Posts by enkidu

enkidu

15 Mar 2010

UK, Ireland / The Daily Mail - coverage of the Polish people [161]

constitutional monarchy in the UK,

welll... Where I can find the British constitution? I would gladly read it.

enkidu

14 Mar 2010

USA, Canada / Are you a US citizen? Test for Americans. [67]

If I am questioning something - do I support it? I see it as the contrary. Really. I have no intention to blame anyone of anything.

Maybe it's my personal traits. I was born long time ago in the deep socialism. I was learned a lot of "obvious truths" that shouldn't be questioned. And I get used to questioning everything.

For instance: I was told that the Soviet Union is our biggest and most devoted friend, and we just can't survive without this friendship. I asked myself: Why? Is that true? And I begin to research. Mind this: at the beginning, I didn't exclude the possibility that what I was told IS the truth. I just need some proofs. That is all.

Questioning everything "obvious" is a common Eastern-European trait.

And no - I don't think this is trolling. There are some important questions need to be asked. Of course we can talk forever how corrupted the Polish police is - but is there any point in these discussions?

enkidu

14 Mar 2010

USA, Canada / Are you a US citizen? Test for Americans. [67]

Are you sure that you have all your marbles?

Just answer the questions. Questions and statements are quite different things, don't you think?

If the question is are we able to understand motives and the corruptive nature of power and the true goal of media, The answer is yes.

No. The question is not what do you understand or do not understand. Or about your feelings and attitudes toward certain topics. I just want to know if US media are telling you the same stories as European media to me. That is really, really all.

I know that the US is among a few countries (among China and Saudi Arabia) known for filtering the Internet. American citizens seems to be very supportive for their Government policy (which is a good thing. Loyalty is a virtue) . I am just wonder the stories they were told.

enkidu

14 Mar 2010

USA, Canada / Are you a US citizen? Test for Americans. [67]

someone like you who's been raised by animals

It is intended to be somehow offensive?
Why? I din't do anything wrong. There is no need for insults. Really.

enkidu

14 Mar 2010

UK, Ireland / No job unless you're Polish [201]

Just a thought: What if the cutting costs by employing the immigrants is the only way to stay in business? Either immigrants or closure. If you didn't notice - It's a crisis (depression) time.

enkidu

14 Mar 2010

UK, Ireland / No job unless you're Polish [201]

Open borders policy is the interesting topic but it slightly different from what we are discussing right now. (btw - Poland has a open border policy as well and no problem with immigration. Do you want to know the secret?)

A FAS study over a year ago said that the average immigrant earned just €440 a week, therefore there is very little by way of income tax and as much of this income will go on staple food which is 0 VAT rated and transferred abroad the contribution in consumption taxes and the 'multiplier effect' is very much reduced.

Somebody just has to do odd low-paid jobs. You just can't outsource everything to India.

Consider the thousands of teachers that have been taken on in our schools because of immigrant children and the additional cost of immigrant children over and above Irish children because of language support. Then add in the health costs, justice (something like 1/3rd of the prison population are foreigners, mostly eastern europeans). Then look at the economic activity of immigrants. Last week, the CSO said that foreigners were 19.1% of those in receipt of benefits and that figure is rising month on month, I have no doubt it will break 25% next year. Then add in the Childrens Allowances, Rent Supplements, all the other benefits etc etc.

Of course - you understand that the Poles are just a drop in the ocean comparing to the overall UK immigration? And that the Poles in order to get the access into the welfare system has to prove a 12 months of continuous employment? And that the majority of Poles spend here less than a 12 months - therefore have got no rights whatsoever? (It's called WRS Worker's Registration Scheme).

I also hope that you are aware that there are hundreds of thousands (maybe milions) of so-called asylum seekers who gets every rights in the moment they cross the border? They don't "steal British jobs" simple because they are not entitled to work in the UK. But they are entitled to get council houses and benefits. And that's seems to be an real problem.

enkidu

14 Mar 2010

UK, Ireland / No job unless you're Polish [201]

Operate a work permit scheme and hire more employment inspectors. The skilled Polish have nothing to worry about as they will gain a permit relatively easily.

