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Posts by janekb  

Joined: 14 Feb 2008 / Male ♂
Last Post: 1 May 2008
Threads: -
Posts: Total: 57 / In This Archive: 44

Speaks Polish?: tak

Displayed posts: 44 / page 1 of 2
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janekb   
29 Feb 2008
News / Yitzhak Shamir - prime minister of Israel with anti-polish sentiment [41]

Prime Ministers are not slipping (unless their name is Bush) and what they say has to be taken seriously and there was the reason why Shamir choose to express himself the way he did. Not knowing circumstances it’s hard to figure it out why he did that. I do not believe that he was just insulting Poles. Now try to analyze what are possible consequences of his statement. Judging by reactions at this forum it for sure did not gain him and his people any friends. Possibly he is trying to make Polish government to some action proving that anti-Semitism in Poland is a distant past. There is on-going discussion about reparations for the pre-war Jewish own property in Poland, it is possible that he is trying to influence outcome in this. The hope is that polish politicians would not be cowed and for once will give a sharp rebuke or ignore it. Playing that victim card is getting old, it should be sufficient to point to the Israel’s treatment of their neighbors. It’s enough to look through the post was polish history to see plenty of reasons for the population to be anti-Semitic (communist governments and specially its secret services). Jews never assimilated in Poland (their claim was that Poland had very little to offer). If the minority exists for five centuries using different language, customs, courts, and living totally separate lives it should not expect to be helped when it needs help. There are neighbors who do not like each other and due to the tragic circumstances we do not have to be neighbors.
janekb   
29 Feb 2008
History / Poland-Russia: never-ending story? [1341]

Americans thanks to the political ignorance (lack of education) are still in war with Russia (I am not sue if Bushy boy knows that it not USSR now). While hey are basking in a feeling of dominance and of being the only superduper they not only want acknowledgement of this status from the previous (no longer existing adversary) but feel need to humiliate Russia. Like many empires it is the most aggressive and hostile during its waning days. World should be thankful that Iraq adventure is their last, to start the next they will have to gat a permission from Beijing.

What’s more important is how Poles can play this game. History teaches that treaties are not worth much. The specific geographical position will not allow to be separated from Russia (Russia is not going away). With Ukraine, Belarus we have similar traditions of hostility. EU offers degree of sustained protection. Building a strong military makes little sense, except as an American Foreign Legion, unless US wants to pay for it and there will be a voluntary force (to get rid of idiots who otherwise may be dangerous). Building a wall on the eastern border makes little economic sense. Similar language and culture may serve well in commerce. It seems that present US administration wants to surround Russia. The unreciprocated love for America by Poles may be the source of willingness to do US bidding regardless of self interest. The rational way to establish a strong position for Poland is to spend funds on education and infrastructure.
janekb   
29 Feb 2008
History / Polish Volunteers in the Spanish Civil War [140]

I am writing it to remember myself some family stories I had heard. There was an uncle, politically active bright man. While the rest of family was either borderline fascist (my father) or anti-communist, he was union organizer and defender in court cases. Strangely even my father admired his commitment. He used name Walter (it was not his real name) and after coming back from Spain faded away. Was killed in 1939 in the first days of the war. His wife remained single and had nothing to do with post war rulers and received no favors.
janekb   
2 Mar 2008
News / US military... how does poland feel about the US military? [70]

US being a corporate entity (remember: America’s business is business) has powerful military to protect big business. Prudent businessmen try to do it the cheapest way they can. Like in any other enterprise there is a choice between using people or machines. There are some jobs where people are less expensive. Manpower comes at indifferent costs. It would be rather silly to take intelligent (highly paid) people and use them as a cannon fodder. Thankfully there is a sufficient pool of dunces (or economically desperate) to “volunteer”. Not much schooling is needed, several weeks suffice. After all what is required is to follow orders without hesitation (“yes sir” is the only allowed response). With a bit of propaganda we have them ready to be sent to places they never heard of and to kill people they did not know existed. There is no problem of eliminating independent thinkers, these are too smart to be coerced to join. One can paint a bright future awaiting them after all that, graduating from college, buying a house. Somehow many choose a carrier of being a prison guard (another noble profession) and keep those who while equally desperate were smarter and tried to make money dealing dope. In the meantime Exxon got a second biggest proven oil reserves to help themselves to. I is not their fault that poor dumbfk can’t afford the gas for his car. There is no money for schools (spent for wars), no problem, will have more “volunteers”. Aren’t you lucky to live in the best and the freest country in the world.
janekb   
3 Mar 2008
News / US military... how does poland feel about the US military? [70]

