UK, Ireland / Are you Poles proud of your country? Then why do you keep coming to Britain? [100]

Convex, I've been saying that all along. Poles often say 'My Polacy' but it is silly to latch onto the achievements of others.

I think we see a difference in character here. There are many people that I like here and I can get along with many Poles no problem. However, that doesn't detract from the fact that I understand what the OP was getting at and I'd really appreciate a few less defensive reactions. Me? I take an issue for what it is without jumping to one side.

He actually makes a great point! If so many Poles are proud and patriotic as I believe many are, then why the exodus and the mass influx into GB? Why can't many Poles work for a bit less so that they can enjoy being with their families, tasting good food and in the company of those that speak their native tongue?? What is so wrong with sacrificing?

Maybe Advice has axes to grind and I don't and that's the way posters perceive it but try to see what he is hitting at before launching into a full-scale attack on him.

Other than money, what is stopping Poles from returning? A lack of empowerment, a better life abroad or some other reason?

Life / Uptight Poles [262]

Would it be fair to say that those who live in the east of Poland are generally more uptight? This is what I've heard.

News / Row over status of Poles in Germany sours relations [176]

If nobody observed then where would we be? Send the men over, I'm ready for them ;)

You have to take liberties these days and the Poles are smart enough to get a one over on the Gerries ;)

News / Row over status of Poles in Germany sours relations [176]

Binoculars out looking for the Mods. Nope, nothing yet.

I wonder what the European Parliament and Bużek has to say about this latest allegation. He has become a quiet assassin. A dick who gets too much money for doing nothing.

History / Are Polish territories natively German? [73]

There is no question that they had an influence but natively?? Nah, that's imperialistic dreaming.

News / Row over status of Poles in Germany sours relations [176]

Mods, are you sleeping??????

News / Row over status of Poles in Germany sours relations [176]

I see the history but I see little effort to tie it into the present.

News / US air base to be in Poland [193]

Then I hope a referendum is issued. Oh, the NATO rationale was more prevalent in 1999 under Kwaśniewski. Many want to be defended, yes, but many also seek that a US presence could provoke a Russian reaction which is needless as relations are quite favourable with them at the moment.

Many Poles may be indifferent but their vote still counts when push comes to shove.

News / Row over status of Poles in Germany sours relations [176]

This is about 1991 onwards and treatment of Poles in Germany. I see very little discussion on this topic. Some red pen marks are needed.

News / Row over status of Poles in Germany sours relations [176]

This is about a modern issue. Please get back on track and stop going off on tangents!

News / US air base to be in Poland [193]

Well, there is apathy amongst the masses, I'll concede that much. However, without a formal ascertaining of the majority will, Tusk is pressing ahead with sth that is dubious to say the least. Votes are lodged at elections, convex, and they aren't due to take place til Oct of this year so what rights do voters really have? Protests are often left unheeded anyway.

The Polish govt requesting a US presence like a protectorate is the issue here. The day of garrisons has gone ;0 ;)

News / Row over status of Poles in Germany sours relations [176]

Nah, we just gave them all their ideas ;0 ;)

I've commented before on the thread. No surprise, the Mods have allowed a general discussion on Silesia and all manner of other side issues to develop. Way to go, guys.

Poles are a reality in Germany now and Germans have to live with that. I hope the Poles also realise the investment Germany has pumped into making the EU a workable reality.

News / US air base to be in Poland [193]

Convex, major issues require the use of referendums, simple. If the will of the majority is for such a base then I have no defence but I bet my bottom dollar it isn't the case.

News / US air base to be in Poland [193]

Piast Poland summed it up in a nutshell there. Governments often forget about repercussions for citizens and that's a huge mistake worthy of the utmost comtempt!

News / US air base to be in Poland [193]

I believe it is, convex. It's a firm conviction of mine, esp in the modern climate of ignorance. Are you for scrapping referendums?

Based on what authority, convex? They just assume carte-blanche powers because they were voted in? Maybe we should apply that logic to Hitler??? He was voted in, right? ;)

News / US air base to be in Poland [193]

Please refer me to the last referendum on the issue, convex. How else can you accurately ascertain will? Please move away from intergovernmental blurb and look to the will of the Polish people, those that have to live with the consequences of their government's folly. There are a host of factors that dictate the lodging of a vote but specific issues require specific democratic tools to be employed such as a referendum. The air base is not the sole criteria of voters' preference.

Sorry, it is barging in because the presence is unwarranted and unwelcome.

