Anniversary of Freedom in Poland

August 31^st marks the 25^th anniversary of the creation of the Solidarity movement in Poland. This moment was a harbinger for former communist countries splintering away from the USSR, yet it is under-appreciated in Poland:

Today, 25 years later, those who created the organization admit they did not dare to dream of changing the system, believing it was then impossible. They even refrained from postulating free parliamentary elections. And yet, it was Solidarity that laid the foundation for the avalanche of changes in Europe.

On the 25th anniversary of the Solidarity movement, Poles celebrate in a free country. But, it is a place still ruled by some of those who created communism in Poland and where the rulers often treat the country as a private farm the way the Communist nomenklatura did. And it is still a place where the fundamental laws of economics are ignored and the people suffer from poverty. But it is not at all the same Poland as in 1980. Today we can speak openly and not risk being spied on, imprisoned, tortured or even killed.

Ironically, however, the overall opinion about the achievements of Solidarity in Poland is negative. According to a recent study by the Polish daily "Rzeczpospolita" only 24% of people think their life changed for better thanks to Solidarity, 31% think the opposite and 45% do not see any changes at all! Paradoxically, if the system had not changed such criticisms would not be uttered for fear of severe punishment.

Another reminder that freedom and democracy come slow to those who have never known them. Hopefully Iraq will be in somewhat better shape in 25 years.

Blog post #5354 in category International
posted 31 August 05

 

Post a comment

Name:

Email Address:

URL:

Remember personal info?

Comments: (you may use HTML tags for style)

Who was the first Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court? (hint: it was "John Jay") (required):

« Hooks Indicted in Tennessee Waltz

| Home |

Science Roundup »