JuliePotocka,
First of all the Uncurious George devastated treasury to the point that it will take a generation to recover. You may recall US rulers saying openly that they are going to "starve the beast" meaning not live a penny for social programs and with no opposition from Dems they succeeded. Secondly, there is only a superficial difference between two political franchises, both are run and paid by the big business. The health insurance hoopla is just that. It is again big companies who some time ago (when trade unions still existed) signed contracts to provide medical coverage for their workers and mandatory coverage will allow them to wiggle out of it. One has to admire cleverness of the right (fascist wing) to somehow make Democrats to choose Ms. Clinton or Obama (only two left), this is a sure way to make McCain next president and to have 100 years Iraq war. Democrats are both naive and stupid, as Nader said "if they will not win this time by a landslide, they should change the line of business". Usually the country has rulers they deserve. Julie its time to bail out while the dollar is still worth something. I will suggest Poland (except for the weather).
janekb   
3 Mar 2008
News / What do Polish friends think of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton? [226]

Tweedledee and Tweedledum. No differences between two major parties. Consequently electioneering focuses on personalities and avoidance of serious problems. Political skills expressed by avoidance of commitments and noncontroversial issues. Big hoopla with "health insurance" is driven by a big business as a way of walking away from previously negotiated with unions (when they still existed) coverages. No way to get out of Iraq immediately and no funds to stay there for a long time, nightmare for whoever is going to be elected. Uncurious George for sure will be remembered, it will take a generation to undo the damage. But it was not his fault, it was a God who made him a president and it was a God who spoke through him. He was just going for a ride. Personal advice for Americans - take your money and run.
janekb   
6 Mar 2008
News / Polish-German Relations in the Present [697]

Shopgirl,
There is a difference in character between Slavs and Germans. One can notice that while both are able to commit any imaginable atrocity, the Slavs are more individualistic and spontaneous. In addition being very mistrustful of any authority (for historical reasons) on a long run not willing to follow even the most charismatic ruler.

Germans, on the other hand are known for their perseverance and obedience. That's why Germans make an exceptionally good soldiers, extension of the machine concentrating on perfect execution of the given task without analyzing nature of this task. Historically their rulers served them well, there was no reason to develop mistrust toward government.

These are generalizations, but national character is formed through generations and this is in essence how I see it.
I do not know what is your national background, if you are an American you will have difficulty to follow it since US do not have national ethos (except for moneymaking).
janekb   
6 Mar 2008
History / German Deaf/Mute able to give voices to Hitler's personal videos...scary [29]

Getting protection from the US is at best illusory. USA is a business enterprise pretending to be a country. It rare, but not unique in the world history, Carthage was one. It’s ethos is "America's business is business".

It is not a matter of becoming a target because of these installations, but rather projecting Poland as an unfriendly neighbor. Recent example of the worth of the US protection agreements is the one with Taiwan. It was good while mainland China was a backwater place, but once it became a country where one can make more money than in Taiwan, the friendship and treaties were quickly forgotten. After all “countries do not have honor, they have interests”.

It may feel good to be able to rub an old adversary’s nose in a s**t, but like with all such actions pleasure is short lived and doubtful, but negative consequences are long term and real.

It should be a Poland’s role to integrate Russia with the EEC rather than putting barricades. It will be a commercial benefit to Poland, possible way of countering Germany’s economic domination. Technologically Poland has little to offer to the west, its present role is being a pool of inexpensive labor (emigration and screwdriver assembly). It could be a different with Russia its enormous resources and labor shortages (exacerbated as time passes).

Attaching Poland to the west has undeniable benefits, but our Slavic character and culture is very different from that of the Germans. These traits form over centuries and it takes generations to be able to understand each other.

