News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]

I don't think there will ever be a United States of Europe in the same form as the United States of America for many, many reasons.


Sorry Maf, but you've actually described the USA there. That's one of the many reasons that we'll never have a USE - because the USA demonstrates that it doesn't work, even when it's deliberately formed by a group of people who broadly share a sense of identity or nationhood. America is just too big to function well as a single nation and a USE would be the same. Worse in fact because it's bigger than the USA.

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]


I don't think that's a very good example! Scotland has far more independence than poor old Wales which is basically one country being ruled by another whilst Scotland has its own parliament, its own legal system, education system and can even issue their own banknotes.


And no need at all to mention the war :D (You know the famous episode of Fawlty Towers).

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]


I meant Imperialism in the modern context Maf.


I don't understand why it worries you so much. Integration between the nations of Europe has thus far benefited Europeans on the whole, far more than it has hurt them. I'm not worried about Ireland being overrun by Norwegians, French or Germans 'imposing' their culture on us :) Look at the number of Poles in Ireland and they haven't destroyed Irish culture, rather they've absorbed a lot of it themselves whilst retaining their own.

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]


Imperialism stemmed from Nationalism. The expression of pride in one's nation and natural desire for sovereignty then morphed into a desire to expand one's territory and forcibly subsume 'inferior' nations.


It's not so much an army as a military alliance, a mutal defence pact. There's nothing new about that. However it would take that idea a bit further. Obviously each nation would retain its own armed forces but there would probably be greater cross-border training initiatives and so on. The Irish army for example already go to the UK for training exercises and the Brits have been trained in peacekeeping tactics by the Irish. That's been going on unofficially for years but about three years ago they formalized it and signed an agreement which also gave the Irish army surplus British military equipment - saves us a few quid! Now that was agreed between us and the UK, nothing to do with the EU. The British and French armies have also been training together for years. The fact is that by the time an idea is mooted publicly it's already been going on behind the scenes for some time and is already a reality but the public is only vaguely aware of it, if at all. There's no need to get one's knickers in a twsit over something that already exists :)

It's also about being independent of America. In theory, we have enough manpower, equipment and expertise shared between us to defend ourselves from threats. We shouldn't be having to cozy up to the USA administration for that. America has problems enough of her own and the idea of Europe continuing to rely on a fickle US adminstration for assistance with defence is not a good one.

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]

The words on the plaque depicted need to be read in the context in which they were spoken by their author Philip Kerr. This was somebody who lived through World War One and participated in the Paris Peace Conference. His attitude reflected the feelings of his generation that Nationalism had lead to a global conflict that had wiped out millions of lives. He was born into a world that still believed in Imperialism, Empire, conquest and colonization. He supported the policy of appeasement towards Hitler as did many who remembered WWI though, also like many, he later changed his mind, when he realized what Hitler really was (and bearing in mind that Kerr died in 1940, he cottoned on to that fairly quickly).

The idea of a Federal State of Europe was born out of a wish for peace, that we should not have a repeat of the two Wars that nearly destroyed us. I don't see a need for any further integration of European states at this point as we no longer face a threat from each other, but the general principle of co-operation between European nations remains desirable.

Classifieds / English/Polish speaking Canadian looking for work as Electrician in Poland [26]


I wouldn't agree with that. I was chatting to a German who works in recruitment recently and she told me that outside of Berlin there is no realistic chance of getting a job if you don't speak German - and she recruits for quite senior business positions. It's not a question of the Germans speaking perfect English. They may well do so, but naturally they want to communicate at work, in their native language. For example,they're not going to hold internal staff meetings in English to facilitate their one non-German speaking colleague. Even in the IT industry in Germany, which has quite an international mix, outside of one or two large companies in Berlin, you need to speak German.

Law / UK Citizen resident in Poland dying intestate - inherited debt issue [17]


If you mean they won't bring a case for you in a Polish court, perhaps not (though they may be able to put you in touch with one who can help or if they have a Polish speaking lawyer on their staff, they may be able to liaise and assist you in negotating a fee etc). However there are lawyers in the UK who trained in Poland, now work in the UK and know Polish law, so they can at least advise you, just to get you started and see what your options are.

