Observations

Opublikował(a): Editor w dziale Observations dnia 03/24/10 | brak komentarzy

As I mentioned in the last issue, I am highly interested in what Thomas Mikulski has to say about the perspective he has acquired over time since writing his article in September of 2004 about the World’s view of the United States. Thomas talks about the desire of Polonia for the respect of other cultures and communities. In drawing his conclusions, he speaks of Polonia’s desire to achieve respect and influence in the larger American society that we are a part of. He poses the argument that as Polonia we should engage the communities around us and “reject” undue nationalism, and he observes that there are no alternatives based on the proposition that none have arisen in the dialogue he has engendered through his writings of the recent past.

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Observations

Opublikował(a): Editor w dziale Observations dnia 02/24/10 | brak komentarzy

This week please note the announcement of the upcoming short story competition sponsored by the Friends of Polish Art elsewhere on this page. If you or someone you know is interested in writing, spread the word that the FPA is giving everyone an opportunity to be published. Writing is a rewarding activity in itself, and it can be especially gratifying to see your words in print and to know that you are reaching a wider audience.

The American Council for Polish Culture is once again making scholarships available for summer studies in Poland. If you read the article, you will have a small taste of the benefits and the wonderful experience that resulted for last year’s winner, Christopher Wojdak. He was able to study Polish language at the prestigious Jagiellonian University in Krakow, one of Poland’s most beautiful cities. Two scholarships are available this year, and the recipients are sure to have an unforgettable time. Czytaj całość »

Observations by Michael A. Szymanski

Opublikował(a): Editor w dziale Observations dnia 02/10/10 | komentarzy: 1

There is much to comment on this week, but it breaks my heart to learn that we have lost another luminary among the bright stars that make up Detroit’s Polish American community. Noreen Smialek – Sinclair was the driving force behind the annual Chopiniana celebration that was always a showcase for Polish culture. Thanks to Barbara Gronet’s contribution this week, you can learn more about Noreen’s life in music and promotion of Polish heritage in the article on page 5.

On page 6 you will find an article on the Yalta conference which took place 65 years ago this week. To the general American public, the conference is famous, but to Poles and Polish Americans it is infamous because it was a key event in a continuing process that resulted in Poland being “sold out” by its allies, America and Great Britain, who virtually delivered Poland into Communism by their inaction in the face of Soviet ambitions during and immediately after World War II. To understand the significance of what transpired at the conference, I highly recommend the book “A Question of Honor” by Lynne Olson and Stanley Cloud. Parts of the book, which is a great “read” in its entirety, give a very comprehensive behind the scenes look at the Yalta conference and related events as they affected the fate of Poland. Czytaj całość »

Observations

Opublikował(a): Editor w dziale Observations dnia 01/27/10 | brak komentarzy
In the current issue of the Polish Weekly I see a theme, a common thread, running through several of the items we have for our readers. That theme is the need and the benefit of reaching out beyond our own community of Polonia, whether in telling our story or working to accomplish a better world in conformance with our traditional values. It is a theme I believe in very strongly.

Observations

Opublikował(a): Editor w dziale Observations dnia 01/13/10 | brak komentarzy
Once again, a Happy New Year to all of our readers and supporters. Being an optimist (which some may say is contrary to my Polish heritage, but I disagree) I am convinced this will be a Great year, far better than the last, and one which continues to let the story of Poland and Polonia be known more broadly to the world. A step in that direction was the book, “A Question of Honor” by Lynne Olson and Stanley Cloud, which I discussed in the last issue of the Polish Weekly. That book portrays the struggle of the Polish military primarily through the stories of the pilots who flew with the RAF in the Battle of Britain, but its most important lessons come from the exposition of the political struggles that went on among the allies during the conflict of World War II. In this week’s issue we feature another important book titled “No Greater Ally: The Untold Story of Poland’s Forces in World War II.” I am anxious to read it, and there is an opportunity to meet the author, Kenneth Koskodan, this Friday evening at the Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan at 7:00 p.m. As of this writing, I have a conflict that prevents me from attending, but if I can re-arrange my schedule I hope to be there. I am very hopeful that these books will some day form the basis for one or more really top notch films.

Observations

Opublikował(a): Editor w dziale Observations dnia 12/02/09 | brak komentarzy

If you read nothing else this week, you should read Thomas Mikulski’s “In my View…” on page 4. Thomas gives us a succinct recap of the war in Afghanistan and a view of the current status and future prospects that I found immensely helpful in putting it all in perspective and helping me judge current developments. Sadly, it also reminds me of how we lost focus in Afghanistan when America invaded Iraq and our main efforts were diverted to that undertaking, leaving Afghanistan an unfinished task in danger of failure. I take heart from the cautionary last few paragraphs of Thomas’s column. It is important that we remain steadfast in our support of finishing the job properly, and we should heed the warning that weak support at home can undermine the chances of success.

Having recommended reading Mikulski this week, I don’t want anyone to miss the rest of the issue. I recently talked with a friend who is going to Poland soon, and Krakow will be one of her stops. An item on page 7 is timely titled “Why you should visit Krakow in winter time,” and it brought fond memories of my own visit to mind.