Soviet regime was not less ruthless toward Russians as it was for Poles. Communism did harm Russians more than it harmed Poles. It just happened that it was headquartered in Russia. It was brought from the west and artificially planted in the crumbling society by the German Secret Service. It was an international movement which was quickly hijacked by ruthless opportunists. Results we know all too well. Imperial Russia was in its nature pan-slavic. The clash of Polish and Russian superpower ambitions caused conflicts and wars. On the Polish side it was a matter of survival as a nation, not so dramatic for Russia. The crucial point is that Poles who accepted russification were fully admitted into the Russian nation and society. Of course that will mean end of Poland as a nation.

There is a big difference west of Poland. German nazism was as name suggests a national movement. There was no place in it for Slavs. With Germans it’s nothing new (over a thousand years now). I am not convinced it can be changed in less than several generations.
janekb   
9 Mar 2008
Love / I got married to a Polish wife; Polish family advice needed [45]

Is it really debtor prison in 21century Poland? I know of people being evicted for not paying rent and no social agencies to help.
It seems that we have bare knuckled capitalism ruling Poland now, quite upsetting.
Regardless, I would not hurry with any help. Check first what are real consequences of not paying. If anything, I will help these poor bastards, but not on regular bases (it cannot be a pension). Possibly paying a utility bills so these will not be cut off.

Do not expect anything in return, if it makes you feel good to do it, than help them, otherwise do not take it as your problem. You would not be able to fix the world.
janekb   
11 Mar 2008
History / WW2: Britain Declares War on Germany to Save Poland [290]

Throughout the history treaties were broken let and right, after all: "Countries do not have honor, people do". Some of this obligations are fulfilled, but only when there is mutual benefit. I think that France and Britain showed XIX century chivalry by declaring war against Germany as they were unprepared. Germans will invade France regardless of France declaration of war. They will attempt to talk with Britain, it is possible that under pressure UK will form some kind of fascist government and negotiate some kind of an agreement. US will not enter European war. Germans will attack USSR and consequently we will have united Russian speaking Europe.

The tragedy was that Polish London government did not realized that the world changed. Now the two victorious powers USSR and USA, were making new rules. France and UK presence at the table was only a gesture. The new rule was pragmatism, no friends only interests. Poland had nothing to offer and presented no threat. Brits were quite nice to the Poles and let them stay in the UK (it was impoverished country then, it was a real burden and they could send them back to Poland). It was silliness of Polish gov. to insist sending Poles to fight instead of preserving lives. They were hoping that cannon fodder will give them some bargaining power (in some way it did as they carved quite comfortable lives for themselves in the UK).
janekb   
12 Mar 2008
News / What do Polish friends think of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton? [226]

For a long time I held an opinion that it is the Republicans who are supporting both present front runners. I did not know that Limbaugh supported Clinton as one easier to beat. Fat slob probably supported both.

In my opinion it does not matter which one of these two wins the nomination, neither has a chance of winning against any "white man". It was either Democrats stupidity and arrogance or Republicans underhanded campaign to eliminate other candidates.

After eight years of idiot and evil one would hope Americans will learn. It looks that years of cutting on education made populace so thick that as long as there is a plentiful supply of cheap booze and TV everything is fine.

The plans for US military bases in Poland will now go ahead, with the Democrats there was a hope that this stupidity could be averted.
janekb   
12 Mar 2008
News / What do Polish friends think of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton? [226]

You’re trying to apply your way of thinking into an American society and that's probably because you live in a different culture and simply have different life experience then an average American.

I am coming from the women dominated household (for at least two generations).
Poles, as many other deeply effected by wars nations are relaying more on women than on men for socially important functions (men were disposable or drank). Look at the percentage of medical service workers in Poland (90%). You may remember Americans making jokes of Russian women operating heavy equipment. While in your culture women must assert their power and importance by legislating it, in Poland, willingly or not, they had to step into the vacuum. Myself, I will vote for Clinton without hesitation (except for Nader).

I can only imagine physiological problem of black people, with the horror of slavery and discrimination not far distant, living normal lives in the US. I cannot imagine a black person living in America to be not affected by it. There must be a suppressed feeling of hate toward oppressors. However unfair, just for this reason, would I be voting in your elections, I will not vote for a black.

