History / Responsibility for Murder of Catholic Poles during WWII ? [172]


Right and wrong. Indeed, it is essential to correctly identify who was who. Yes, most Poles were Catholic during that time, and about 10% of Poles were of Jewish origin. Just like in the USA today, you have Americans of various religions: Catholic Americans, Baptist Americans, Jewish Americans, Muslim Americans, Protestant Americans, etc. My question was to the point. I was identifying a specific ethnic and religious group that lived in Poland prior to WWII...Catholic Poles (who made up approximately 85% of the population during that time. (Please correct me if I'm wrong.) in history today, the focus is usually on the holocaust of Polish Jews. My question is attributed to the WWII period "Polish Catholics".

Law / Coal Alternatives in Poland: The new electricity market [21]


I'm also in Małopolska, just south of Tarnów. It's really beautiful here and I live in a perfect area for a wind turbine. My house and property is on the highest point of a low mountain here where wind is plentiful and constantly blows from the West.

If anyone here would like to meet up one day, have a few beers perhaps, and talk about green energy, I'm open for discussion. We can have a meeting at my place if you wish. Let me know, ok?

Cheers!

News / Has there ever been gold found in Poland? [21]


Yes, of course, in the small quaint town of zlotoryja.pl. They even have an annual gold panning championship there. I once stayed in Złotoryja as a tourist in a hostel before I bought my own property in Poland. Very nice town!

Travel / Your favourite place/thing in each Poland's city:) [8]

The village I live in which is nestled in the Carpathian Foothills just north of the Ciężkowicko-Rożnowskie Landscape Park, 7 kilometers east of the quaint town of Zakliczyn. Lush forests, nature everywhere, our beautiful cream colored church with it's signature onion shaped cupola and spires, many road side chapels, the Ski resort on top our mountain, fresh air and clean water, hiking trails, and endless fertile lands. :-)

Law / Coal Alternatives in Poland: The new electricity market [21]

ShelleyS / andy b,

Thank you very much for the valuable info! My main concern now in implementing wind and solar energy here will be the terrible politics and red tape of the local gmina. They usually do not welcome any change or fresh ideas in this village, especially when a foreigner does it before they do. I've heard from the grapevine that if I attempt to install a wind turbine on my own property, the gmina will most likely oppose it. Also, Zakład Energtyczny (Polish Electric company) will be another potential problem. They really don't want residents producing their own electric. That only means less profits for them. How can I start implementing my own power production without having the gmina and electric company down my throat? Another prominent person in my village has mentioned that I might be required to pay very high taxes on the value of my electric production and savings. That is ridiculous! What do you think?

Law / Coal Alternatives in Poland: The new electricity market [21]


Can you please tell me what BOŚ is? How can I arrange funding for a wind turbine on my land from both the Polish government and the EU? Please tell me more about this? Thank you very much!

Law / Coal Alternatives in Poland: The new electricity market [21]

I live in the Carpathian Foothills in South-East Poland in a large village. My house is located on the highest point of one side of the village where I get plenty of wind and my house leans on the southern slope where the sun shines most. There is plenty of open space around me.

So, two projects I would like to actively pursue is setting up a wind turbine on my hill, and efficient solar panels on my barn. I think this would provide more than enough electrcity to my home to be self suffucient. Anyone here plan on doing the same? Any other suggestions?

Real Estate / Current price of Homes in Poland [41]


I've been to the gmina and powiat administrative offices. They stated there is nothing illegal about burning my own firewood in a wood stove as long as my forest isn't in a protected area such as a park. I even sell firewood to those who need it.

Real Estate / Current price of Homes in Poland [41]


This is precisely what I've done! From the main road to my house is about 1 1/2 kilometers, and the first 1100 meters is paved road...the remaining portion to my home is regular farm road...but I'm not complaining. I like it. It's exactly what I wanted. Most important is that I have plenty of land / forest surrounding my home, peace and quiet, abundant spring water, and free firewood for a lifetime.

Real Estate / Current price of Homes in Poland [41]


More people are preferring to own a house with some breathing room. Land, forests, perhaps enough arable land to even plant some crops. I left a large city in the USA to live in a property that has several hectares of my own forests (with trails), surrounding my house. Sure, I could have bought something similar in the USA, but this is the center of Europe! :-)

News / Bronislaw Geremek died in a car crash today ( 13.07 ) [6]

First, I want to express my condolences to his entire family. It is sad when anyone dies, especially in such a tragic way.