Work permit scheme - more paperwork, more corruption, more bureaucrats living lavish life on the taxpayer's expense. Nah...
We don't deed a new law or new organization. The existing ones are quite good. But these laws are not enforced. What I meant - employment inspectors need to be sharp (maybe cruel sometimes). Today the situation is that average employer can save a lot of money by ie employ some Polish and deny them the paid Holiday. Even if the employer would be cached and fined (about £1500) - it' still worth the risk!

What would happen if millions of Brits and Paddies went over to Poland and started undercutting the locals?

Brits and Paddies are loosing the competition to the Polish even in the UK - on their own grounds. Do you think they could "undercut" anything in Poland? Don't think so.

enkidu

14 Mar 2010

UK, Ireland / No job unless you're Polish [201]

The reality is that they are breaking the law...and such and English person shouldn't have to speak a useless language to get a job in England...maybe if they were applying for a job in Poland in a meat factory it would be useful, but not in England...they want Poles because they are cheap and are a bit naive to the laws in this country, after this though, you might find that his second factory is burnt to the ground :D

Don't get me wrong. I also think that apart from illegality of this situation it is also unfair and plain stupid.
Maybe it would be good thing to do if local Trade Unions would educate Polish workers. If they know their rights - I am sure they wouldn't be so humble.

Other thing - the factories. As I understand they pay Poles below the minimum wage, don't respect their rights for holidays etc. This is illegal. Some huge fines may force the business owners to reconsider their attitude toward Poles.

Really there is a lot to be done. But no one seems to be interested in it.
Its much easier to blame Polish workers. Their only crime was that when offered a job - They accepted it.

Really? I think you might find that the feelings of many Brits are becoming more and more hostile towards immigrants from certain countries, so yes lots of people blame them....You are looking at it from a different perspective, so I understand you are quite ignorant about how my countrymen feel.

I meant - No one blame the British business owners who obviously betrayed their own countrymen.

enkidu

14 Mar 2010

UK, Ireland / No job unless you're Polish [201]

Why on gods earth would an ENGLISH person who lives in ENGLAND who would like a job in a meat packing factory want to learn Polish? We speak ENGLISH in ENGLAND, no? The factory is based in ENGLAND.

The answer is simple, dear Watson: Such an English person shall want to learn Polish in order to get a job.
This is silly, but one can't argue with the reality.

Funny thing - I know a lot of places where only Poles works (in London). UE policy has got nothing to do with that situation. It is not even Polish worker's fault. Its an respectable middle-class English business owners, who decided to turn down any job application from his fellow countrymen. Its - the business owners fault.

Frankly - no one seems to blame them.

enkidu

14 Mar 2010

USA, Canada / Are you a US citizen? Test for Americans. [67]

Geeez. People - thanks to you, this become a extra-trollish.
Can't you answer a simple questions without bragging about who is Real Patriot and who is the traitor?
All I asked is what you been told by the US media. I am not a judge. I am not interested in your personal feelings. I don't expect any explanations.

For instance SeanBM did answered to one of the question like that:
"2) Are you aware of the fact that he was trained by the CIA?
And Polish are in the war too?"

I know that Poland is an US ally. My question wasn't intended yo be provocative. There is no need to provoke me in return. Simple "Yes" or "No" as an answer would be much appreciated.

Mind this - I don't intend to start the discussion about CIA and US Central-Asian politics in the last 30 years. I just asked if you heard this story (maybe a lie - I can't be sure) before. That's all.

One more:

Envy makes people behave in strange ways. First you don't understand the modern international definition of racism and now you posit that the US doesn't get the "real story" was you enlightened Poles do? Haha....please.

As long as your "international definition of racism" is like:
"Yeah man - yo know- everyone knows that. C'mon!" I have got a problem with understanding it. You haven't got ANY definition. If you wish to convince me - I would be happy to be convinced.

enkidu

14 Mar 2010

USA, Canada / Are you a US citizen? Test for Americans. [67]

It is accepted by the masses as reality.

Until the end of the 19th century it was accepted by masses as the reality that it is OK to enslave other people. Think about it.

Now you know what I consider a "flimsy argument".
The racism question is not the topic of this thread. If you wish to continue a "racism discussion" - you know where to go, right?

enkidu

13 Mar 2010

USA, Canada / Are you a US citizen? Test for Americans. [67]

Hahaha....no way in h*ll am I going to bite on this loaded question. I would advise my fellow Yanks to avoid this as well. The author clearly has an agenda.