I was also reminded of my one trip to Paris when I saw the article on page 3 about the call to move the remains of Frederic Chopin to the Paris Pantheon, a burial place for French citizens of historical significance. As the item points out, the Paris Pantheon is currently the resting place of Polish – Born Nobel Prize Winner Marie Sklodowska – Curie, and it seems fitting that Chopin’s remains might be relocated there.

Don’t miss the coverage of the Kazimierz Olejarczyk 90th birthday celebration courtesy of Barbara J. Gronet on page 5. Thanks also to George Szelazek for the wonderful photographs. This is our cover story in honor of his many good works and his great value to Polonia.
I am very grateful to Kasia Ostrowski for her contribution on page 7 called “Children of Solidarity.” I don’t always have the time or the focus to personally thank our contributing authors, but they all make the Polish Weekly a more interesting, more valuable and diverse publication.

Finally, the Christmas season is upon us, and now is the time to think about supporting your newspaper with Christmas greetings. Please show your support and send your messages. Advertise your business or just say “Hi” to your friends but, in any event, enjoy the season!

Observations

Opublikował(a): Editor w dziale Observations dnia 11/04/09 | brak komentarzy
Observations
This week we have items reporting on discussions between U.S. Vice President John Biden and Polish President Lech Kaczynski during Biden’s visit to Poland (see pages 2 and 3). One significant topic was the change in plans on the missile defense system that has been so controversial. It seems as if the significance of the new arrangements is being downplayed for diplomatic reasons, but the importance of a U. S. presence in Poland remains, even if the missiles in question are different than those contemplated by the Bush administration. Biden’s remarks include a reference to the important impact of Poland’s membership in NATO and prospects for future partnership with the U.S. in international diplomacy.
The Polish relationship with Russia is emphasized in two particular items on page 3. First there is the ominous report of Russian military exercises simulating an attack on Poland. You could view this as a routine “readiness” or “training” exercise, or you can think of it as a threat to Polish security, but does, for example, the U. S. military have plans for the invasion of Canada in case relations deteriorate? I wonder, and if such a plan exists, I wouldn’t be too worried about it if I was Canadian, but as between Poland and Russia, it just isn’t the same thing. The other ominous item is the story on the promised increase of natural gas supplies from Russia to Poland. While at first this might seem like good news, it also underlines Poland’s unfortunate dependence on Russia for energy supplies. This is a type of dependence we in America are all too familiar with.
Congratulations to the Central citizen’s committee for another successful year of service to Polonia, and to the Pulaski award recipients for the good they have done for the Polish American community. See the coverage of the Committee’s annual awards banquet on page 7.
It seems almost as if most of the people I know are down with the flu or a cold, or some kind of mild ailment, and the flu has reached epidemic proportions in the Ukraine near the Polish border (page 3) including some 11 deaths from the outbreak. This is all the more reason to head the health advice in a couple of general interest items on page 5. One item covers preventive measures for children, while another discusses healthy habits for those of us who are more in our “prime.” I think I will try to follow the advice that says we will stay healthier if we get adequate rest, so I better wrap up this column and get ready to turn in!
This week we have items reporting on discussions between U.S. Vice President John Biden and Polish President Lech Kaczynski during Biden’s visit to Poland (see pages 2 and 3). One significant topic was the change in plans on the missile defense system that has been so controversial. It seems as if the significance of the new arrangements is being downplayed for diplomatic reasons, but the importance of a U. S. presence in Poland remains, even if the missiles in question are different than those contemplated by the Bush administration. Biden’s remarks include a reference to the important impact of Poland’s membership in NATO and prospects for future partnership with the U.S. in international diplomacy.
The Polish relationship with Russia is emphasized in two particular items on page 3. First there is the ominous report of Russian military exercises simulating an attack on Poland. You could view this as a routine “readiness” or “training” exercise, or you can think of it as a threat to Polish security, but does, for example, the U. S. military have plans for the invasion of Canada in case relations deteriorate? I wonder, and if such a plan exists, I wouldn’t be too worried about it if I was Canadian, but as between Poland and Russia, it just isn’t the same thing. The other ominous item is the story on the promised increase of natural gas supplies from Russia to Poland. While at first this might seem like good news, it also underlines Poland’s unfortunate dependence on Russia for energy supplies. This is a type of dependence we in America are all too familiar with.
Congratulations to the Central citizen’s committee for another successful year of service to Polonia, and to the Pulaski award recipients for the good they have done for the Polish American community. See the coverage of the Committee’s annual awards banquet on page 7.
It seems almost as if most of the people I know are down with the flu or a cold, or some kind of mild ailment, and the flu has reached epidemic proportions in the Ukraine near the Polish border (page 3) including some 11 deaths from the outbreak. This is all the more reason to head the health advice in a couple of general interest items on page 5. One item covers preventive measures for children, while another discusses healthy habits for those of us who are more in our “prime.” I think I will try to follow the advice that says we will stay healthier if we get adequate rest, so I better wrap up this column and get ready to turn in!

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