Posted on 07/12/2008 1:39:19 PM PDT by lizol
Poland's loyalty to US a one-way street? 10.07.2008
The Poles feel that their country is not perceived as an equal partner by the Americans in terms of politics, which translates to waning enthusiasm for the United States.
By Aleksander Kropiwnicki
Do Poles still love America? According to some publicists, their attitude to the US is definitely getting less enthusiastic. Warsaw still wants to see America as its partner but not a Big Brother. Poland has never been rewarded for its assistance in Iraq. Washington is reluctant to help significantly in modernising the Polish army, even though it’s keen to situate its anti-missile shield in Poland.
At the same time, the American economy has been weakened while the Polish one is flourishing. Unlike in the past, it doesn’t make sense to leave Poland and look for jobs in America, as nowadays Polish zloty is more expensive and US dollar cheaper than ever in the past. On the other hand, Poles still have to apply for visas if they want to travel to the United States.
Poles can love America or not. However, they now realize that America has never loved Poland. It’s time, moreover, to learn that the membership of the European Union, not the alliance with the United States, is the future of this country. And that’s exactly what the vast majority of Poles is likely to answer, if asked.
Such is the Polish mood in the recent months. Has it changed for forever? In 1945, Poles probably felt much worse bitterness about the then pro-Soviet attitude of the United Kingdom and the United States, two superpower states which had sold Poland in Yalta. However, next decades changed this attitude. The Soviet oppression was so annoying, that the Polish feelings about America, Britain, France or even West Germany could be nothing but friendly. In 1980s, the humanitarian and political assistance of the West, particularly America, became an important factor in the nation’s life.
Finally, the collapse of communism was caused mainly by the assertive policy of the United States governed by two consecutive Republican presidents. One of them was father of the current one. George H. W. Bush is still alive and he hasn’t been forgotten in Poland.
Times change. Today, Poles can feel a little disappointed when thinking of their American allies. Sometimes the Americans behave as if they have never heard about Poland. Even if they have, they don’t care, such is the impression. In the future, though, there is place for the Polish-American friendship. The recovery of both American economy and political common sense is possible, so that giving up this relationship would be naïve. Poland can still play more than one piano.
BTTT
I think the Poles are right.
I think the Poles are right.
The guy has a point...
Is that what it's all about? It is,isn't it.If experience tells us that a substantial number of citizens of a certain country fail to obey our immigration laws (overstaying their visas,for example) then steps must be taken to prevent that.That is as true when it comes to Americans disobeying Polish immigration laws as it is for the reverse.
It’s time, moreover, to learn that the membership of the European Union, not the alliance with the United States, is the future of this country.
Yup,EU membership will certainly be good for Poland.Because German,Belgian,Dutch and Spanish politicians love Poland's beliefs and traditions.And they absolutely *adore* Poland's reverence for the Catholic faith.What are the church attendance figures today in Germany,Belgium and Holland? Ten percent? Less?
Hers one American thats damn proud to call Poland a friend!
Heres one American thats damn proud to call Poland a friend!
About what? The US not being appropriately appreciative for Poland's assistance in various ways? Yes...it's true.Any nation who is truly our ally should be shown appreciation.
Or is he correct about the EU.May I assume that you understand just what EU bureaucrats aim to accomplish in Poland over time? The same thing that they're well on their way to accomplishing in Ireland...a nation of fat,lazy atheists who hold every religion (except I Slam) in contempt.
The Polish Air Force has already begun re-equipping with F16’s. Re-capitalizing their Army is going to be expensive - very expensive. Poland has to assess it’s own defense requirements as far as ground forces.
Strategic missile defense, oriented toward Iran, benefits all of Europe, not just Poland. You’d think that would be a nice chip to play in EU politics.
And another.
Not to harp on an old saw, but nations don’t have friends, they have interests. If we make it into Polands interest to be friends, OK. If we don’t make it in their interest, who’s to blame?
America is sqandering the opportunity for a great alliance. Out gov’t negligence towards Poland is an embarrassment - especially when contrasted to the shameful fawning over the disingenuous Saudis .
...snicker...
Yeah, go with France and Germany instead of the USA. You can count on them for sure. So when will Europe be ponying up billions of dollars for Poland's defense? Should be soon, huh?
Since it’s American policy to throw money and technology around like confetti, I believe we should be helping the Poles with some of both.
If we reward out allies and punish our enemies instead of the reverse, then we might just have more of the former and less of the latter. We’re going to throw the money away anyway, why not do something that strengthens those who put themselves at risk on our behalf?
But rational approaches to international politics is not the strong suit of the State Department or of Washington’s infestation of politicians and other assorted lowlifes both with and without portfolio.
I would much rather help the Poles than the Palestinians.
You and me both.
Seems we keep pushing money into black holes (yeah, I said it, black hole! now sue me.) and it just disappears. If we send it somewhere that it can do good and not finance terrorism, then that’s a big bonus in my book.
False patriotism is sickening. The EU is the modern prison of nations, except that it intends to actually destroy nationalities. The author is as bad as the communists who used slavophilia to try to dupe Poles into accepting Communist destruction and the Russian heel on its throat.
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