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]

You're confusing 'truth' with events. Truth encompasses much more than simple facts or events. However, let's not get into philosophy. I need a strong cup of tea and a delicious pastry of some kind to sustain me before I can embark on such a discussion!

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]


Really? Dolno, Polish people will be afraid to go into the city centre on Sunday because of the uncertainty over what will happen regarding the thug element. The army will be doing the security, so would you want to have a day out with the family with the prospect of tens of thousands of disgruntled skinheads confronting the military on the streets? It's a tragedy on what should be a beautiful, dignified occasion to celebrate 100 years of Polish independence. It should be a lovely day with some formal events in the city's historic quarters such as the Stare Miasto, and music, etc, open/free day at the musuems and places that usually charge entry fees, all that lark. The fact that the whole thing is an ugly mess reflects the state of the country and how it's being run at the moment.

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]

Yes, all you have to do is think of the BNP. The term Nationalism in the modern context is not the same thing as being patriotic in the old fashioned sense.

@Dolno, the "I'm proud of my country" stuff is fine up to a point. But I'm not sure what there is to be proud of at the moment with Poland. The nation is in turmoil in many ways and there is no clear vision and well planned goal setting or long term plan for Poland's political and economic future. There is no sense of any clear direction for the nation and very poor leadership, a weak opposition party who don't provide any compelling alternatives etc. Not a good time in Poland's history. The country is at real risk of sliding backwards and losing much of the gains it's made over the last twenty years or so. The best thing you can do for your country is to recognize that and take steps to address it in whatever way you can.

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]


Dolno, I'm a Catholic, more Catholic perhaps than some Poles in the sense that I was educated in Catholic schools from the age of four so the Catholic ethos was there all day every day, not just at home. In primary school our desks were inscribed with 'Be Prepared' meaning be in a state of grace at all times in readiness for sudden death! We had Holy Mary Mother of God and the Sacred Heart of Jesus 24/7, yet I don't 'get it' either. The present day Polish Nationalist movement has nothing to do with the Catholic path.

Law / UK Citizen resident in Poland dying intestate - inherited debt issue [17]

Yonita there are quite a few solictors in the UK who have Polish solictors on their staff. A bit of Googling should locate one in your area. Here's an example:

mchaleandco.co.uk/about-us/the-team/marta-grzalek

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]


Not because they were too moral or saintly Dolno. History just didn't work out that way for them. Not a seafaring nation, politically weak and unstable for much of her history, industrially undeveloped, somewhat insular in outlook etc. But I've mentioned a few times the colonial ambitions they had back in the early years of the twentieth century. As soon as Poland had her independence she was angling for colonies and in fact that's why there's such a sizeable Polish diaspora in Brazil.

Now I'm not suggesting that Poland would have invaded and killed people but then neither did the Brits in India for example. It all started out as a commercial enterprise with the East India Company. In the same way, Poland saw the South American continent as an opportunity to make money.

Work / Panic at the doctor - I need a sick note (L4) from my work in Poland [9]

I wouldn't be so sure. If you don't have a sick note, usually the only way to get paid is to take the days off your holiday entitlement.

Work / Panic at the doctor - I need a sick note (L4) from my work in Poland [9]


I thought the doctor was a woman. Where did your friend find 'him'?

Ziemowit's reference to a psychiatrist means that if you had a mental illness, you could get your sickpay backdated, not that a psychiatrist will give you a sick note :))

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]


Very last minute isn't it. I don't know why they don't have a carnival type thing instead every year from now on, like St Patrick's Day with floats and community involvement, a celebration of Polish culture, art, traditions etc. and like Ireland they could have them all over the country. Even when Ireland was very poor, every little village in Bally-go-Backwards had a 'parade'. They used to show highlights of them on the evening news. It was often something as basic as a few farmers going up the main street on their tractors, followed by their pize heifer decked out with green, white and gold ribbons and with the hundred or so villagers standing by waving flags :) It was hilarious really but it was a day when the whole nation was celebrating. The atmosphere was always great. Now why couldn't you have the same thing in Poland?

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]


I'm afraid patriotism needs to be about a lot more than that. It's not simply about freezing time and preserving a country in aspic, nor is that desirable.