There was a time when there was a minorities problem in Poland and we should be thankful to our neighbors for eliminating that. I cannot help myself thinking about it when some people moan about the loss of eastern Poland.
janekb   
12 Mar 2008
Life / How much do you HATE POLISH PEOPLE and POLAND [1260]

(Robert Konrad a man of Polish heritage wrote a book about it - Heart of Darkness)

It should be Joseph Conrad (Jozef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski)
janekb   
16 Mar 2008
Food / Hot tea in Poland; where can I find it? [46]

Well, i have never been in Poland, and based on postings here, apparently there are few stores selling teas or serving teas. Anyone who has business in his mind and love teas could start thinking of importing teas or introduced the habit of drinking teas.

Poland has a centuries old tradition of drinking tea. Even during the communist times there were always quite a variety of teas available, usually sold under generic names (assam, ulung, madras, ceylon). Green tea and other flavored teas was unknown. It was a custom of flavoring ea with fruit preserves. People who like and know about tea will never touch tea bags, making tea is not a big ritual there, but it takes some preparation. Bergamot flavored teas (Earl Grey) were unknown, occasionally they showed up from Soviet Union, but for purists these as any other flavored teas are not real teas. I lived in the UK some time ago and think that the best of any I ever had is Marks and Sparks "Extra Strong" it is a blend of mainly Assam, and never any milk (I even strong armed my English companion not to have it with milk). Whenever I have a chance I am logging a suitcase full of this stuff.
janekb   
26 Apr 2008
News / What do Polish friends think of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton? [226]

Obama or Clinton?
Answer is McCain
No Joe 6-pack will vote for a black or a woman.
Dems should win by the landslide, would they not be that stupid.
In my humble opinion Democrats should go to some other line of business and stay away from politics.
Consolation - there is no difference, its a waste of money and time.
Present idiot (and his evil cronies) got US in a bind, non ending war and bankrupt country. For you guys living in the US my advice - MOVE while your $ is worth anything.
janekb   
26 Apr 2008
News / Poles in Iraq. What's the point? [160]

Poles traditionally are in unreciprocated love with the US.
That the US citizenry was duped using a scare tactic by the chief idiot and his evil handlers comes as no surprise, considering level of political education of the population.

I was hoping that Poles learned from the hard lessons of history, mistaken once more.
My hope is that the present Polish government will come to some senses and not try to outdo all others to be the most reliable partner (lap dog).

One should also remember (pointed out in somebody's comment here) that in case of an attack by the foreign power even the most divided nations unite to fight common enemy. Wounds of war will be remembered for generations. One can hope that retributions, for this so unjust and devastating attack by the US, will not bring terrorist to Poland.

If Polish rulers want to accommodate US masters allow them to recruit volunteers, but do not let these wear Polish insignia.
Economical help from the US - idiot and company ruined the US for generations.
janekb   
29 Apr 2008
News / What do Polish friends think of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton? [226]

Thankfully, there is no money for other world improvements, so no war with Iran. It also seems that the military is running out of the cannon fodder, even after lowering requirements (no high school, criminal record are OK). The other reason being - Iran is way bigger and not devastated by sanctions. I realized that most of you are living in the paradise (USA), you should remember that your grand kids will be paying for the present idiot's adventures. Sanity will raise its ugly head soon - McCain will have to ask Chinese for permission before embarking on another one.

World of consolation about your elections: looking from the outside one needs a magnifying glass to see difference between republicans and democrats. In the world politics both parties are doing Israel's bidding. Internally the joint is bankrupted, thus no funds for any social programs. There is no need for any since population is well pacified by ignorance, personal uncertainties (debt, work), cheap booze, skillful propaganda, limitless third world labor pool waiting to be allowed in, and scare of next employer moving overseas.

