Love / Well.. I got a Polish girl pregnant.. [88]


All depends on what you do, not your education. I have "high current" (there's "low" current version too) electrical engineering degree from Sweden (from a university connected to ABB), but I worked as an electrician not electrical engineer in a Zink mine in Sweden (before I changed professions).

Electricians in the States make good money, especially when lots of costruction is going on. When I converted my licences from Swedish to US and got to work at a small construction company , senior electricians there (after 8-12 years) were making $90k to $160k a year (they always quote "yearly" salaries here) and that was in Southeast where the living costs were relatively low. This was a succesful firm and we were making bonuses on profits the company was making. Here in Hawai'i they make even more (but it's more expensive to live here too). I don't know exactly what they all make now as I've switched professions long time ago...

Regarding a statement someone made "no airline will let a 5 months pregnant woman fly" - it does depend on the airline, I used to fly for Delta and am pretty sure if the lady had a letter from her doctor stating she was healthy, the pregnancy was moving along ad planned, etc., she'd be allowed to fly but I do not know what the "real" cut off pregnancy time was.

I know Poles and other nationalities like to be respected by others no matter if they're rich or poor. Why don't we do the same for the illegal Mexican aliens? They abuse our system for sure, many bring in drugs, some get involved on gangs, etc. but those people are not "rats"! as done people have called them. Easy to do in the heat if the battle (argument) but I think we shouldn't be doing that. It's a tough situation for sure, many are actually indiginious "Mexican Indians" and barely speak any Spanish, much less English. They're abusing a loophole in our system, so let's blame the system and not them.

[i] Polish girlfriend. Pregnant. Just do the right thing and take care of your girl, and your child, no matter what happens, no matter where you'll end up. She's worth it, and so is your child.[/]

Totally agree.

Jason, I think we forgot to ask you the most important question here.

What does she want to do? What does she want you to do? ...and will you do what she wants you to do?

Love / Well.. I got a Polish girl pregnant.. [88]

You're right but he was talking about trying to her her to the US.


The advantage of doing that - the kids become US citizens automatically.

The disadvantage - the green card process for the kid's mom will be more complicated.

Love / Well.. I got a Polish girl pregnant.. [88]


IF her kids are born in the US the kids (not the mom) will automatically become US citizens - they won't need a green card. That's the law.

However the mom will need to apply for a green card. Unless she marries the father and then she'll get a work permit 12-18 months later and a temporary green card a year thereafter. After 5 years as a green card holder (sometimes 3) she can become a citizen if she wants.

Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution - July 9, 1868, -

"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.[2

Birthright citizenship in the United States of America refers a person's acquisition of United States citizenship by virtue of the circumstances of his or her birth. It contrasts with citizenship acquired in other ways, for example by naturalization later in life. Birthright citizenship may be conferred either by jus soli and jus sanguinis.

Under United States law, any person born within the United States (including the overseas territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands) and subject to its jurisdiction is automatically granted U.S. citizenship, [1] as are many (though not all) children born to American citizens overseas.

Love / Well.. I got a Polish girl pregnant.. [88]


That's good news because we do NOT want you here either. If I misunderstood your post's intent, I'm sorry. However, you know, I too am a Wrocław Boy, or used to be as a kid but I don't see why I should be demeaning toward your current country, whatever it happens to be? If you don't like those "idiot yanks" fine, just stay away.

This thread was about a guy who came here for advice, not to be lectured about not using condoms or whether one country sucks more than the other.

I hope things work out for them both, lots of families out there who'd absolutely love to have a child, not to mention twins!

...and Jason - do some research and I'm sure things will work out for you. Let me know what state you live in and I might be able to find an immigration attorney you can talk to. Usually an hour or so is enough to learn your options. You both will be fine, this is good news despite some of the doom & gloom here...

Love / Well.. I got a Polish girl pregnant.. [88]


Jason - if the babies are born in the US (congrats btw and I mean it!) they'll automatically get the US citizenship. US is the only country I'm aware of that gives citizenship to kids who're born in the US even if the parents aren't US citizens; in most countries citizenship is related to parents' citizenship. That's why when Hong Kong was about to be handed over to China thousands of pregnant Chinese women would come to the US to give birth - they wanted a back up plan and now there are thousands of kids in Hong Kong with a US passport.

