mafketis
17 Aug 2017
News / Poles say a big YES to our European Union [996]
like Barcelona?
Great deal! Where do I sign up?
including sharing responsibility for demographic change
like Barcelona?
Great deal! Where do I sign up?
mafketis
17 Aug 2017
News / Poles say a big YES to our European Union [996]
Conditional on the money coming in and the Merkel jugend staying out.
And the straight answer is that 88% of Poles support membership of our EU
Conditional on the money coming in and the Merkel jugend staying out.
mafketis
16 Aug 2017
News / Poles say a big YES to our European Union [996]
tha'ts a gricean answer in poland, not indicative of much
what is interesting is that no matter how you do the numbers at least hafl of those supporting PiS also support the EU
tha'ts a gricean answer in poland, not indicative of much
what is interesting is that no matter how you do the numbers at least hafl of those supporting PiS also support the EU
mafketis
11 Aug 2017
History / Can anyone from Poland tell me about Auschwitz and The Ghetto? [625]
I would actually like to see some old traditions die before agreeing to this. At present it seems that those who hold on most firmly to their old traditions (no matter how dysfunctional from a western civil society viepoint) are doing better than those spurning the dust.
As The Internationale says in its glorious lyrics: "We'll end to day the old tradition, we'll spurn the dust to win the prize".
I would actually like to see some old traditions die before agreeing to this. At present it seems that those who hold on most firmly to their old traditions (no matter how dysfunctional from a western civil society viepoint) are doing better than those spurning the dust.
mafketis
3 Aug 2017
History / Can anyone from Poland tell me about Auschwitz and The Ghetto? [625]
video not available in poland
of course a putinista wouldn't know that...
some insights from holocaust survivors:
video not available in poland
of course a putinista wouldn't know that...
mafketis
3 Aug 2017
History / Can anyone from Poland tell me about Auschwitz and The Ghetto? [625]
What do Russian trolls have if they don't lie?
The fact that the komuchy in PiS hate Bartoszewski ( a true Christian ) says everything.
So don't lie, Gregy, don't lie.
What do Russian trolls have if they don't lie?
The fact that the komuchy in PiS hate Bartoszewski ( a true Christian ) says everything.
mafketis
2 Aug 2017
News / Will America send troops to fight a Russian invasion of Baltics and/or Poland? [283]
The chances of the US doing more than protest and suggest diplomacy against anything other than a full scaled military invasion is kind of ludicrous. The US is simply not a very reliable ally (I say this with sadness).
it's likely that the Americans will agree to a UN-supported ceasefire
The chances of the US doing more than protest and suggest diplomacy against anything other than a full scaled military invasion is kind of ludicrous. The US is simply not a very reliable ally (I say this with sadness).
mafketis
1 Aug 2017
News / Poland has accepted over a million Ukrainian refugees. Why does the EU keep telling propaganda about Poland? [304]
Seems pretty harsh on the refugees, real refugees have suffered trauma and just plumping them down in a culturally alien environment isn't necessarily helpful. Knowing that they're not wanted won't help and Poland doesn't have the resources to deal with helping them process and get past trauma...
People that are insistent that Poland must accept middl eastern refugees are morally posturing and do not have those refugees' best interests at heart.
Poland has a duty to take in some refugees
Seems pretty harsh on the refugees, real refugees have suffered trauma and just plumping them down in a culturally alien environment isn't necessarily helpful. Knowing that they're not wanted won't help and Poland doesn't have the resources to deal with helping them process and get past trauma...
People that are insistent that Poland must accept middl eastern refugees are morally posturing and do not have those refugees' best interests at heart.
mafketis
30 Jul 2017
News / Dodgy PRL-holdover judiciary finally reformed [420]
The type that would think that allowing prosecutors to appoint their own judges is a good idea....
Hard to imagine what kind of person would willingly obtain top grades in such studies.
The type that would think that allowing prosecutors to appoint their own judges is a good idea....
mafketis
30 Jul 2017
News / Poland's post-election political scene [4080]
No entirely, there's a broad range of reform possible but PiS's ungodly abortion violates all western civilizational norms.
Remember, TANSTAAFL! (There' ain't no such thing as a free lunch!) for Poland this means (in exchange for the masses of money poured into the country already) voluntarily making sure that the legal system runs without a fairly broad legislational corridor.
But JK (aka "The imp") has never been a good faith bargainer, he has a history of trying to back out of deals the second they're made.
The justice system and social affairs are outside the EU's purview
No entirely, there's a broad range of reform possible but PiS's ungodly abortion violates all western civilizational norms.