About your freedoms, try to mention labor union at your workplace or express sympathy toward socialism and see if you will still be working after a lunch break.
janekb   
29 Apr 2008
News / What do Polish friends think of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton? [226]

Both Cinton and Obama, in my opinion, are personally very, very smart. Unfortunately both are, out of necessity, corrupted by big business. The whole system of elections is rigged the way that only the established two franchises are allowed to be heard. At the beginning there were some who, if elected will bring real change (Kucinich, Ron Paul). No one supported them and neither one lasted, I do not even mention Ralph Nader.

You Americans still have it too good, it is a reach country and will take a lots of abuse, but there are limits. What you need is not an improvement and patching up but a dramatic change (revolution anyone?).

About coming election sure Democrats are the lesser evil, but you had chosen McCain and deserve what's coming. You will survive him too, a bit poorer with less freedoms, but as long as beer is flowing everything is OK.
janekb   
29 Apr 2008
News / What do Polish friends think of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton? [226]

Hello Hello,

That's even worse for the general public. Smart politician = even more fraud money for her and her advocates.

Very good. Wasn't it Aristotle who said that one who would be a good ruler (politician) wouldn't want to be one?
Poles will vote Republican - very likely, I do not want to bash my compatriots, but Polish emigrants, in general, were not a smart lot. Driven by poverty emigrated from the poorest regions of Poland landless peasants, uneducated, with no skills. No surprise the Catholic Church wields so much power over them and it is clergy who are indicating to vote Republican. New immigrants totally different.

The topic good for a threat - Is Polish Catholicism Superficial? In my opinion, by being so ritualistic, it resembles more pagan religions. I am an atheist raised with just a smidgen of religion (in 1991 Catholic authorities refused to allow my father to be buried in his family grave at the Powązki).

For an outsider it looks rather humorous candidates outdoing each other how religious each of them is. The other is having an US flag pinned to a very visible place. For that alone I will vote for Obama - so far he did not succumb to this. When I was in the US noticed that not only politicians, but business people as well having a US flag right there where it would be noticed, usually they removed it (or change for a Canadian one) on a flight to Europe.
janekb   
1 May 2008
History / Poland-Russia: never-ending story? [1341]

Since participants here are mostly Americans, you were fed antirussian propaganda for generations. You are basking in conquering USSR and not realizing that it does not exist anymore.

Neither Poland nor Russia are not moving, we are neighbors and destined to live as such. It would be beneficial for both countries to be friends. Poles are tired of being heroes or Chrystusem Narodow (Christ of all nations).

Stop playing warlike video games and watching John Wayne movies. You guys are not famous for heroism or self sacrifice yourself.
janekb   
1 May 2008
History / 1 Maja - Pochód, Labour Day in Old Poland [28]

May Day was established by the 2nd Internationale as a commemoration of the massacre of striking workers in Chicago by the police. It was appropriated by Soviet regime who hijacked communist ideas and was nothing more than a brutal dictatorship. Wouldn't it be for the Labor Unions most of us will live in poverty being degraded to the extension of the machine. For the capitalist the average price of labour is the minimum wage, i.e., that quantum of the means of subsistence which is absolutely requisite to keep the labourer in bare existence as a labourer.

It is a mistake to associate this holiday with, so called, Communist Regimes of the past. It should be a day of unity of working man, a day of unity.
janekb   
1 May 2008
History / An Example of Falsifying Historical Facts and Degrading Poland [46]

I would not give a f..k what some a..hole writes. When they visit I, for one, will make sure they know how much I like them. Come to think about it, isn't something strange with these lot that they are so much despised everywhere they are. Somehow everyone persecutes them - they should look into themselves, it must be something wrong with them.
janekb   
2 May 2008
History / 1 Maja - Pochód, Labour Day in Old Poland [28]

Still spreading this nonsense in XXI century? How many times socialism must collapse and cause miseries?

I think will have to repeat myself: USSR and satellites were not socialist regimes, possibly at the very beginning of the 1917 revolution this was an idea but it quickly degenerated. I should be expected, after all Communism is as close to other religions (Catholicism for one) as one can get, they are corrupted when gain power. That's why well organized religions stay away from governing. Wielding influence from the shadow is equally effective and it does not force pragmatism.