News / US air base to be in Poland [193]

Yes, it is barging in, convex. That's because Obama is pally with Putin and Medvedev and you seem not to see the game here, my friend. Dęblin is ably equipped to stave off any 'threats'. Then keep your empire to your already vast allocation of land. America isn't small, you know? ;) ;)

News / Row over status of Poles in Germany sours relations [176]

I have some links, and some rechts ;) ;)

Come now, BB, you know what books I am referring to.

As for the thread, the impact of swamping needs to be felt. Everyone can brace for impact but only til it manifests do people really grasp the magnitude of it. Working together in harmony is a tough task but one which has to be worked on.

News / Row over status of Poles in Germany sours relations [176]

BB, you can't deny that German literature glorifies the German spirit in a big way. I guess Merkel has embraced fairness but are most Germans prepared to accept Poles working alongside them so easily? I have some reservations about that.

News / Row over status of Poles in Germany sours relations [176]

That would be consonant with the spirit (geist) of the EU. It strives for equality but Animal Farm taught us that some are more equal than others. A Pole will never hold equal weight in the eyes of your average German. I remember them criticising me in my own country, telling me that I wasn't fit for an LLM when I had been recommended by all the top lecturers in my first uni. Their literature glorifies them and they suck it all up. Poles will have to work hard to win their respect, trust me.

Genealogy / Do you think all Slavs are white? [178]

True enough, PMoc, but remember that many blacks were introduced into the Swedish populace a long time ago. Martin Dahlin was a surprise for me. As for the thread, I've already answered that Slavs vary in colour. There is no denying that but the overwhelming majority are white.

News / US air base to be in Poland [193]

I said we because I regard myself as a valid citizen here, regardless of status. Poles and Scots have done a lot for each other over the years and I feel a sense of brotherhood from many good folks I meet.

I know that many Poles see the trickery of NATO and that other interests are being served. Many Poles are not stupid, they can smell a rat from afar. They really don't feel that Russia will attack them anytime soon so why the need for an airbase?

Food / Polish food at home or out? [57]

Lovely Polish food can be found at Gazdówka but it requires some dieting beforehand ;) It is the cuisine of mountaineers. Expect a lot of calorific stuff with lard and bread as a starter ;) I haven't been for a long time and now I know why.

News / US air base to be in Poland [193]

You wanna bet? I'd love to oblige you and would happily do so were that option to exist. I can ascertain the sentiment here on many issues and I think many want to build strongly from within as a collective Polish effort. I'm Scottish, yes, but have lived here for almost 7 years.

News / US air base to be in Poland [193]

Guesswho, you must see what we are saying to you here. We don't want your 'support'. The US wants to spread its influence but they can go and take a running jump with that. You surely understand Poland's history which is even more reason not to impose your bases willy-nilly without any kind of referendum. This isn't battleships here.

News / US air base to be in Poland [193]

Yes but it's not your business to muscle in as and when you see fit and that's my point. Have some respect for the wishes of the local people before you go barging in.

Food / Polish food at home or out? [57]

My wife likes to make pierogi and does a mighty fine job of it, I might add. She also makes broccoli soup (not really Polish but eaten here), cabbage soup and other tantalising soups. We are doing our utmost not to eat out due to the prohibitive costs involved but we may treat ourselves sometime soon.

News / US air base to be in Poland [193]

I suggest that the US keep out of Poland in a military sense. They are not needed nor wanted here by many Poles. They can spread their PNAC hegemoniacal BS elsewhere!

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

When you consider that language is an evolving (evolutionary) process, how can there be too many words? Some incorporate the words into the lexicon but people are free to discard their usage as they please. It just means that there are more options. Even in your mother tongue, you can't just assume that a native speaker will understand you in all cases. It's about knowing who surrounds you and what their likely knowledge is. For example, I'd never blankly assume that my parents-in-law necessarily knew any semi-complicated English words although they may have come into contact with them. It's easier for me being a teacher as I know, more or less, what a student should know based on their level and position in life.

Too many? That sounds like a French protest to me!

News / Row over status of Poles in Germany sours relations [176]

Once again, labelling/classification jeopardises relations. How many more times does it need to be shown before anyone takes heed? They are immigrants with a right to live and work there, provided they meet the conditions of a European Directive (sorry, can't recall the number off the top of my head) which states that if they haven't procured employment, they must be taking active and verifiable steps to do so within a set timeframe. Why complicate things with bickering over precise status? This just goes to show how bureaucratic Poland and Germany have sth stuffed up their jacksies and they need to start working on cordial relations and mutual respect on a diplomatic level. We all know that people will be people, though.