Remember, TANSTAAFL! (There' ain't no such thing as a free lunch!) for Poland this means (in exchange for the masses of money poured into the country already) voluntarily making sure that the legal system runs without a fairly broad legislational corridor.
But JK (aka "The imp") has never been a good faith bargainer, he has a history of trying to back out of deals the second they're made.
mafketis
30 Jul 2017
News / Dodgy PRL-holdover judiciary finally reformed [420]
So? So did Jarosław Kaczyński. There's no way he could have studied anything in the PRL (the only place he studied) without making such an oath.
Those judges swore their oath of allegaince to PRL (communisti Poland, defence of socialism and "our Warsaw Pact alliances"
So? So did Jarosław Kaczyński. There's no way he could have studied anything in the PRL (the only place he studied) without making such an oath.
mafketis
30 Jul 2017
Life / What is Poland's view on obesity? How healthy, fit are Poles? [166]
this is basically true
My analysis would be not so much what they eat as _how_ they eat. Polish food is not noted for being "healthy" or "light" but traditionally overweight people were far less common than now.
But.... the traditional Polish pattern was three (or three and a half) meals per day and no between meal snacking. In the US many people can go weeks or months without really having a meal in the traditional sense but rather a series of small or larger snacks throughout the day. A sandwich here, a slize of pizza there, some potato chips somewhere else... (IIRC this used to be called 'grazing' by social scientists)
I'm also wondering if things like increasing car ownership play a role. Many Polish people want cars because.... beats me, they seem generally overrated. More driving equals less walking.
Every year I see more obese first years in the university intake
this is basically true
My analysis would be not so much what they eat as _how_ they eat. Polish food is not noted for being "healthy" or "light" but traditionally overweight people were far less common than now.
But.... the traditional Polish pattern was three (or three and a half) meals per day and no between meal snacking. In the US many people can go weeks or months without really having a meal in the traditional sense but rather a series of small or larger snacks throughout the day. A sandwich here, a slize of pizza there, some potato chips somewhere else... (IIRC this used to be called 'grazing' by social scientists)
I'm also wondering if things like increasing car ownership play a role. Many Polish people want cars because.... beats me, they seem generally overrated. More driving equals less walking.
mafketis
28 Jul 2017
Genealogy / Are Silesians people German/Germanic? [178]
just remember
robust hips = more likely to deliver babies safely
fashion model hips = more likely to accompany lots 'o death in childbirth (moms and/or babies)
Idk if I would exactly consider 'robust' to be an attractive quality in a female
just remember
robust hips = more likely to deliver babies safely
fashion model hips = more likely to accompany lots 'o death in childbirth (moms and/or babies)
mafketis
28 Jul 2017
History / Lusatian-Sarmatic obsession of Poles [153]
When it comes right down to it, wouldn't it have made a lot more sense if Kennedy said "Ich bin ein Sarmater!"?
people who are either Luzatians or Sarmatians
When it comes right down to it, wouldn't it have made a lot more sense if Kennedy said "Ich bin ein Sarmater!"?
mafketis
28 Jul 2017
History / Lusatian-Sarmatic obsession of Poles [153]
I was thinking 3 (I was under the impression that you live in the UK...)
back on topic please
Prey tell into which category would you assign me
I was thinking 3 (I was under the impression that you live in the UK...)
back on topic please
mafketis
28 Jul 2017
History / Lusatian-Sarmatic obsession of Poles [153]
Quick typology of forum members
1) Expats/Longterm residents of Poland who think that Poland needs to change as much as possible in the direction of the UK (because reasons)
2) Expats/Longterm residents with no such thought, they have the normal quibbles that come with living in a foreign country
3) Diaspora Poles with a realistic attitude toward the country
4) Diaspora Poles with strange, unrealistic attitudes toward the country (usually stuck in the past and/or trying to 'rebuild' a past that never existed)
5) South Asians who show up to ask a single question (that they easily could find for themselves if they searched for three seconds) and then disappear forever
6) crow (sui generis...)
7) slimy repulsive entities that appear from another dimension
8) people with some ancestory in Poland with questions about citizenship/inheritance
9) random passers by
There used to be (but not so much anymore)
10) western guys wanting translations because they think their girlfriends are cheating on them
11) western guys who don't realize their girlfriends are trying to gently dump them (forcing their girlfriends into drastic action to get rid of them)
12) non-Polish women wondering what the he1l is up with Polish men, how did they get that way?