Now, I would like to add that I never did appreciate Bronisław Geremek's contributions to the round table talks during the days of Solidarity, or his place in the Polish government or history. Why do I say this? He was a member of the Polish Communist Party for 18 years (1950 - 1968), which under the belt of Soviet Communism, suppressed Polish freedom and the quest of independence for all those years. I can never forgive somone who willingly joined the communist party for such a long period of time and then decides to suddenly convert to a so called Polish patriot. This is the same feeling I have for his friends in crime, Adam Michnik and former Polish president Aleksander Kwasniewski, also former devoted communists. They have done more damage than good to Poland via their communist party affiliation, however, they still have their numerous supporters from Liberal and Leftist circles who will insist otherwise.

Many of these former communists immediately jumped ship and on to the opposition band wagon when they saw Soviet control over Polish society eroding. They had no choice. With help and excellent positive press coverage (or propaganda) from the liberal media, the average Polish citizen was brainwashed into thinking they were 'good intellectuals' who were alleged integral factors in overthrowing Communism. Most people know better though. Michnik displays more of his propaganda in his recent "Gazeta" article of praise for Geremek's achievements. These former communists spent a long time invoking and maintaining Soviet rule in Poland well before they finally cleansed their souls and transformed themselves into decent humans and anti-communists .

Why is it that anyone who had ties to the Nazi party were stained and blacklisted for life and are still being prosecuted until today, however, those who had ties to the Communist party were 'forgiven and accepted' for their misdeeds, often becoming patriots of their country of origin and never prosecuted for their former party membership? Both Nazism and Communism destroyed and suppressed many societies during and after WWII and should be treated the same. The answer is in the fact that today, socialism / communism is still alive and well in many segments of society, and is often disguised by individuals who claim to be part of the liberal or leftist movements. Same motives and intentions, only under a different label.

Real Estate / Article: Poland becomes real estate leader [16]


Correct, similar to what I had mentioned in an earlier posting on this topic: "...and if Ukraine isn't adequately prepared, Poland offered to hold more games in their country. As I see it, either way, it will take place at least in Poland."

Life / Gas, petrol prices in Poland [42]

At 4.88 zł per liter, that comes out to approximately $9 US dollars per gallon (3.785 liters), more than double the price per gallon in the USA.

Being an American myself, why are Americans even complaining about the price of gasoline in the USA? Poles earn less and pay more for fuel, and I rarely hear them complaining about gasoline prices where I live near Tarnów. Spoiled and pampered Americans, they just don't realize how good they have it.

History / massacres of poles in volhynia 1943 [67]

Although born in the USA, I am of 62.5 % of Polish ethnicity, and 37.5% Ukrainian ethnicity, of the Catholic faith.

It hurts a bit when I see nonsense being spewed from either group against one another. Make peace and look towards the future.

History / massacres of poles in volhynia 1943 [67]

Both the Poles and Ukrainians contributed to this conflict.

Poles, by being a minority population in most of the former Eastern Polish lands (majority only in most large cities and some rural regions, but not overall) and trying to rule and convert the majority population, the Ukrainians. No ethnic or religious group wants to be ruled by another one who represent less in numbers (the minority), in any given country.

Ukrainians were wrong for the way they acted revenge upon the Poles, especially during WII. If someone came into my house and wanted to be in charge, I also wouldn't be too happy, but I would first attempt peaceful dialogue.

This type of conflict is also a prime source of anti-Jewish feeling as well. In many countries, during and after WWI up until today, Jews were/are the minority in numbers, however, they are the majority when it comes to the media, economic and financial control. Primary examples are Adam Michnik of Poland and Victor Pinchuk of Ukraine. Both have Jewish roots with Michnik commanding a large portion of media interests in Poland, and Pinchuk controlling most of the metal industry in Ukraine. Many Christian Poles and Ukrainians in both countries aren't pleased with this fact. If you had Christian Arabs or Palestinians controlling Israel, Jews living there wouldn't too happy as well. There is war there anyway!

It is a social and ethnic dilemma. Nobody wants the minority to rule the majority, in any sense. It's a natural human feeling. Unfortunately, it creates great conflict and ill feeling.

I would propose that the Slavic nations of Central and Eastern Europe unite into one larger country, as Poland/Ukraine once unsuccessfully attempted to do. Due to religious cultural, patriotic, and ethnic differences, it would most likely never happen.

Real Estate / Article: Poland becomes real estate leader [16]

Avalon, how recent was the news? I also read similar stories, however, this was older news. I don't pay attention to the 'old' news, only the more recent developments. Poland is more ready than Ukraine is for the Euro 2012 football competition and if Ukraine isn't adequately prepared, Poland offered to hold more games in their country. As I see it, either way, it will take place at least in Poland.


