USA, Canada / Where do most Polish-Americans identify on the political spectrum? [142]

Not this thread, no

Any Polish politicians in America, DE?

Well, I dislike imperialism in any form so I don't see myself as part of that.

Yeah, Ron Paul is very much the guy for me. I follow him and like his principled approach. I loved his attack on Sean Hannity. Hammy is a true disgrace who even made McCain look like the model of moderate ways :)

USA, Canada / Where do most Polish-Americans identify on the political spectrum? [142]

Havok, I don't vote as I'm not a Polish citizen. I'm habitually resident here, yes, but don't follow Polish politics too closely. Enough to see developments and say a few things.

Political affiliation is showing your political colours through taking a side. In America, I believe it's a lesser-of-two-evils scenario. You are better placed to comment on the effects of Obama's domestic decisions but his foreign policy, though leaving much to be desired in many ways, is not as catastrophic as neocon hawks. Giving the green light to attack Iran would be catastrophic and they are all for it on the right.

Life / Does Polish society accept new people especially those not from Poland [41]

But it is about the reluctance to use the language in certain parts. It's pretty much the same the world over. Teuchters is what we call those from the countryside and it automatically draws lines of division. Breaking the mould in the countryside is tough.

Still, it's easier being white as black folk would likely be viewed with more suspicion.

USA, Canada / If America is so bad, why move here? [254]

Pesky, szarlotka??

I think we all need to get back on track. Penn, I know that many go across from the likes of Zakopane to roll the dice and see what's what. I must admit, getting a property in Zakopane through hard work done in the US is sensible. Have you been to Zakopane, Penn? Truly beautiful!

USA, Canada / Where do most Polish-Americans identify on the political spectrum? [142]

Funny that as I got told by a Mod quite some time go that I wasn't to go too deeply into American politics.

But let me oblige you a little and ask if there are any Newt Gingrich fans here. Who would vote for such a cretin?

Poland: The Unofficial Guide. Aha, so which state is Poland in again?? The state is one of being in the pocket of the US.

Life / Does Polish society accept new people especially those not from Poland [41]

Let me rephrase that. Two languages are required and, according to statistics, 75% opt for English. Most should have some basic English to call upon.

USA, Canada / Where do most Polish-Americans identify on the political spectrum? [142]

A reminder that this is about the political spectrum.

For the Polonia posters here, who would you have voted for in the last election and why? Also, what is your take on parties such as PJN? Thanks!

USA, Canada / If America is so bad, why move here? [254]

Don't underestimate the strength of what nunczka said. Poles are romantic so the American Dream appealed. However, they can also be pragmatic so they look for new opportunities.

More directed to the thread, I think that Poles started to get a taste for what the West has had for so long. Many flocked to their rich families in Chicago and sampled what they had to offer. Whatever state the American economy may or may not be in, they still have a wealth of choice that most here can only dream of.

Life / Does Polish society accept new people especially those not from Poland [41]

Yes but English has been compulsory in Polish schools for quite some time now. They claim to speak Russian or German but I'm pretty sure their command of those languages is piecemeal.

More addressing the thread, I feel that Poles also react strangely to other Poles too. It's not like they welcome one another with open arms in the countryside and shun all foreigners. In a sense, Poles are strangers too unless part of the local community with which to share pleasantries.

Work / The level of English of Polish teachers of English. What do you think of it? [101]

They are often more engaged in the teaching process through having had to come through gruelling tests. It stands them in good stead as they have to check the lesson that bit more carefully than a qualified native. They sometimes ask me the meaning of words and that's a good thing. They are interested and thorough. They are more into it than I am.

Life / Does Polish society accept new people especially those not from Poland [41]

Yeah, there is an undercurrent of 'my way or the highway'. Part of 'my way' is speaking the language so as not to cause them any inconvenience. They don't seem to understand the concept of everyone having to start somewhere and the best way being through trial and error. Besides, they learn English in Poland. We don't learn Polish (or certainly didn't in my day) and Poland has been an EU member since May 2004. Still the insularity runs through intransigent old toads but there are ways and means of clicking with some oldies who ply their trade in the countryside.

Life / You are Polish if... [433]

Ah, but they were there though ;)

Life / You are Polish if... [433]

you enjoy a good BBQ in the garden :) I like this aspect. Communal and open! Better this than try and share through any darned political system.

