I don't see what all of the sniveling and whining are about--Radio Maryja is a single contrarian news source. It has a small audience and budget. All of the other news sources are free to spout their pro-EU, one-world, modernist garbage. I'm glad Fr. Rydzyk is struggling for the Polish nation and its traditional culture. I only wish they had an English-language service.
As far as the alleged "antisemitism," this accusation is likely political in nature, and may well be entirely fictional. Christophobia and hostility against the Polish nation on the part of the new EU elite are the REAL factors here.
You claim to be better informed than I am, so why don't you explain the situation to me? Give me your best and most honest analysis, using what you KNOW to be reliable information and leaving out personal opinions: What is wrong with Radio Maryja?
Listen Gary nothing is going to be solved here as you have an opinion and I am just stating what Polish people tell me here. If you mention Radio Maryja here, the people that I have met just start laughing and making fun out of it. And I don't claim anything not like a guy over 5,000 miles away or whatever it is, I hear it everyday, so please get over it!!!
If its true that when you take communion you are actually consuming the body and blood of Christ, how many times do you have to go before you've consumed a whole Jesus?
I'd like to take this opportunity to apologise for any offense I may have caused to any of the religious amongst you by in some way questioning your water-tight belief system.
Despite of some drawbacks of Radio Maryja, It is very important to keep the balance in Europe heading to nowhere in its customs.
As many of junk press in EU and US, complains about Poland and tries to put people (especially young) into complex of being polish, I found that ordinary people in UK, Belgium, Germany and other countries say something completly opposite.
They can see how many mistakes they have done in their own garden.. just looking at the new generation with no ambitions, no rules, no respect for anything.. which no one knows what to do with.
You're absolutely right, Misiek. The "New Europe" (the whole West, in fact) is nothing to get excited about. I don't see much of a future for the younger generations...
The "New Europe" (the whole West, in fact) is nothing to get excited about.
If this is true Gary, then why do you intend to come here then for a couple of years, your are very welcome here, but I was just wondering why the interest when you say it is nothing to get excited about?
why do you intend to come here then for a couple of years
Eastern Europe has not become fully-Westernized, and has not integrated completely into the global junk-culture. I think America and Britain are neck-in-neck in the race for national and cultural disintegration. Germany and the Netherlands are not far behind, along with the rest of the wealthier Western nations.
In Eastern Europe there is still some semblance of communal life--the Catholic church is not yet dead in Poland, unlike in Italy and France--and people still want to start families. The Easterners still take pride in their ethnic identities and national heritage, while we Brits and Americans have been made to feel ashamed of ours.
In any case, those are the philosophical reasons! On a more practical level, I'm a fairly young guy--soon to finish grad. school--and the prospects here are not great. America becomes MORE expensive and LESS livable with each passing day. What a deal!
Regarding the TEFL/ESL thing, I like the idea of a 25-hr. work week (or thereabouts), and enough of a salary to afford a room or studio and still have money left over for fun. Where I live that's impossible. Also, this will be my last chance to really travel, before getting tied down with a career and family, so why not take the opportunity?
Anyway, my apologies (ukpolska) if I seemed like I was getting worked-up over the Radio Maryja thing. In all honesty I don't know a huge amount about them, except that they are conservative, pro-family, and pro-national, and do NOT want Poland's popular culture to become a wasteland like America's. Maybe they are crude and laughable in some ways, but I sympathize with their fears. Polish identity--symbolized by the Catholic church--sustained the nation and gave the people hope throughout the miserable Soviet experiment. It would be a shame if that identity and tradition now evaporate in the face of Western cultural promiscuity.
nyway, my apologies (ukpolska) if I seemed like I was getting worked-up over the Radio Maryja thing.
