles to body armor. They’re right
about the distressed situation faced by American soldiers, but they must
be hopelessly ignorant of Mr. Bush’s history of promises to Poland.
President Bush promised visa waivers to
Poland years ago and we all know how well that has gone. In fact, he
recently told Polish officials that the visa waivers will come, but they
are going to have to wait again, this time for at least another six
months, with no solid commitment for that either. One must wonder just
when Polish leaders will realize that a Bush promise is not a valuable
commodity and it drops faster than the Bush dollar.
Referring to that Bush promise, Andrew
Davis, National Media Coordinator for the Libertarian Party, stated,
"There is no way to rationalize this betrayal of our men and women in
combat. President Bush has put politics ahead of the safety of our
troops." Wow, that’s a surprise. If that were not his typical modus
operandi, we would not be in the Bush-Cheney War in the first place.
"Bush remembered Poland, but forgot
America," said the Libertarians. "Remembered" is the key word, perhaps,
as it is certain that the commitment was undoubtedly momentarily
recalled, and then buried somewhere with the Nixon tapes as soon as the
Polish officials left the White House.
Naturally, the Libertarians appear unaware
that the Polish people want neither the missiles nor empty promises.
Sadly, it can reasonably be expected that they will ultimately get both.
Our suggestion is that Poland keep both its sovereignty and its current
weaponry. The payoff will be the absence of foreign troops on its land
and the incentive to build its military defense on its own terms. As we
know from our personal life, there is a lot to be said for independence
... and not much for promises.
Anyone who has been watching the political
campaigns in the United States knows that the major candidates are
taking about the need for change. Even those who probably should be
upholding the status quo by reason of their associations occasionally
mention the value of change. Polls indicate that alterations are also on
the minds of the general population.
Strangely, although change is in the air,
we do not hear much about it in Polonia. That is especially odd, because
it becomes increasingly clear that something new and different is
needed. Many organizations face declining memberships, some events are
being phased out because of low attendance, falling income results in
mergers, publications see subscriptions falter and Polish Americans find
themselves ignored as a political force.
We have been talking about this situation
for a long time, but leadership is seemingly deaf to the warnings. We
have exposed the reasons so often that it could become tiresome, if it
were not so important. The recognized fact is that most of our
organizations are so constructed that they protect themselves from
change, making the reelection of incumbents a near certainty,
purposefully guarding against the infusion of new blood. Newly elected
leaders or representatives might, after all, upset the comfort factor
that is comes with maintaining things as they are. Just as importantly,
if not more so, is that the larger organizations offer substantial
financial favors to those already in power. It is entirely human to
protect against losing a monetary advantage. Hence, many offices become
lifetime positions and serious change is not a priority.
This is not to suggest that we have
incompetent leadership. On the contrary, just as often as we have
suggested adjustments, we have praised these leaders as bright and well
meaning. The problem is that as sincere as one might be, human nature
demands self-preservation, and that means keeping things as they are.
The national Polish American Congress (PAC)
is a case in point. There is nothing inherently wrong with the
leadership, but the organization is hopelessly stuck in the mud, still
debating such timely matters as the Yalta Agreement. That is to be
expected when some of its Directors have held their positions almost
from that time. It is like a repeating recording that is immovable and
just cannot extend itself to the sounds of our time. Little wonder,
then, that the PAC becomes increasingly impotent and meaningless, even
among those it claims to represent.
The answer is obvious. The PAC requires
deep and meaningful amendment, making it truly representative,
responsive, open to the younger generation and attuned to Polonia’s
current problems. However, the corrections must come from within and
there is no one there with the heart or courage to tackle the problem.
It is not my purpose to batter the Polish
American Congress. There, too, are earnest people, who want to do their
jobs well. As an organization that claims to represent millions of
Polish Americans, it begs to be an example. The truth is, though, that
same situation is true of many of our organizations, large and small.
The call is, then, for all of us to
honestly and selflessly examine the groups, clubs, fraternals,
organization of every size and kind to determine how they might be
improved, becoming more pertinent to current society and more open to
new ideas. One of the presidential candidates, who often speaks about
change, openly admits that change is not easy, but takes hard work and
courage.
Where you find such openness to altering
things, and you can find them in isolated instances, you will also
discover Polonian organizations that are growing and prospering. It is
not to be assumed that they do not exist, because they do. Those groups
that are floundering might only look to those successful associations
and adopt the best of their procedures and rules.
It should become our campaign, then, to
effect change in Polonia. The very continued existence of our
institutions demands it.
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