I haven't got. Really. I am not the US - hater. I just want to know. i don't need eny explanation. Just the simple yes-or-no answers. I don't require anybody to say what is wrong and what is right (and if she or he support it). I just want to know if we have got access to the same informations on the opposite sides of the Atlantic ocean.. That's all.

By the way - I still have got my stand (clear one - I hope) on the racism question. And not because I am sure, I'm right. Just because your flimsy arguments doesn't convince me a much. If you have got any better arguments - I would be happy to be convinced.

enkidu

13 Mar 2010

USA, Canada / Are you a US citizen? Test for Americans. [67]

Well... I asked Amanda91 these questions:

"I just wonder if an average (again - no offense meant) American has got access to the same information as I do. You know - by watching TV, reading newspapers etc. My questions are not intended to blame anyone or something. I just have got this strange feeling that the Americans and the rest of the world are not living on the same planet.

1) Are you sure that the Osama is the real ringleader? How do you know that? What convinced you?
2) Are you aware of the fact that he was trained by the CIA?
3) Are you sure that on Guantanamo bay there are terrorist only. How do you know that?
4) Are you aware of the fact that the US has invaded the Haiti a few times during 20th century?
5) Are you aware of the fact that mujahedins (US allies in the 1990) and talibs (current enemies) are virtually the same men?"

And She answer me:
Amanda91:
Obviously not, I strongly assume that your information is correct and we're simply uniformed and uneducated Americans. I know, this is exactly the answer that you and quiet a few others here wanted to here. I'm happy I was finally able to satisfy your obviously superior intellect.

And I answer her:
"You misunderstood me. It's not about intellect or superiority. It's not about the knowledge. I think that European newspapers lie to me. I think that US papers are doing exactly the same to you. We are both feed by lies. I just want to compare these.

I don't even know the REAL and true answer to these question. I just know what I was told (and I don't believe it much). I am just curious if you were told the same stories, that is all - honestly."

SO IF YOU are the American - could you, please, answer me these questions? As I said before - it's not about the knowledge (who knows what is true these times anyway). So - don't check wikipedia.

This is not a test of your knowledge. This is a test of what you have been told. I am just curious if we are feed with the some lies or quite different ones (sadly - nobody knows what is the real Truth these days).

enkidu

13 Mar 2010

History / Does Poland deserve credit for the 1989 Revolution? [87]

History in Australian schools is likely to be made up of

Australian History (85%)
World History (15%)

My GF told me that the Polish Forums is just a waste of time. Tomorrow I will impress her with my brand-new knowledge that the Australia have actually got some history. Whole 85% of it. Wow!

enkidu

12 Mar 2010

UK, Ireland / The Daily Mail - coverage of the Polish people [161]

Apart from anything else, the Crown retains the right to ownership of all unmarked mute swans in open water. So killing one is illegal and eating it means you have stolen from the queen.

Yeah - I understand that this is illegal. But there a lot of illegal activities happening every day. Not all of this is so "shocking" like this one.

enkidu

12 Mar 2010

UK, Ireland / The Daily Mail - coverage of the Polish people [161]

The swan thing originated with a Sun article. Soe people were camping out in tents near London and there were a pile of swans' wings outside. They refused to come out of the tent to speak to the reporter but said they were Polish. If I remember, the article said there was a copy of the bible in Romanian on a table by the tent flap.

Lol. "Some people near London" - That seems reliable source.
On the other hand - I admire the professionalism of the said reporter. As a Polish, I am supposed to be a kind of expert on the swan-related matters, but honestly - I couldn't distinguish a swan's wing from any other white ones. The same with the Bible in Romanian. I couldn't say if that is Romanian or any other language.

I really love this story. :-)
Seriously though - I don't understand why this story was so shocking? As far as I am aware - there is strong taboo against eating the swans in Poland, but until recently the Swan-dish was a part of British cuisine. So what the fuzz?

enkidu

12 Mar 2010

UK, Ireland / The Daily Mail - coverage of the Polish people [161]

On the top: Polish pre-2004 Driving Licence.
On the bottom: The current one.

polskie prawo jazdy

Here is the British one:

driving licence

Slightly different, but pretty much standarised.
Point 1) Surname
Point 2) Given name

Really - I find it hard to believe that Irish cops could be so stupid.

enkidu

12 Mar 2010

Life / I'm from Polish descent. CAN YOU GUYS EXPLAIN THE EU TO ME? [115]

This is simple explanation - EU is a Soviet Union coming back in the great style.