Fair enough you seem an ok guy, if your are ever down in Pulawy way, look me up for beer, easy to find, just find the Bambury English School and I will be there. :O)
re: I wouldn’t waste my breath on him, the guys got something wrong in his head, if he cannot justify something he has to insult people, what makes me laugh is that he keeps saying prove it, prove it, and never offers any supporting evidence himself, “done and finished with this guy” lol
- Well, so you are able to reply with insults only, my dear man? You cannot give any proof to back your allegatons against Father Rydzyk? Where's your alleged 'former priest' as the proof? Now in the above quote you are alleging that I haven't justified something and because of that I have insulted somebody. What haven't I justified allegedly, and whom have I insulted? Give pertinent quotes. You're alleging that I 'never' give 'supporting evidence.' You're not only vulgar (re name calling at Father Rydzyk), and cowardly (you wouldn't dare to call vulgar names any rabbi or mulla, would you?), but also a liar. And also a fool - a wise man always looks for contradictory evidence. I take your intention not to speak to me (on the grounds that, basically, I am stupid), as a cowardly excuse and flight from a discussion where you've been proven to be wrong and are ashamed of being sees as a fool. So that's your worst fear? As for me, I reserve the right to comment on your posts. :)
Hey, Gary Busey. You basically express the right stuff about Radio Maryja, as far as I'm concerned. However, I am fascinated by something else in your posts, namely your use of terms such as 'Eastern Europe,' 'Easterners,' 'the West,' etc. As I understand, you deem as 'Western' or 'fully-Westernized' (sic) countries such as America, UK, Germany, Holland, Italy, and France. But not Poland; we are 'Easterners' for you. Specifically why? What do you understand by 'the West,' 'Eastern Europe,' 'Westernisation,' and the like? Thanks in advance for reply. Wow! Maybe I have eventually hit upon somebody - Gary Busey from America! - who can elighten me in these matters?! Cheeerio! :)
re If its true that when you take communion you are
- Kilkline, we have the potential to ridicule anything at all, including any religion at all. Some religious statements may appear irrational when taken literally, which makes them an easy target for ridicule. What's your own religion, Kilkline? Have you got any? If not, there must be other things you've got strong positive feelings towards, e.g. your parents, siblings, country, girlfriend. They're can be brutally ridiculed too, you know?
As I understand, you deem as 'Western' or 'fully-Westernized' (sic) countries such as America, UK, Germany, Holland, Italy, and France. But not Poland; we are 'Easterners' for you. Specifically why?
Puzzler, it seems that even the UN has the impression that Poland lies within "Eastern Europe".... un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/easteuro.pdf
- The news in question doesn't prove Father Rydzyk is an owner of a school.
re: (But you're just going to say it doesn't count - it's The Evil TVN!)
- Oh, you're anticipating what I may say in order to scare me from saying it? :) Do you suggest that if I said TVN news doesn't count I would be wrong? Why? By the way, TVN has been caught lying about Radio Maryja. They're clearly prejudiced towards Radio Maryja and Father Rydzyk. Whatever they say about Radio Maryja, therefore, should be taken with caution.
re: Quoting: Puzzler 'Many human beings are being taught how to read and write, but in some cases it's not sure why.' You know, I haven't read something this narrow-minded in a very long time.
- Why would it be narrtow-minded? As far as I'm concerned, it's broad-minded.
re: Of course, you can write for a reason! You have to show us the Real Truth. Good luck trying.
- I have indicated the 'reason' in my previous post; if you were more intelligent, or less blinded, you should spot it right away. But I'll explain 'the reason' once again: education for every one doesn't make people wiser nor the world better, and is a huge waste of resources.
re: If you do not [regard Lichen as tasteless -P.], I guess I don't have a choice. It cannot be tasteless!
- Why not? You're still entitled to your own taste. But do you actually have any?
re: And I know you met all those millions and talked to them in person.
- Nope, I haven't met them in person, but the fact that they visit and pray in Lichen, seems to indicate that Lichen isn't as abhorrent to them as to you.
re: I've just spoken to about thirty and haven't found anyone who likes it.
- And I've spoken maybe to a hundred people and they all liked it.
re: (Unlike you, I don't tell people they should think other way if they don't agree with me.)
- Where did I tell people they should think other way [sic] if they don't agree with me? Give the quote. Liar, liar.
re:Quoting: Puzzler You've perhaps only hurt feelings of the most unimportant people on earth - Christians. And how exactly have I hurt them? All the Christians?
- Perhaps all or many honest Christians. Do you know why?
re: Cause there are some who don't listen to RM and don't like Licheń.
- So?
re: But if I hurt them by not being one of them, I'm not going to apologize.
- What is your point in the above sentence?
re: (Also, I don't think I've hurt any of those ladies (and gentelmen) who listen to RM. How do you think I've hurt them?)
- Well, maybe you should read your own posts? Read them, and if you still can't answer your own question, I'll tell you the answer.
re: You know, you're being offensive all the time. To all the people who read Wyborcza.