Life / Does Polish society accept new people especially those not from Poland [41]

I don't know if I'd interpret it as hostility. Many older Poles have a fear of the unknown. When I stop to grab a drink in a shop in the countryside, they often size me up to see if I pose any threat. However, it's natural to some extent. If you look past the initial looks, you will often find that they have made, if not a positive assessment of you, then certainly a neutral (apathetic) one which is befitting of them. Also, we must see it from their eyes. They automatically assume that you don't know Polish and they see a potential break in their comfort zone, I understand that. They are pleasantly surprised when you show interest in them in their own language. Well, some don't but many do :)

Life / You are Polish if... [433]

Pure genius!

If....you walk past everyone on the escalators at various airports, just to get ahead.

you get frustrated if the person in front of you is leaving 'too much' space for the person in front of them (also at airports)

you pretend to be looking at sth more closely in a shop and then suddenly take up the offer of service without a second thought

you chew gum at the rate of knots to look like a total smartass

you giggle like a hyena after amusing yourself with the word 'kur*a'

you mutter 'dzień dobry' under your breath when entering a shop and directing it at nobody in particular

you make slow motion appear like reality :)

you needlessly fuss in shops, rather than take it easy and chill

Life / You are Polish if... [433]

It's certain red-blooded guys when they drink. Really like a pack of hyenas, uncanny!

LOL, Harry. However, the air pressure does affect quite a few here. My mother-in-law, for example.

Oh, those grannies in chemists. Hypochondriacs! They spontaneously discover new ailments, totally undiagnosed, and are the pride of the pharmaceutical companies.

Work / The level of English of Polish teachers of English. What do you think of it? [101]

When you consider that Polish teachers do class after class in a foreign language, you have to applaud them. I can speak Polish quite comfortably for the most part but when I begin to tire, I want to revert to English. They don't have the option of falling back to L1 in class. Well, not so often anyway. Although I haven't observed the Polish teachers here, I hear them in the other room and they really do a good job :)

Law / Sending Western Union cash to friends in Poland - questions [25]

Seriously, look for a regional centre with the WU sign but I think SKOK is purely a Silesian thing. It's really hassle free and safe. French Connection United Kingdom, Wrocław? ;) ;)

If you find such a thing, OP, you don't need to go with the expected amount. In the bank I went to, I had to write that down as a mandatory field. In SKOK, all they need is your passport no and MTCN. Simple!

Life / You are Polish if... [433]

Nervous means angry or irritated, that's a good one.

if.....you laugh like a hyena during nights out on the tiles.

Law / Sending Western Union cash to friends in Poland - questions [25]

I have the benefit of having a SKOK centre near me. I only need to show my passport and MTCN number whereas I'd have to fill out forms in a busy bank and wait. No taxes my end, only a handling fee borne by my parents.

Life / Does Polish society accept new people especially those not from Poland [41]

That's what I kept back, Wrocław, but you are right. Then again, I'm often off in my own space there and don't really care if I get scowls or frowns.

Life / Does Polish society accept new people especially those not from Poland [41]

They often don't like one another in big cities. So competitive!

Travel / Poland traffic signs are confusing.. Do you agree? [30]

They have to stop before the crossing, simples! A little odd but you get used to it.

Life / You are Polish if... [433]

Ah, the old 'it doesn't happen' because I haven't experienced it ploy. Usually home pizzas or delivered ones where ketchup is in the fridge.

Life / You are Polish if... [433]

How bizarre! They obviously don't pick up on the tomato puree.

Life / You are Polish if... [433]

you put waaaaaay too much ketchup on a pizza. Ketchup with pizza :)

Life / Poles hard working or just born lazy. [58]

Why was my post swept off? It was right on topic. Anyway, some have to work hard and some just dig ;)

Life / Poles hard working or just born lazy. [58]

Some work hard and some are lazy. I do see a lot of aimless bumbling on the streets tbh.

Life / You are Polish if... [433]

Most prude? Prudish or prudent? Quite a difference!

Since when has football been "a terrible sport"?

Many Poles don't like that techno stuff. Mainly the meatheads do.

There is a fair bit of truth in the rest of what you said.

Love / Polish men calling polish girl for dating englishman [80]

It's none of their business. She made a choice, for better or for worse, and others have to live with it.