This attitude is rather common among the expats living in Poland who come to post on this forum
Quick typology of forum members
1) Expats/Longterm residents of Poland who think that Poland needs to change as much as possible in the direction of the UK (because reasons)
2) Expats/Longterm residents with no such thought, they have the normal quibbles that come with living in a foreign country
3) Diaspora Poles with a realistic attitude toward the country
4) Diaspora Poles with strange, unrealistic attitudes toward the country (usually stuck in the past and/or trying to 'rebuild' a past that never existed)
5) South Asians who show up to ask a single question (that they easily could find for themselves if they searched for three seconds) and then disappear forever
6) crow (sui generis...)
7) slimy repulsive entities that appear from another dimension
8) people with some ancestory in Poland with questions about citizenship/inheritance
9) random passers by
There used to be (but not so much anymore)
10) western guys wanting translations because they think their girlfriends are cheating on them
11) western guys who don't realize their girlfriends are trying to gently dump them (forcing their girlfriends into drastic action to get rid of them)
12) non-Polish women wondering what the he1l is up with Polish men, how did they get that way?
mafketis
26 Jul 2017
News / Poland has accepted over a million Ukrainian refugees. Why does the EU keep telling propaganda about Poland? [304]
Where is here? How does one celebrate Christmas Eve in America? IME for most Americans it's not that big a deal (some catholics might have a lenten dinner and/or exchange gifts then).
What's less important than private holiday celebrations at home is ability to function in the public realm without making a fuss about everything.
Back on topic everyone please
Even after decades here I still celebrate vigilia rather than the American Christmas eve
Where is here? How does one celebrate Christmas Eve in America? IME for most Americans it's not that big a deal (some catholics might have a lenten dinner and/or exchange gifts then).
What's less important than private holiday celebrations at home is ability to function in the public realm without making a fuss about everything.
Back on topic everyone please
mafketis
26 Jul 2017
News / Poland has accepted over a million Ukrainian refugees. Why does the EU keep telling propaganda about Poland? [304]
Neither was the US when it was really a melting pot (a term that mostly applies to immigrants). Blacks and native americans had not immigrated (nor had most hispanics until the 1970s)
Humans are the way they are and there's essentially zero evidence that mixing racial and religious groups with no overriding set of uniting values can work.
that mix didn't include the racial diversity of a true melting pot such as the US.
Neither was the US when it was really a melting pot (a term that mostly applies to immigrants). Blacks and native americans had not immigrated (nor had most hispanics until the 1970s)
Humans are the way they are and there's essentially zero evidence that mixing racial and religious groups with no overriding set of uniting values can work.
mafketis
26 Jul 2017
News / Poland has accepted over a million Ukrainian refugees. Why does the EU keep telling propaganda about Poland? [304]
Not very bloody well they're not.
The Austro-Hungarian empire was multicultural when multicultural wasn't coooool
Blame it on Angela. She could have stopped it. She chose not to and lots of other people are paying the price.... terrible, terrible leader. It does Germany no credit that they can't field a more plausible Chancellor.
Austrians are merely looking out for their country's own interests
Not very bloody well they're not.
She's not a melting pot society like the US
The Austro-Hungarian empire was multicultural when multicultural wasn't coooool
is disturbed by the onslaught of non-German-speaking refugees in their midst, many of whom refuse or cannot assimilate.
Blame it on Angela. She could have stopped it. She chose not to and lots of other people are paying the price.... terrible, terrible leader. It does Germany no credit that they can't field a more plausible Chancellor.
mafketis
26 Jul 2017
News / Poland has accepted over a million Ukrainian refugees. Why does the EU keep telling propaganda about Poland? [304]
I think I've seen it.
The people behind bringing in lots of low education unassimilatable migrants think that everyone is a progressive liberal under the skin... The idea that not everyone shares their values just does. not. penetrate. their. brains.
Ill share a video as a source as soon as I have time to find it.
I think I've seen it.
If we could've only had educated dare I say it even liberal Muslims in Europe we wouldn't be dealing with
The people behind bringing in lots of low education unassimilatable migrants think that everyone is a progressive liberal under the skin... The idea that not everyone shares their values just does. not. penetrate. their. brains.
mafketis
26 Jul 2017
Life / How are electric cars doing in Poland? [413]
Where? Where? I was going to go to the high price rock store later, but if they're giving them out free then count me in!
Where? Where? I was going to go to the high price rock store later, but if they're giving them out free then count me in!
mafketis
22 Jul 2017
News / Poland's post-election political scene [4080]
nobody's talking about 'removal is not possible' in Poland, the whole idea seems to be to allow the government to appoint and dismiss at its pleasure....
JK's motto is the same as Cersei Lannister's: "Everybody who isn't us is an enemy"
but removal is not possible.
nobody's talking about 'removal is not possible' in Poland, the whole idea seems to be to allow the government to appoint and dismiss at its pleasure....