- Really? You mean I'm offensive even now, when I write the word 'really'? :) And how? In reality, haven't I merely been critical of those who, despite their ability to read, and possibly write, allow themselves to be brainwashed by Michnik and buddies? You're one of them, klamka, btw.
re: We have feelings (yeah, they should have taken them away together with our minds, those vicked masons and jewish communists. Oh, how progerman they are! They want to destroy our country! Oh no! I'm thinking the truth! Now they're gonna take me to the ministry of love!)
- And what the devil does the above wordflow mean? Did some sudden madness or possession strike you during scribbling? What do you mean in the quote?
re: You just seem like a type, who knows what is right (and hates everyone who doesn't agree), dear Puzzler.
- On what grounds would I seem to be so? Delusional ones? - In reality, I only question what others say (and think). And privately I mercilessly question what I myself think and say. Are you bright enough to get that?
re: Now you'll say I'm a coward. I think any further discussion is pointless.
- Hm, again the same false rhetorical trick of anticipating of what I may say and suggesting that if I say it I'd be wrong? In reality, yes, you are a coward fleeing from a discussion with me. I think I know why - your own adversity towards me provides the answer. You are scared to have your convictions questioned, scared of losing them, even if they are wrong. If you were sure of your convictions, if they were right, you'd be self-confident and prove me wrong right on the spot. But since you appear to be young, and perhaps just blinded rather than unintelligent, I suspect there's still some hope you might see things as they are, rather than through convictions implanted by rascals of Michnik, Walter and Krol's ilk.
:)
re: Puzzler, it seems that even the UN has the impression that Poland lies within "Eastern Europe"....
- Well, then the same question - why? - I'd ask the UN.
By the way, the UN isn't any - how shall I put it? - intellectual authority to me.
And would you agree with me, Shawn, that the 'East' and 'West' terminology and division comes largely from the the Cold War era propaganda?
PS, Shawn. I've noticed that many North Americans are still attached to the 'East-West' division and terminology. I suspect I know why.... :)
And would you agree with me, Shawn, that the 'East' and 'West' terminology and division comes largely from the the Cold War era propaganda?
I would concur that it originates from the Cold War era.
Why use the word Propaganda though? If I look at a map of Europe, and draw an imaginary line through the middle (west on the left, east on the right) a good chunk of Poland is on the right (east side of the map).
Why do you object to the term Eastern Europe. (If it is posted elsewhere, forgive me. There are thousands of pages to sort through...)
Would Poland's placement in "Central Europe" be less objectionable, or should it just be Europe?
'East-West' division and terminology
Some how it is in our psyche. Can't seem to let go...
Shawn, to begin with, would you agree that the term 'Eastern Europe' is derogatory (I don't mean its an inherently bad term and should be so; I mean its use e.g. by the media psychopaths)? Would you agree it's also highly incorrect? If part of Russia should be considered part of Europe, then Poland should be placed in the West of Europe, shouldn't it? And if Poland lies in Eastern Europe, how about Norway or Finland? Why they're said to lie in Western Europe?
:)
re: Some how it is in our psyche
- In your perception perhaps?
I am fascinated by the 'somehow,' though. Where does it come from? :)
Also, Shawn, if, say, Austria and Germany are 'the West,' why the US and Canada are 'the West' too? What kind of geography is that?!
:) PS. And is Vancouver, with Mandarin-speakers as the most numerous group and Punjabbi speakers as the second, a Western town? If yes, then why? ;)
re: Would Poland's placement in "Central Europe" be less objectionable, or should it just be Europe?
- Any placement, including Eastern europe, or even the Moon, would be fine with me, as long as the terminology isn't contrary-to-reason and derogatory. ;)
I don't have a derogatory connotation to the term. My connotation is that the area was (in my formative years) ruled by the Russians (Warsaw Pact), and had a different form of government (Imposed communism). As a result of this, Eastern Europe seemed to be "behind" the "west (US, UK, France, West Germany etc) in many aspects: Mainly economical, freedom of expression, political self determination, etc.
Now the wall is gone. In my opinion/experience, I have found Poles to be educated, motivated, creative, good people in general.
However, in those area's that were perceived to be behind, I could see how the one could use the term Eastern European as derogatory.
But, I have never walked a mile (kilometer) in an "Eastern" European's shoes.
highly incorrect
Given my earlier definition (a line drawn down the middle of Europe), you are correct.
I am fascinated by the 'somehow,' though. Where does it come from?