Patriotism is about builidng a better society for your people to live in and that's done through government policy and the individual's sense of civic, social and moral responsibility. I don't consider a country to be 'safe' when a person can't cross on a pedestrian crossing for fear of being run over, and it happens all the time in Poland. Poland has shocking road safety statistics. A Polish person who wants to express patriotism in a practical way in their everyday life can start by making the roads safer, by driving at a reasonable speed, by driving for the road conditions, by using their mirrors, slowing down for junctions, stopping at pedestrian crossings, respecting other road users, respecting the lives of their countrymen.

Cultural integrity - what is that in practical terms? Do you mean the culture of 24 hour alcohol shop and sex shops?


That's one of the realities of modern Polish culutre than some posters can't accept. Added to the tradition of heavy drinking, there is an increasing use of recreational drugs and designer drugs. And there is a growing 'new rich' class of people under 35 who embrace all of the worst values of materialism with little regard for their communities or any desire to contribute to the common good. With the higher salaries and the 500 plus programme, there is also a burgeoning 'chav' culture in urban areas. Families living in tiny apartments with a wide screen tellly, a kick ass sound system and no table for the kids to do their homework on - oh, and the child has a laptop and smartphone and got a camera that cost a grand as their First Communion present. Working class kids walking home from school stuffing their faces on kebabs and other fast food is a common sight in Warsaw.

One of the major problems with Polish government and thus with society (regardless of who's in power) is a lack of good social policy. Real issues are ignored because it requires enormous effort and creative thinking to address them, especially over the long term. So things are started in a half-hearted, short-term way with minimum effort and never built on. There's a recurring pattern in Polish history of not being able to sustain anything for long enough to consolidate it. Not always Poland's fault, it's the nature of events that overtook it. But now that Poland is at the helm of its own nation, it's happening again and this time it's of their own doing.

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]


Oh yes, I've seen the film many times, I didn't make the connection :)

Life is neither red nor blue of course. It's purple, as in a mixture of the two. But a purple pill has unfortunate associations :D


But what do those things mean in practical terms?

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]


But why is it political in the first place?? To be Polish, or indeed any nationality, has nothing to do with politics. It's cultural. So the event should be a celebration of your culture,ancient, traditional and contemporary.


What in the name of all that's normal is Red Pilled??

Love / Polish girl confusing me [22]


Another twelve year old giving relationship advice, I see. Yes, that's what 'real' men do. Go around making babies with women they hardly know, don't trust and can't agree with about basic things like rent, groceries and utilities. I predict a great future for you JakubW1.

Love / Don't know whether she loves me or not ? [64]

Dammy, you sound very young. You are in love in a way, but it's an internet romance which is not the same thing as a real life relationship. You don't love this girl in the true sense of what it means to love somebody. You have to live with a person and experience the many ups and downs and challenges of life with them before you can say you truly love them. Just move on from this and put your energy into enjoying your life and making friends whom you can go out and socialize with and you'll find that in time you'll meet a girl who likes you and maybe love will follow.

Love / Polish girl confusing me [22]

Ok, if it's a house, not an apartment then there won't be a czynsz, so that would mean you should share the grocery and utilities. Charging you for fuel like that is not on. She sounds very mercenary and calculating. She's using you. It's not a good basis for a long term relationship.

Language / Learn individual words or sentences? Best approach? (Polish learners) [6]

All good advice from Maf. I would also suggest building your vocabulary of nouns to start with and also learning a few basic useful phrases so that you feel you're actually learning to speak and communicate in the language which is really the purpose of learning it afterall. So invest in a phrase book, the sort of thing you'd take on holiday and for a start, set a goal of being able to introduce yourself and your immediate family members, talk about where you live, what your job is etc and be able to ask the same questions of someone you meet.

You can build your knowledge of nouns by doing things like making your grocery shopping list in Polish. You'll soon know the names of all the basic foods. Then imagine going shopping and asking for those things in a shop, or asking the price of them eg. You'll see how those nouns change into a different form depending on the sentence or as Maf pointed out, the plural. What if I don't just want to buy an apple but five apples. Then you can imagine coming home from your shopping trip and discussing what you bought, "I wanted to buy Earl Grey tea but there was none. I ordered it. Unfortunately I forgot to buy coffee." Those few sentences translated into Polish give you the past tense of some common verbs plus some changes of the noun forms.