We have got unelected president (nobody never voted for him):
youtube.com/watch?v=lqovTGjYjM4

We have got EU High Commission which rule and is not responsible to anyone. (Of course EU Commission members are not elected - they are granted the right to sit there. The can not be removed)

We have got an EU Foreign Office minister - highest paid female politician in the word. That Lady was NEVER in her life to be elected to any office.

EU was a beautiful dream. Right now it becoming an nightmare.

enkidu

12 Mar 2010

UK, Ireland / The Daily Mail - coverage of the Polish people [161]

In theory, no. However, think about the irish Mr Prawo Jazdy story. How long did it take the irish police to realise the mistake there?

Well... I don't belive in this story.

This is polish Driving Licence (prawo jazdy):
A Quiz : Where is a name and surname?

enkidu

12 Mar 2010

UK, Ireland / The Daily Mail - coverage of the Polish people [161]

I am not sure how the system works in the UK, but in Poland every registration number is ascribed to the owner of the car. There is also a database. In order to get a name, address and personal identification number of any car owner - the Police shall make one phone call to the Polish Consulate. Not very time consuming, IMHO.

enkidu

12 Mar 2010

UK, Ireland / The Daily Mail - coverage of the Polish people [161]

The work consisted of taking a Polish registered car to England and then getting lots of parking and speeding tickets so they could write a story about the disgrace that Poles can park where they want and speed when they want.

That would be a good story! Unfortunately not the true one - the owner of this car would be tracked and punished. That is how EU works, I am afraid.

enkidu

12 Mar 2010

UK, Ireland / The Daily Mail - coverage of the Polish people [161]

I thought the swan eating thing was a joke..! Did they actually print that rubbish....?
Has there actually been any case of a Pole or any Eastern European eating a swan , or is it as i suspect total guff...?

Do you remember my post "Angry swan eater?". Lol

And now for facts (this is special kind; "Daily Mail fact"):
Two informations were published:
1) Somebody's uncle went to a pub, and met a guy, who told him, that he heard the story that two eastern Europeans (Polish and Lithuanian) were seen carrying a swan.

2) Dead swan was found on the shore of the lake somewhere in the country. As it is virtually impossible that a swan could die from illness, old age or hunted by fox - it's obvious that the devil eastern europeans killed it.

Now do some math. Ad point one to the point two - and the conclusion is simple: Swan is a Polish traditional dish! Elementary, dear Watson.

enkidu

10 Mar 2010

Law / The 'Secret' of Poland's Economic Success [83]

Poland's secret is simple. While western (especially UK and USA) is mostly based on "financial market" or "service industry", Poland main business is production of goods. Basically - huge part of the UK GDP has is source in City operations which means a lot of the "creative accounting" and taking money from one pocket into the other. These are virtual profits.

enkidu

10 Mar 2010

History / The Gustloff - one of the worst maritime disasters that seemed to never have happened [66]

To verify unknown you don't have to make a boarding party, wildy ;) Radio as a mean of communication was utilized by US navy since 1912. It means that by 1945 the Soviet Union should have had it on submarines as well ;)

This ship was equipped with anti-aircraft weapons and in depth-mines. Among civilian passengers she carried also soldiers (mostly from eastern front). According to international law of war - Carl Gustloff can not be consider as a ship on the civilian or humanitarian mission. That was a German's mistake. Sorry - but that is true.

enkidu

8 Mar 2010

Life / Mixed race girl in Poland, good idea? [149]

I find it humorous that you imagine anyone could. Guilt is a reaction to having done something wrong. I didn't do any of those things.

You are still benefit of this. You didn't do a bad things - someone else did it for you. How comfortable...

enkidu

8 Mar 2010

Life / Mixed race girl in Poland, good idea? [149]

I have no guilt about things people did in the past even if they were my relatives. Nice try though. I am only responsible for my actions not others.