Grew up during the cold war on this side of the pond. Ronald Raygun, the whole evil empire thing I Suppose...
Austria and Germany are 'the West,' why the US and Canada are 'the West' too? What kind of geography is that?!
That's not geography, that's a division of Western "Democratic" styles of Government, and Eastern (Russian) Communistic form of government...
re: Norway, definetly Western, Finland, Eastern.
- But why?
Ural Mountains in the east - let's say for the sake of argument running along the 60 degree (east) line of longitude. Continental Europe ending in about the 10 degree (west) line of longitude. Total spread of 70 degrees. Half of that about 35 degrees? 60-35=25 degrees. Most of Finland lies east of there.
Edit - no offense to any Icelanders out there, but I did originally say "continental" Europe...
Japan - I have to say "Eastern" in a different sense. Really a part of the orient, no?
- Well, so if the Ural is the border of Europe, then why would Poland lie in Eastern Europe? It should be classified as lying in Western Europe, shouldn't it?
if your are ever down in Pulawy way, look me up for beer, easy to find, just find the Bambury English School
Thank you for the invitation, ukpolska! If I do end up in Poland in a year or so, I may well take you up on it. I understand that you've been teaching English for quite a few years, and I will be sending some questions your way in the English-teaching threads.
As far as the "Eastern European" terminology in regard to Poland, Shawn_H has answered it for me. Not only is this a Cold War division, but it is also an academic and historical one in British and American texts.
I am currently reading a book called The Civilization of the Middle Ages, which one would assume covers medieval history over all of Europe. Instead, as in the previous book I read (Origins of Modern Europe), the focus is almost exclusively on Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain (and in this order of importance as far as the space dedicated to each). Even in books ostensibly devoted to "European History," anything east of the Oder river is only mentioned in passing, and even then it is considered in relation to German history.
Anyway, my point is that the Eastern/Western divide is standard in American and British academia, at least in the material I'm familiar with. It also plays into the historical Germanic/Slavic divide, post-Roman Empire, and the Western Christendom/Eastern Orthodox separation. (Of course, these divisions are always sloppy, since Catholic countries like Poland, Romania, and Croatia fall into the "Eastern" world.)
By the way, as long as I'm talking to Poles and Europeans, and am too lazy to check Wikipedia at the moment, what are the official or main religions/churches in the Czech Republic and Slovakia?
The exact central point in Europe is somewhere in the middle of Poland. This means Poland is in northern, southern, eastern and western Europe all at the same time. Unless you want to call it central Europe.
It does depend on what subject is being discussed as to whether any given country is in eastern, western...
Shawn, I hope you don't think me being harsh on you. It wasn't my intenton. You know I like and respect you, man.
re: I still have a lot of research to do on Eastern Europe
- We'll all most eagerly await the results of it. :)
re: Not only is this a Cold War division, but it is also an academic and historical one in British and American texts
- The question is whether the 'division' is logical, rational and in accordance-with-facts? If it's not, then what would it say about the 'academa' and academicians in question...?
The question is whether the 'division' is logical, rational and in accordance-with-facts?
I understand your point, Puzzler. But this division isn't as laden with significance as you seem to think. "Eastern Europe" has never been a derogatory term. It DOES imply former Soviet rule, and with it a sense of economic under-development, as well as cultural differences vis-a-vis "the West."
As Poland and other countries become more and more a part of the "mainstream" in Europe, this distinction between East and West will likely disintegrate. But thought-models die hard, and there is still value and meaning in these divisions, especially in Britain and America, where they are part of our understanding of history, artificial as they may be in many ways. If we didn't have the Eastern/Western Europe "model," we would have another simplification, and it would have its own uses and limits.
In any case, why is Poland so eager to be a part of "the West," anyway? In case you haven't noticed, Westerners are in a state of terminal decadence and decline. At this point, the prefix 'Western' is DEROGATORY! Radio Maryja, for example, has NO counterpart in America and Western Europe. The conservative ideas that you presumably admire in that organization are all-but-dead in the West. If Poland falls too closely into the EU-NATO orbit, then she will NOT be Poland much longer.
Your history books will be re-written, and Polonophobes in Brussels will shift more and more of the Holocaust on YOUR shoulders, telling your nation that it must accept hordes of non-European refugees and immigrants to "expiate" for its supposed sins. Needless to say, this would be a FARCE and a TRAGEDY.
Some may think this is absurd, and I hope it is. Still, we should be ever-vigilant...