How many of the judges were in situ in 1989 ?
JK's motto is the same as Cersei Lannister's: "Everybody who isn't us is an enemy"
mafketis
22 Jul 2017
News / Poland's post-election political scene [4080]
From the book: Things igorant people say:
From the book: Things igorant people say:
Ahahahah
mafketis
22 Jul 2017
News / Poland's post-election political scene [4080]
It was explained by someone on this thread or a similar one how different that case is . Look it up and come back here. It'll do you good!
And what do you think about Germany?!?!
It was explained by someone on this thread or a similar one how different that case is . Look it up and come back here. It'll do you good!
mafketis
22 Jul 2017
News / Poland's post-election political scene [4080]
Cause it subordinates judges to the ruling party (any ruling party).
If you didn't have your ridiculous tvn phobia they've actually gone into detail on how other countries have checks and balances built into the system that the new Polish system doesn't have, it's just transparent politicization of the courts so they'll rule in the government's favor or be replaced (and maybe throw out election results that displease the current government). It's the PRB Polska Rzeczpospolita Bananowa.
Stupid. How come new law is any bad?
Cause it subordinates judges to the ruling party (any ruling party).
If you didn't have your ridiculous tvn phobia they've actually gone into detail on how other countries have checks and balances built into the system that the new Polish system doesn't have, it's just transparent politicization of the courts so they'll rule in the government's favor or be replaced (and maybe throw out election results that displease the current government). It's the PRB Polska Rzeczpospolita Bananowa.
mafketis
22 Jul 2017
News / Poland's post-election political scene [4080]
By that train of thought most people in Poland were fine with the PRL.
Exactly. Waves of protests lol. 20k people while 38 milion is fine with changes
By that train of thought most people in Poland were fine with the PRL.
mafketis
21 Jul 2017
News / Poland's post-election political scene [4080]
It is interesting that apparently Ziobro has gone into defense mode - saying that no the purpose is not to overturn election results that displease the current government.... Protest too much?
One is very much trying too manipulate the system to obtain one party rule
It is interesting that apparently Ziobro has gone into defense mode - saying that no the purpose is not to overturn election results that displease the current government.... Protest too much?
mafketis
21 Jul 2017
News / Poland's post-election political scene [4080]
Also, very poor roll out and information in the beginning. I remember back in the early 90s happening on a meeting where they were trying to explain it and no one understood anything the presenter was saying. For years they just seemed to hope some people would pay something...
the first year I paid no one I knew knew anything about it and they all said there's no way they could help me and I spent hours with a dictionary trying to figure it out which wasn't easy because a lot of stuff I need wasn't in the dictionary...
Poland's poor tax compliance did not start in 2005 and it did not stop in September 2015. It is deeply ingrained in society - the result of
Also, very poor roll out and information in the beginning. I remember back in the early 90s happening on a meeting where they were trying to explain it and no one understood anything the presenter was saying. For years they just seemed to hope some people would pay something...
the first year I paid no one I knew knew anything about it and they all said there's no way they could help me and I spent hours with a dictionary trying to figure it out which wasn't easy because a lot of stuff I need wasn't in the dictionary...
mafketis
21 Jul 2017
News / Poland's post-election political scene [4080]
He is not a leader of mine, the world and politics are more complex than your simple minded "PiS and me against the world" approach.
"snitching"?
your own leaders. It was Schetyna
He is not a leader of mine, the world and politics are more complex than your simple minded "PiS and me against the world" approach.
snitching to foreign governments
"snitching"?
mafketis
21 Jul 2017
News / Poland's post-election political scene [4080]
Meaningless government (PRL style) slogan.
You give so much away, post-communism (describing a period after communism) is good, and the attempt to turn it into a slur is a glorification of the previous system (the end of post-communism is more communism).
As for Ex-SB types and PRL-era judges, I'm all for prosecuting evildoers (when a legal case can be made) and against the thousand and one unverified slogans thrown about that foul the air like a PRL factory.
Rule of Law - there is no progress (worthy of the name) without it
Rule by Party Leader - Ekspres do PRL-bisu
"total opposition"
Meaningless government (PRL style) slogan.
post-commie quarter-century
You give so much away, post-communism (describing a period after communism) is good, and the attempt to turn it into a slur is a glorification of the previous system (the end of post-communism is more communism).
As for Ex-SB types and PRL-era judges, I'm all for prosecuting evildoers (when a legal case can be made) and against the thousand and one unverified slogans thrown about that foul the air like a PRL factory.
Rule of Law - there is no progress (worthy of the name) without it
Rule by Party Leader - Ekspres do PRL-bisu