What most remember and base their opinions on is the last years of these regimes when in Poland evolved to cleptocracy.
For examples of socialism one should look at the Scandinavia.
janekb   
2 May 2008
History / 1 Maja - Pochód, Labour Day in Old Poland [28]

There is no unity of working man, the is no unity of "evil capitalists", this is false and treacherous demagogy which provoke only social tensions.

Unity of capitalists is against basic definition of capitalism. Capitalists form ad hoc associations and assumption is that these will be not permanent.
Unity of the working man is indeed idea of any Labour movement as the only levarage of working man. There is no other, the only thing working man brings to the market is his labour, would workers be forced to compete against each other, the price of their labour will drop to the level of subsistence. I assume you live in America, you may observe one of the strongest and best organized union AMA and how well members of this union are doing. You may also choose to fool yourself thinking that possessing some unique and in demand skill will guarantee you high wages. If you are one of the few lucky ones be aware that someone is looking very hard to either eliminate need for your skill, bring replacement, take your job somewhere else, or take need for this skill somewhere else. If you think that being self employed provides you security you are mistaken as well, the above reasons apply as well.

"yup. communisms too."
UN "index of happiness" (or similar name) lists Scandinavian as the countries providing the best standard of life.
janekb   
3 May 2008
History / 1 Maja - Pochód, Labour Day in Old Poland [28]

They did run the country using communist model of economy, this was a disaster.

Indeed, the fault was in application and not in an idea. Here capitalism has great advantage being utterly pragmatic. Communism has a bit in common with religion and religions are not doing well when governing.

M. Moore made a film about health system and praised Norwegian model while our Norwegian member here wrote that we should not trust him.

I did see that film, it is for a made for uneducated audience. "Sicko" is to shake up people, one can say a propaganda piece not a documentary. It served it purpose. For little I know people in the US spend way more on health than in any other country in the world and have more than one fifth of population uninsured. Half f all bankruptcies are caused by illness related medical bills. When I visited US years ago (in 1970s)I found very poor dental condition in many of the young working in the factories. My mother was teaching at the medical school in Boston (that's why she was here) after some years she passed required licensing exams and started to work as a pediatrician in private clinic, she quit her job in disgust after less than a year and returned to Poland, saying that what they do was criminal. She was a member of AMA at that time.

At the times when the US was a capitalist country Americans owned more cars per capita than people in socialist Europe exactly because cars were cheap.

In the US cars are necessity, after 6PM cities are empty and dangerous, people live in the suburbs. In Europe for many, cars are less needed and more expensive.

Not having anything to do with the topic, but it is sheer idiocy for Poles to have that many cars, requiring great sacrifices to buy, keep, and run. Presently this huge number of cars is causing a great harm to US economy and world environment, and there seem to be no solution to this problem.

I live in Poland.

I am very glad that some thinking people still do. Hope that you will stay, after all one has some obligations toward his home. Would you be a capitalist in your hart you will move to the place where you will be better paid and it most likely would not be Poland.

This is simply your obsession.

It is reality. Manufacturing is not moving to China or not unionized Alabama because of the nice vistas and weather, they find a cheap labor there. Biotechnology research is also moving to China for the last five years, engineering mainly to India. While I am now talking about US (I am not much concerned about their well being), what worries me is the future of Poland. First of all how to stem flight of talent and than to find a niche to assure decent life for the future (similar to the investment in software development Ireland did). Here I think that, while historically justified, hate toward Russia makes little sense today and Poland should serve as a conduit between Russia and EU. Unfortunately politicians thrive on hate. I may be biased here my mother was Russian (grandparents run away in 1921 from revolution), on the other hand my father spent from 1947 to 1954 in the labour camp in Siberia (for belonging to the illegal armed organization sentenced in Kielce to death 1946, than commuted to life, sent to Siberia where Soviet court lowered sentence to 15 years of hard labour without right of correspondence)
janekb   
3 May 2008
History / Poland-Russia: never-ending story? [1341]

Dear Oscypek:
"Your post shows a great deal of ignorance. Have you ever been to the US?"
Yes, I been to the US several times. Beautiful country, a lots of empty spaces, friendly (a bit simplistic), very hard working population. If you live there, you should notice that I gave the US population more credit that it deserves. Most Americans do not know where Russia is and know that Poland is a part of Russia. Ask any of your American friends and you would be surprised.