Without sounding racist - this has been practiced by Mexican mothers for generations and that's how the term "anchor babies" came about - the US authorities seldom attempt to expel mothers to US citizens as they know someone has to take care of those children. Kids -since they are American citizens - cannot be expelled (there are exceptions, usually when the mother commits a crime).

So basically if your girlfriend's (and yours of course) babies are born in the US the chances of her being expelled are very remote. However, it'll be a real pain to deal with it because as an illegal alien she won't technically have a job permit.

My suggestion - you move to Poland and marry her there - apply for a spouse visa permit for her from Poland (might take 6-12 months) - a pain in the butt but once she has her paper work y'alls life will be so much better. Friend of mine went through this with his wife a year or so ago (she is Japanese who used to have a Brasilian passport :)

If she decides later to return back to Poland when the kids turn 18 they'll have to choose what citizenship they want to maintain (unless Poland allows dual citizenship).

Hope this helps.

Good luck to you both!

Love / What do Polish guys think of Irish girls? [187]


Actually women too can be transvestites it's just that you'd never know it and it's sort of pointless.

Many (but not all) transvestites get turned on by the taboo subject of wearing the other gender's cloths. For women however there's no taboo in wearing male cloths, happens every day and no one even notices. That's why today the term transvestite is pretty much reserved for men. I bet I'd look good in a skirt... Especially a kilt! ;)

From Wikipedia:

Origin of the term Transvestism

Magnus Hirschfeld coined the term transvestism (from Latin trans-, "across, over" and vestitus, "dressed") to refer to the sexual interest in cross-dressing.[2] He used it to describe persons who habitually and voluntarily wore clothes of the opposite sex. Hirschfeld's group of transvestites consisted of both males and females, with heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and asexual orientations.[3]

Love / What do Polish guys think of Irish girls? [187]

Sokrates - seriously - you chose a screen name symbolizing inteligence - act accordingly.

We all have different tastes. I fly all over the world and think there are beautiful (and less than beautiful) women in every country I've been in. What you find attractive might not appeal to me and vice versa and that's the beauty of it. God/nature/fate made us all different for a reason.

If you really cleaned the dishes in Éire I seriously doubt your sample of women was representative of that island.

So stop hating everything you don't like.

Vive la différence Sokrates. ;)

Just read your last message and now I'm not sure if you're serious or not. If you're joking, plz disregard my post...

Love / Is she genuine? - I would like some advice please re a Polish girl. [130]


All true, yeah, you're right - use lots of common sense. I sure hope this couple will make it though! Sounds like the real thing to me.

Genealogy / What is a scultetus/soltys in Poland? [15]

I understand, last time I was in Poland was some 30 years ago (I was a kid then)... Pretty sad actually as I've visited half the world by now (literally) but haven't had time to visit Poland... I'll have to do it sooner rather than later...

If you decide to go, the best thing is to have someone who can show you around. I always get a "guide" whenever I visit a place. Sometimes I pay him/her/them a fee, buy them dinner, coffee, whatever we agree on. It'll quadruple your experiences...

Good luck whenever you go..

Love / Is she genuine? - I would like some advice please re a Polish girl. [130]


Really? Is it someone in an another country? If so, how do you know it's real? or even if it's someone in the same country, hard to tell it's real isn't it?

Then again, I guess you know just as little about a person you meet in a bar Well, maybe it's a good idea after all, what do I now...


I'm not sure you realize how sophisticated they can be...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance-fee_fraud

Love / Is she genuine? - I would like some advice please re a Polish girl. [130]

True, or over 80 and suffering from Alzheimer which supposedly is the most common victim here in the US.

Love / Is she genuine? - I would like some advice please re a Polish girl. [130]


Nigerian scams are so despicable and lots of old people become an easy prey, but if you can’t beat them, join them!