Western world is so rich thanks to death and the suffering of millions of innocent people. A lot of infrastructure that you are still using everyday was probably founded by slave exploitation or colonial gains. You have no sense of guilt that you can still benefit from this wealth since on the other end of this money-pipe there are some people that are still dying from starvation in order to pay for yout comfortable life? You think that this is not your business?

Who is in the state of denial now?
You.

Poland may be seems as a poor country. But at least - we didn't build our country on the blood of defenseless people. I am proud of it. Don't throw your racist mud on me.

enkidu

8 Mar 2010

Life / Mixed race girl in Poland, good idea? [149]

Thank you. That is the perfect answer. :-)

enkidu

8 Mar 2010

Life / Mixed race girl in Poland, good idea? [149]

That's very true. We definately shouldn't have any "diversity programs" or any other PC nonsense as we owe non-whites nothing but calling someone a nig*ger (or czarnuch) just because she/he is black, is simply wrong.

I can only answer you by quoting some of my previous posts (I feel sorry that I have to do that):

"You see this word as racist simply because you automatically translate it into English. And translation is an N-word. But N-word is quite different story. N-word has a certain cultural context and meaning which is lack in Czarnuch."

"Matowy:
You presume wrong. Racism is a prejudice directed towards people of a specific or broad ethnic group. Further meanings can include prejudice based on culture, nationality, or stereotype enforcement.

Enkidu: According to this definition - calling somebody "Czarnuch" can not be seen as racist act as there is no prejudice attached to this word.

Specifically - one can't expect that the said czarnuch would behave in certain way (if he would tend ie to steal, rape, being unemployed, or having poor personal higene etc) as definition and common understanding of word "czarnuch" does not include such broad interpretation.

Thank you."

I don't pretend that this is a nice and polite way to describe somebody. It isn't.
But once more: we don't talk here about kindness and politeness. We talk about racism.
You certainly can label someone as "czarnuch". It doesn't necessarily have to be used as insult against black person. More common usage is: "This guy has no respect for himself, he work very hard for a little money". This is not nice - I agree. But this is not racist. Racist term has to by definition to be used in order to describe someone of certain race. The "czarnuch" is a color-blind term. You can be czarnuch. I can be czarnuch. Everybody can be a czarnuch. It's has nothing to do with the particular person's skin shade or race.

enkidu

8 Mar 2010

Life / Mixed race girl in Poland, good idea? [149]

I see 4 pages later enkidu still has an argument going on what "racism" is. It is a worldwide standard...just like many other things. You may choose to disagree with it and ignore it but it remains the standard.

It is YOUR standard. Not the Polish one. Probably not Chinese, not Nigerian, not Russian. This is your western standards by which you judge other cultures and which you try to impose on us. Presumably because somewhere deep in your minds there is idea that we are too stupid to decide for ourselves. And this is racists attitude. You are racists, man. Face it.

I understand the western sense of guilt. You did made a good profit on the slave trade, racism and colonization. Don't expect us to share this shame with you. We (mean Poland) never participate in this scum. Right now your mantra is "We were racist, but this is part of human nature. Everyone is racist. Our guilt is not so special." You are trying to blend-in by accusing everyone of having your own nasty traits. But the truth is: You were racist. (Maybe you still are). You've made profit of it.

We don't.

enkidu

8 Mar 2010

Life / Mixed race girl in Poland, good idea? [149]

(...)
So, do you recognise racism when you see it?

Among other situations I can smell a strong smell of racism when I am required to fill in a form which asked me a questions about my ethnic background. Usually I declare myself as "Black Caribbean".

I ignored your question before simply because I don't see any point in discussion about my personal experiences. If there is any point - I would be happy if you convince me.

As for my "twisted intelligence": I don't pretend that my point of view is the only one valid. You guys do this. Obviously you have got some "untouchable" truths that you believe don't required questioning or close examination. You call it - obvious things.

And your arguments are:
"Come on, You know this is true" (well - I don't)
Using *bold* letters. Like: This *is* racist. (Bold letters don't impress me much)
"Everyone knows that!" (well - I don't. So - not so everyone, right?)

Ta make long story short - you guys are deny that somewhere over there are different countries exist, with different cultures that have got every right to be judge by their own standards. You just presume that your Western standards are universal. If something *is* racists - this attitude certainly is as such.