No, but I already had invested long ago in Polish real estate, way before the European Union was even a thought. My investments don't depend on the Euro 2012 decision, however, it would certainly enhance real estate investments for any existing owner.

Are your investment decisions resting on the outcome VaFunkoolo?

I tend to backup my opinions with objective news sources and other pertinent links, and not hot air. Too many people often comment about real estate without providing essential sources. Thus, it is usually entirely their personal feeling or opinion.

Real Estate / Article: Poland becomes real estate leader [16]


Again no source online for this news?

Real Estate / Article: Poland becomes real estate leader [16]

Which is more dependable, a single individual hearing 'the word on the street', or a more confirmed version online quoting UEFA head Michel Platini and Poland's prime minister Donald Tusk? :-)

Real Estate / Article: Poland becomes real estate leader [16]

BubbaWoo, can you kindly provide us with an online source of your word on the street? The latest news flash I've seen on this says "Poland will be ready to host Euro 2012".

Travel / Warsaw: A day in the life [16]

masks98,

I wouldn't immediately attribute this isolated event to the entire infrastructure of Poland. That is a grave generalization. I lived in New York City for a long time and have seen and experienced much worse. Late or canceled trains and buses without notice, subway stations closed off under construction without warning, etc. Those too were isolated events, and I cannot say that applies to all of NYC.

Overall, since living in Poland, I'm actually very impressed with the punctuality of buses and trains here. Polish authorities via PKS are careful to make sure that the most obscure villages also have some bus service, and that is nice. Many private mini-bus companies are also sprouting around Poland. I live in a village that has bus access to towns/cities that have bus/train access to the rest of Poland and Europe. For this reason, I never had the need to purchase an automobile. I frequent Warsaw, Krakow and other large cities often and have no overall complaints about public transport. Again, I tend to treat isolated events as such, and not generalize.

Travel / Most beautifull Polish City to spend your holiday? [12]

The ancient city of Tarnów, for sure! It has a great old town center, nice clubs and good restaurants, and doesn't have the high prices or obnoxious tourists that other 'larger' cities have. The population of Tarnów is approximately 125,000 and has the warmest climate in all of Poland.

Genealogy / Who to contact for restitution of land taken away by Ukranians due toWWII [7]

Subsequent to WWII, the Soviet Union (Russia) annexed the Eastern portion of Poland, not the Ukrainians. Ukraine was then part of and controlled by the Soviet Union even more so than Poland was. In return for the annexed Eastern lands known as "Kresy", the Soviet Union "took" part of Eastern Germany and former Prussia and gave it to Poland, although the land area of the German lands was much less than what Poland lost.

Getting property back in 'Kresy" might very well involve a lawsuit against Russia, and not Ukraine. It's complicated. Ask a good lawyer. All in all, Poland lost out and was screwed in the entire deal along with millions of displaced Germans and Poles. This resulted in making Poland the most homogenous ethnic country in all of Europe, because it eliminated the many Ukrainians and Germans from the new Polish borders. The Germans of course, murdered Poland's Jewish population.

Travel / Going to Kędzierzyn-Koźle in August [10]


My cousins live near Kędzierzyn-Koźle, close to the pleasant little town of Baborów, between Głubczyce and Raciborz. I've been there quite a few times. The 'old town' or starówka of the "Kożle" half of the city is very attractive, expecially the large market square surrounded by quaint period buildings. There are some cafes in the square where you can enjoy some good drinks and food. Make sure you spend the time to stroll through the nice streets in the old town if you enjoy old architecture. The 'newer' portion of the city, Kędzierzyn, is mostly modern and doesn't have much in terms of old buildings. There are some interesting navigable canals in this half used for transporting goods. For sure, there are clubs around the city. So, Kożle is the older, nicer half and Kędzierzyn is the more modern half. Enjoy yourself!

News / France to lift job restrictions on Poles [84]

Well said Puzzy. That is precisely the reason.

History / WAS WAŁĘSA A SECRET POLICE COLLABORATOR? [26]

Whether or not Walesa was a secret police collaborator must be investigated and a conclusion must be reached. The IPN (The Institute of National Remembrance) is a highly qualified organization and must shed some light on the matter.

News / Deutsche Welle Claims Tabloids are Polish [40]

Espana, please see this https://polishforums.com/archives/2005-2009/news/deutsche-welle-claims-tabloids-23842/

News / Deutsche Welle Claims Tabloids are Polish [40]


Wprost :-)