Love / Polish girl confusing me [22]

It's reasonable that she expects you to share expenses but I actually don't agree that you should be paying half her mortgage. As a woman myself, I think you should be paying half the grocery and utility bills but not the mortgage or any part of it. It's her home so it's her responsibility.

Paying part of somebody's mortgage when you're in a relationship with them is not the same thing as sharing rent, because essentially you're assisting the other person in acquiring an asset which they will continue to have if the relationship ends, but in which you will have no share of legal ownership. I don't agree with other posters who see it as you paying rent with fringe benefits. You shouldn't be paying rent to your girlfriend. You should be sharing living expenses you incur as a couple.

Unfortunately if you've already been paying rent, then you've put yourself in a position where it may be hard to change that arrangement without upsetting your girlfriend. Perhaps you could suggest that instead of half the mortgage, you take total responsibility for the 'czynsz' which is an additional payment each month on top of her mortgage. That should work out at less than half her mortgage but it's a gesture of goodwill on your part and still makes a substantial contribution to the household.

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]


It's precisely the sort of thing that should be discussed on a Polish forum. It's a beautiful art at which Poland excelled, it's powerfully symbolic even in 21st century Poland. It's your history, not some obsoloete issue and it's far more worthy of discussion than the rubbish that's often talked here. However it requires some interest in the subject and either some knowledge or the will to acquire it, which comparatively few members of the forum posess.


They stem from the same tradition.

@ Dolno, something for you below!

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News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]

I'd say that Dolno is on topic because this is a thread about Polish independence which therefore encompasses Polish identity and culture. The art of using a sword was very much part of that right into the 20th century but like so many true Polish traditions it's been largely lost. Ironside's comments demonstrate the ignorance of even a middle aged Polish person about some aspects of Polish identity. So when people march on 11 November what are they celebrating exactly, what does it mean to be Polish as opposed to French or German or Russian?

@Dolno, Mr Atch's grandfather was also in the cavalry but obviously a later generation than your own grandpa. Mr Atch's granny still has his cavalry sword. Did I ever tell you the tale of the rat?? When Mr Atch was a baby his grandparents were 'minding' him as we'd say in Ireland and granny put him out in the garden in a sort of Moses basket to get the fresh air and sunshine. Apparently a rat came along and was sitting on his chest. Grandpa ran into the house, grabbed his sword from the wall, rushed back to the garden and decapitated the rat where it sat. Cue outburst of hysteria from Granny 'you old fool, etc' :)) But such was the skill and precision of a Polish swordsman.

Apparently "the combat traditions of Polish cavalry are continued by the armoured (Kawaleria Pancerna) and aeromobile (Kawaleria Powietrzna) units of Polish Land Forces. " But I bet you won't see them at the Polish Independence Day March and they should be, in my opinion.


You're missing the point. Swordsmanship was not frowned upon because it was a form of combat skill but because it was an old Polish tradition associated with the nobility and the Commies didn't like that. Look at how hard they worked to wipe out the Polish officer class and intelligentsia. They tried to do the same thing to Poland as they did to Russia. A kind of genocide. Kill them or force them into exile. It was the Commies who disbanded the Polish Cavalry.

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]


Would you please not reference the Irish in this argument. As I said the guy on YouTube is not Irish. He's a Geordie. The accent is that of the North East of England. So there is no Irish voice in this debate on Polish Independence Day. But if you want one, I personally find it at odds with the fact that around most of Europe it's Remberance Day for the dead of World War One (and Two of course but it's the original Armistice Day). For me, I always think of Flanders Fields on that day.

News / Polish Independence Day March in Warsaw. Is it going to be the biggest march yet? [1530]


Not yours either Doug! That's not an Irish accent :) There is a touch of North East England in there, Northumbria, Newcastle, "Why Aye Mon". Definitely not Irish.


What are his Irish origins?

News / "It's too late for Germany" (but not for Poland) [1798]

Here we go, a nice long article about it here. Those of us with an attention span of less than five minutes can scroll to the end for the conclusion:

oxforddictionaries.com/2015/08/13/words-in-the-news-a-swarm-of-people/

However you can take note that the Oxford English Dictionary is apparently the only modern dictionary to acknowledge the potentially negative connotations of the word when applied to people. I always go with the Oxford on all matters related to the correct usage of English.

Please focus on the topic, everyone