I’ve revised a Nigerian letter to your conditions so hopefully you’ll be able to get some truth out of her! See how she’ll react. :)

LAGOS, NIGERIA.

ATTENTION: THE PRESIDENT/CEO

DEAR MRS,

CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS PROPOSAL

HAVING CONSULTED WITH MY COLLEAGUES AND YOUR BRITISH BOYFRIEND BASED ON THE INFORMATION GATHERED FROM THE BRITISH AND POLISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO REQUEST FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE TO TRANSFER THE SUM OF $47,500,000.00 (FORTY SEVEN MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS) INTO YOUR ACCOUNTS. THE ABOVE SUM RESULTED FROM AN OVER-INVOICED CONTRACT, EXECUTED COMMISSIONED AND PAID FOR ABOUT FIVE YEARS (5) AGO BY A FOREIGN CONTRACTOR. THIS ACTION WAS HOWEVER INTENTIONAL AND SINCE THEN THE FUND HAS BEEN IN A SUSPENSE ACCOUNT AT THE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA APEX BANK.

WE ARE NOW READY TO TRANSFER THE FUNDS AND THAT IS WHERE YOU COME IN. IT IS IMPORTANT TO INFORM YOU THAT AS CIVIL SERVANTS, WE ARE FORBIDDEN TO OPERATE A FOREIGN ACCOUNT; THAT IS WHY WE REQUIRE YOUR ASSISTANCE. THE TOTAL SUM WILL BE SHARED AS FOLLOWS: 70% FOR US, 25% FOR YOU AND 5% FOR LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL EXPENSES INCIDENT TO THE TRANSFER.

THE TRANSFER IS RISK FREE ON BOTH SIDES. I AM AN ACCOUNTANT WITH THE BRITISH NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION BASED IN NIGERIA (BNPC-BIN). IF YOU FIND THIS PROPOSAL ACCEPTABLE, WE SHALL REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:

(A) YOUR WEIGHT, HEIGHT, EYE COLOR, BRA SIZE, AND CURRENT FAMILY SIZE.

(B) YOUR PRIVATE TELEPHONE AND FAX NUMBERS -- FOR CONFIDENTIALITY AND EASY COMMUNICATION.

(C) YOUR LETTER-SIZED FULL FRONTAL NUDITY PICTURES FOR FRAUD VERIFICATION PURPOSES.

ALTERNATIVELY WE WILL FURNISH YOU WITH A WEBCAM DEVICE ALONG WITH A BREAKDOWN OF PICTURES NECESSARY FOR COMPREHENSIVELY COMPLYING WITH WHAT WE REQUIRE OF YOU. THE BUSINESS WILL TAKE US THIRTY (30) WORKING DAYS TO ACCOMPLISH.

PLEASE REPLY URGENTLY.

BEST REGARDS,

YOUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATES

Please note - this is only a joke! I truly hope things will work out for you two and I have a feeling that it will.

Several of my friends have told me online dating is the way of the future. I’ve now been to two weddings of people who met online. A couple who met on match.com was the first one and then a lady friend who met a guy on a parental support website (they both had one kid each from their previous marriages.)

Yet even though I’m aware of some good stories sometimes I also hear about the Nigerian type of scams and then I panic and decide not to try.

One day maybe but in the meantime – seriously - good luck to you both!

Love / Is she genuine? - I would like some advice please re a Polish girl. [130]


Andy - Ogien's avatar = Bolek i Lolek...

Yeah, finally something I'm familiar with regarding Poland! LOL

Love / What do Polish guys think of Irish girls? [187]


Like this?

youtube.com/watch?v=eSaa-2t2zmQ

Yeah, those Irish ladies could be armless for what I care, Celtic Tige... Kittycats.
Meou... LOL

I've always found Irish women very attractive... The Irish accent helps too.

Genealogy / What is a scultetus/soltys in Poland? [15]


You're more than welcome. Interesting stuff and good practice for me. I was a kid when we moved from PL so reading in Polish is sort of difficult for me but somehow it usually works out...