Good question for well educated Americans is where the following quote comes from: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need(s)", most will answer American Constitution.
janekb   
4 May 2008
History / 1 Maja - Pochód, Labour Day in Old Poland [28]

Yeah, that's why the population in places such as the 5 boroughs of NYC is about 10 million. The whole remaining 1/2 million commutes. Many by train, such as NJ Path train or Long Island RR.

You have no idead what you're talking about.

I was there in mid 1970s for the first time I was in Manhattan, I stayed at the hotel somewhere near the Time Sq., not knowing the danger because of the time change I did go for a walk at night. There was absolutely nobody on any of the streets before reaching 42nd and very few people there. Burglar alarms ringing everywhere. Next day I was told not to venture outside at night and I never did. Later I was going to the Lincoln Center several times and every time when I was living about 10PM there were only homeless sleeping on the heat vents and nobody else. This places were bustling and crowded at day time and war zone like at night. This is an impression I have, I haven't been there since, it's possibly changed. It was dangerous in Newark NJ, in Philadelphia even Penn campus was not safe, Washington DC north east, LA Watts, and even San Francisco Tenderloin.

About commuting, it seems that you live in NY, to some extend you have public transportation. But this luxury does not exist in most US cities. And more and more are spending more and more time in their cars. To be able to afford luxury of living in the single family house (sheer idiocy in my opinion) many spend over two hours commuting to work and back.

Unfortunately progress reached Warsaw now and friends are terrified that I am still walking at night.

Communist ideology tells us about collective interests of different social classes

It only said about common interest of proletariat (with the exclusion of lumpen-proletariat). Marx mentions briefly about common interest of aristocracy, but this class had no real power and he did not considered it to be a real enemy (it is quite interesting that even Soviet rulers were never very aggressive toward aristocracy. They killed some but ignored and let live or leave many). Marx specifically pointed out that there are no permanent associations or interests of bourgeoisie (Lenin - "capitalists will sell us a rope on which we will hang them") .
janekb   
5 May 2008
History / 1 Maja - Pochód, Labour Day in Old Poland [28]

It takes about 20 minutes by train to get from Great Neck, LI to to Manhattan. People in Great Neck certainly can afford a few cars per person in a family.

Commuting from Northern NJ to NYC takes between 10 and 30 minutes (depending on the locality).

It was years ago, but I can not see commuting getting any easier, with some exceptions (I stayed in Bethesda, MD and it was a long drive to downtown DC, now there is a metro there). Not long ago was traveling through LA and 80 miles on Hwy5 took 3.5 hours. Many years ago I had to be in Santa Monica for a meeting at 10AM, I had to leave San Diego at 4AM to make sure to get there on time.

lol.. u'd feel differently if you had it. i feel quite the opposite; i think it's awesome and i wouldn't want to live any other way.

Not long ago I was in San Diego, there are some who commute to work there from Murrieta, even with commuter lanes it takes not less than 1.5 hours each way (2hrs on Fridays). People schedule their days to avoid traffic. Hwy. 5 north of San Diego is packed solid from 7AM till 7PM. The same is in the San Francisco Bay area. If this the paradise awaiting us in and near Warsaw I am not ready for it.

Some say that it is mostly in California, but because of climate I would not be able to survive anywhere east of Denver.
janekb   
6 May 2008
History / WW2: Britain Declares War on Germany to Save Poland [290]

Would you read "Mein Kampf" Hitler did not plan to attack GB. He was sure that example of power and ability of his Fascist organization will convince British to elect their own Fascist government. Consequently US will became Fascist as well, and after conquering Soviets the whole world will be united. One can say the Europe had a chance to be truly integrated 60 years sooner (common language will be German, I probably will be working in some coal mine if lucky). The problem was Churchill and his ego.

Britain won the war, but it was devastated country with huge debts, disintegrating empire, social unrest, and demobilized millions who expected big social changes. At that time Britain had no abilities to help anyone. It was a great sacrifice on their part to treat decently demobilized Poles.

We should not forget that Poland annexed part of Czechoslovakia when Germans attacked it in 1938.