You live in the States? If so where? (I'm just curious). I'm in the Aloha state.

Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]


I agree, I'll let Sasha and others here keep providing him with some excellent information. It's really quite amazing how much "smaller" the world has gotten since the internet came about.

Work / Looking for information on Polish AF Pay [10]


You're welcome.

...and you're right, gliders are very peaceful, and the flying is so very fulfilling and relaxing. I've flown many airplanes from small turboprops to Boeings 767s and still think gliders offer the best kind of flying experience.

When it comes to your book research, I came up with a a better idea.

Since this is an English forum - could someone please translate the following message into Polish?

I am wondering if Polish AF pilots receive additional pay for flying duties like USAF pilots do? If so, how long have they received this pay and approximately what is the amount?

I have also been trying to find out what the scale of pay is for officers as well.

I am writing a fictional story and the character is a Polish AF officer. I am very interested in knowing how the military pay/economic lifestyle was for officers before 1989, and also how it is in the present day. I appreciate all of your assistance.

sue

If no one replies send a PM to mafketis on this forum. He/she is a linguist and I'm sure will be willing to help you out.

(my proof ;) - https://polishforums.com/language/chosen-hardest-world-learn-34156/2/#msg664621)

Sue, once someone translates it just copy & paste it to the other forum under your screen name. Include the English version in case there are lurkers like me.

I'll subscribe to that thread (that's an option they have) and each time there's a reply I'll get an email alerting me of the new message. I'll then log on to translate it to English. There won't be a problem as long there'll be a Polish version of the text included.

Voilà!

Language / Too many English words in the Polish language! [709]


Well, I sort of said that, didn't I? ;)

"...It used to be Greek, then Latin, then French, then German and Russian, now English, soon Mandarin and after that Marsian or maybe Klingon?..."

Even the old Greek language was influenced by other, even older languages...

Genealogy / What is a scultetus/soltys in Poland? [15]

Jason, I live in the States so my knowledge here is very limited but I do have a Polish heritage and Google is a beautiful thing (except in China apparently but that's a different story). LOL

I've reviewed a few sites in Polish, English and German and basically I believe the term Sołtys (from the German term Schultheiß which in turn came from the Latin word Scultetus) would be equivalent to a mayor of a small village, parish or even small county here in the States. Since in a small village a mayor is responsible for numerous things, all the terms you've used "sheriff", "bailiff", "village headman" could be correct. You probably would also be able to call him an elder. Again, this is what my own extremely unscientific research have shown. (I also see others have posted now and their findings seem to correspond to mine).

Not familiar with the area you mentioned but I've looked up the German names for those towns and maybe that'll help you in your research (since he lived in Prussia, or a Prussian/German period in what today is Polish territory). He lived in Lulkowo (Lulkau), near Poznań (Posen), in Prusy (Preußen or Preussen) and near the city of Trzemeszno (Tremessen). (German version) Poznań (Posen) was the main city in that county.

Not sure if you speak Polish (I can read it but don't write very well). So I took the liberty of translate this Wikipedia article.

pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sołtys
(click for the original Polish version)

I'm certain that I've made many mistakes so I encourage others to correct my translation here. Terms in brackets [ ] are my own clarifications and notes.

Here's my Penglish translation... ;)

Sołtys (German Schultheiss, in the middle ages Latin Scultetus) - in the Middle Ages a person selected by the feudal lord in charge of a village based on the German law. Other versions of scholtis, szoltyz, elder in the medieval legal system is also a rural judge (Dorfschulze) and pioneer (settler), 1180 Schultetus, 1249 Sculte, 1259 Schultheiss, 1300 Schulcz, 1371 Scolcz. [different spelling versions] A sołtys could be a noble person, a citizen [townsman, business man], or a peasant. The rights of an Elder were:

- collecting rent
- chairing the rural court bench,
- when several fiefs [old acreage measurement unit] of land were received the sołtys could settle peasants there who would then become indebted laborers to him,

- was entitled to income from the landlord's share (1/6 rent and 1/3 of judicial penalties),
- had the right to hold shambles, mills, etc.

On the other hand, he was obligated to a horseback military service.

Social and economic status of mayors was relatively significant, they could even compete [in status] with the relatively [average] wealthy nobles. For this reason, the nobility prevailed in getting the king Jagiello to incorporate the Warckie Statutes [agreement] (1423), under which the nobility could redeem the village councils. Over time, from the 15th to the 17th Century the mayors [elders] became the village administrators and supervisors assisting the owners of the villages.

During the partition of Poland [I think this is the time frame which would apply to your relative], and during the interwar period [between WWI and WWII or 1918-1939] a Sołtys was the head-elder of the lowest unit of an administrative division - the "gromada" (~cluster, unit).

In the time frame of 1954 - 1972 the sołtys was the intermediary between the villagers and the Gromadzka national council, after 1973 between the local residents and the municipal council and the head of the peoples commune/municipality [remember that after 1945 the communism is forced upon Poland and many legal terms become "egalitarian sounding".]

Sołtysi [Elders] today
From 1990 and on a sołtys is the executive body of the ancillary unit of a rural community or urban-rural - sołectwa [parish/mayorship]. The legislative body is the villagers meeting which also via direct elections elects the mayor and the mayoral [administrative] council which supports the sołtys (mayor/elder]. Specific arrangements regarding the borders (there are mayoral regions which encompass more than one village), the regulations applicable to the mayor, etc. are governed by sołectwo [parish/mayorship] charter incorporated by the county [village] council seat. Mayors remuneration [compensation] is called dieta [not familiar with that term].

Competence [Obligations]
- represent the parish on the outside,
- convene and organize the parish meetings, and to this end distributes notices and ads regarding the meeting in a way which ensures the largest participation possible of the inhabitants of the parishes,

- implements the resolutions of the city council of parishes, as well as encourages the highest level of comprehension of the council's legislations among the citizens of the parish,

- in the time frame determined by the city council makes the collection of agriculture and forestry taxes as a collector of the tax authorities,
- attends the city council sessions and the legislative bodies without the right to vote,
- is obligated to take part in committee meetings whenever village council issues are being dealt with.

In the urban municipalities the equivalent term to a parish sołtys may be the council chairman of the borough [county] or district.

Sorry 'bout all the typos but I got too busy... :)

Here you can see Lulkowo on the map. Change the scale to find Trzemeszno to the east and Poznań the southwest.

Your great-... grandfather lived only a few miles from Gniezno (to the west) - the very first Capital of Poland. In 1038 (thanks google ;) it was moved to Kraków and a few hundred years later to Warsaw.

https://www.google.com:443/maps?q=62-200+Lulkowo,+Gniezno+County,+Greater+Poland,+Poland&ie=UTF8&hl=en&cd=2&geocode=FYr0IQMd_j4OAQ&split=0&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=23.875,57.630033&hq&hnear=Lulkowo,+Gniezno+County,+Greater+Poland,+Poland&ll=52.556938,17.710846&spn=0.234615,0.617294&z=11

Genealogy / What is a scultetus/soltys in Poland? [15]

Sołectwo

A sołectwo [sɔˈwɛt​͡stfɔ] (Polish plural sołectwa) is an administrative unit in Poland, a subdivision of a gmina (although only rural locations are assigned to sołectwos). In many cases it consists of one village, but sometimes large villages may be divided into several sołectwos, while in other cases one sołectwo may consist of several villages or hamlets.

The elected head of a sołectwo is called a sołtys (for etymology see Schultheiß). In Polish villages the house of the current holder of that post is generally marked with a red plaque bearing the word SO£TYS

Work / Looking for information on Polish AF Pay [10]


Not only that but I subscribed to that website (Susan, Lotnictwo = Aviation) and one of the moderators just posted a message explaining that the website you quoted only uses the Polish language. Interesting since it's an aviation forum and we, the pilots, speak English wherever we fly, well in most countries that is.

Susan, to answer your questions - I am a commercial pilot in the US, have also flown gliders in Scandinavia. Born in Poland, raised in Scandinavia (several countries) and have lived and worked in the US for almost 20 years.

The forum that was recommended to you is very interesting indeed for anyone with an interest in aviation. Strangely enough it seems to be limited to the Polish language only, I can read it but cannot write in Polish (was a kid when we moved away). Good luck with your book.

Susan, maybe you could sign up for that website (free) and post your request (keep it short and sweet) and ask if someone could translate your request to Polish? My post has been translated by someone but like I said a moderator "reminded me" to stick to Polish...

If they reply in Polish I'll be glad to translate to English (I'm USav8or over there).

Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]


I see your point and there is a fine line between patriotism and nationalism.

However, if the Poles who lived during the partition of Poland - in other words during the time Poland officially didn't exist - if those Poles hadn't taken their heritage "way too seriously" as they did - would Poland exist today? Honestly?

Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]

You are absolutely correct. I guess my main point in the "heritage survey" was that here you have a nation that's been brutally and repeatedly raped and pillaged by its neighbors, that has "disappeared" from a world map yet where people are fighting tooth and nail for their language and religion, cling on to their traditions, trying their best to remain Polish.

Fast forward a few hundred years and now you have some descendants of those Poles living in other countries and when a poll asks them what their heritage is they put German or Russian on the form because their grandparents' passport was German or Russian and therefore surely their heritage must be German or Russian. Is that the ultimate irony or what?

Work / What jobs pay 10,000 zlotych per month? and Where can i find one? :o) [101]

I have to say I find this thread somewhat perplexing. Is it common for people in Poland to discuss how much they're making? Even with people they don't really know?

I'm not trying to critisise by no means but I guess things make more sense now. I've met several people from central and eastern Europe before and noticed they were really interested in how much money I was making and what kind of benefits, retirement plans, etc. I had. I barely knew those people and was kind of uncomfortable with their questions but maybe that's just a regional preference?

I live in the US but I spent my teenage and young adulthood years in Scandinavia. I guess in the Nordic countries and here in the US talking about how much others are making is considered a faux pas, borderline to a taboo.

I know that cost of living and earning levels differ somewhat between the US and Poland. However, I think the old adage "money can't buy you happiness" is true in both countries. Of course my friends like to add "...but it'll definitely point you in the right direction!" to that old saying. ;)

I'm in the "well above a six figure" yearly dollar range and have been told by my tax attorney I'm in the top 5% earning bracket here in the US, don't know if that's true and frankly I don't care. I am NOT bringing it up to somehow show off but rather to point out that I'm not any happier than people who only make a fraction of that. In fact, I venture to say they're probably happier than I am.

I am always on the road, I fly for a living for a succesful airline. However, I am also divorced and I think being gone all the time was one reason to our marriage falling apart. I eat great food, get to see interesting places, buy some nice toys every now and then and spend some of my money on my favorite charities. ...but I still come home to an empty house. I am not whining nor do I want anyone to feel sorry for me, I live a great life. BUT I often wonder if I'd been any happier had I had a regular 9-5 job and had I been able to spend more time with my family? I don't know for sure but I think it's very possible.

So I guess I am directing my post to those here who encourage others to "move overseas and make more money!" I say, no, focus on what will make you and your family happy and the rest will take care of itself...

Just my 1/2 penny on the subject...

Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]

First of all, after posting my reply I realized that I was pretty harsh and wanted to revise my reply but it was too late. So sorry about the name calling part.

"...You know the difference between ethnicity and citizenship, do you? The immigration officers at Ellis Island and elsewhere were NOT interested in your heritage or if you felt like an ethnic Pole. In the vast majority of cases they asked the immigrants in which country they were born. So yes, an ethnic Pole born in the German Empire was a German citizen. If you don't get this then you really need to stay away from this thread, as you do not understand the basic principles of genealogy..."

Yes, I do know the difference. Please see my original post though. I never claimed those numbers came from some kind official statistics collected on the Ellis Island. Instead those were simply "good-to-know" polls where people were asked "so, what is your heritage? Where did your family come from when they arrived in America some 200, 150, 100, etc. years ago?" Then someone took his time to look at some of those surveys and realized that a majority of those interviewed mentioned cities and regions in Germany that weren't really German areas per se but today people don't remember or are simply ignorant... They remembered their granny had some German papers way back when so surely they must be of a German heritage, right? You know, "we are Polanskis from Krakau region, Germany..." etc, etc. So are they really of a German heritage? You say potatoes...

"...Are you sure? Maybe it's just you who desperately wants to see Russia as an enemy of Poland? Are you a Reagan fan by any chance? ;)..."

Not really, I wish Russia (I'm talking government not people) was a true friend of Poland and other countries but I do not trust that regime... ...and yes, I'm a big fan of Ronald Reagan... I take it you prefered Gorby? ;)

"... I didn't say that. An ethnic Pole born in the Russian Empire was a Russian citizen, even if he felt Polish. Citizenship/ethnicity ... see above..."

Those polls were about "perceived heritage". In other words, "what is your heritage?" - not "what was your grandparents' citizenship?" Although many thought it was the same thing and I disagree with that premise. See above...

Enjoyed the discussion, time to move on...

Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]

WW2 ended in 1945 and the USSR stopped bordering Poland in December 1991. There are no valid reasons whatsoever to be suspicious, except for being paranoid probably.

One could argue WW2 ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union or at the very least with the countries of former Soviet block becoming free of the Soviet oppresion. USSR is gone but Poland is still bordering a part of Russia. You can call me paranoid and I'll call you an apeaser. In 25 years or so we'll see who was right. I hope it's you but history tells otherwise.

Yep, which "assured" Poland by dumping the missile shield... :)

Since you're such a friend of the peaceful Russia it should please you America now has a president who caves into the Russian demands?

Such as? If an ethnic Pole was born in the German Empire, he was a German (citizen) and not a citizen of some non-existent state. Legally there were NO occupied territories, just three different nations - Russia, Austria-Hungary and the German Empire. Claiming something else is wishful thinking.

That's probably one of the stupidest things I've ever read, and I've read some crazy stuff. When people are polled in the US about their backgrounds they look into each person's heritage, his/her identity, not what the passport said.

Yeah, you are right, people born in Warsaw identified themselves as Russians when Russia was in charge... Yeah, right. Is your name Quisling by any chance? If not, it should be. You're each occupying power's dream...

Let's go back to the subject of the birth certificate. We'll never agree anyways.

Work / Looking for information on Polish AF Pay [10]


Not a Polish AF officer but an aviator myself. Will your book be published in English or Polish? I'd be interested in your book...

Good luck with your research.

Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]

Well, the certificate is of a great historical value to you and to your family. However, there've been milions and millions of displaced and stateless Poles throughout many generations.

To put things in perspective - I once read that some 15% of Americans claim a German heritage. Then I read that more 90% of those "Germans" were actually people from many occupied territories, or refugees who ended up in Germany and then continued on to America as "Germans" since their home countries didn't "exist" or were under occupation. The very same situation existed on the eastern border. Many cities, regions and whole countries "changed hands" several times.

The birth certificate you have is a symbol of those times and it also explains why today Poland is one of the most pro-American nations in Europe. For some very valid reasons the Polish government and the Polish population at large does not trust their neighbors to the West and to the East and looks for assurances from America instead.

If you have any specific questions keep posting them here or use the PM function. Your wife will like your gift, you can count on it. :)

Food / Why carp for Polish Christmas? [157]


Wow... Go... Brazilian?


Not really, have tried both kinds many times... Now salmon, that's the real thing, healthy and tasty!

I like and respect traditions... I just think they should rename salmon to the Polish Carp and then everyone would be happy! LOL

Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]


You're welcome. Very few countries have "re-appeared" after being "extinct" for several generations.

I find this certificate very interesting because it pertains to a person who was born in 1918 - the year Poland became an independent state again but also because the certificate was produced in 1944 in Russian meaning the territory was under the Russian occupation once again (probably after the Germans had been pushed back). The certificate symbolizes the history of Poland...