TO FIX ITS LAGGING EDUCATION, THE U.S. SHOULD TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT POLAND'S SUCCESFUL FORMULA

Poland remains a success story not only with its economy, but even more so, with its educational system, which in the past decade has moved sharply forward from the rear of international pack, and beats now the U.S. on most performance measures. Poland's success has not only been noticed by international educational organizations, but also by American newspapers, i.e. by USA Today, which took a close look last August at Polish education's reform. Apparently, Poland has now the fourth-highest number of higher education students in Europe, only behind the U.K., Germany and France. In reading, Poland is ahead of the U.K., Germany or France, and far ahead of the U.S.. Poland surpassed the U.S. even in math, by placing 19th on a survey by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) whereas the U.S. was ranked at 27th place, well below average.
Pursuant to last year's Pearson's Global Education Index,  the U.S. is ranked in 14th place globally in cognitive skills and educational attainment, whereas Poland, which surpassed the U.S., leaped to 10th place in the world. Following are the top 10 countries in the Pearson's ranking: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Finland, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Ireland and Poland (Germany, Denmark and Russia are ahead of the U.S., too).
Poland's curriculum is mostly based on the effects of the education - not just what the students know but what they can do, and how they can use their knowledge practically. Poland started the revamping of its educational system only in 1998, approximately 10 years after the fall of communism, when the country already was flying in the aftermath of market reforms, and deregulation and privatization made Poland's economy one of Europe's fastest growing. But Poland's schools in that period of revamping of its economy still continued to rely on old course materials, with education putting emphasis on producing technicians and vocational workers for heavy industries. Miroslaw Handke, then Minister of Education, got a green light, and with remarkable speed, in a year, academia in Poland was unrecognizable. Poland switched its educational system to a new form of general education that resisted specialization. A year later, in 2000, Poland began leap to the international league tables. By 2012, the last time OECD conducted its survey, Poland was one of the best teaching countries in the world. In fact, its the only one to have gone from below average in the charts, to above average, with its GDP ranking only 46th globally. On key indicators - math, science and reading, it came from behind to rank well ahead of the United States. How did Poland manage to do so? Well, under the revamped system, primary school lasts six years, followed by three years of a new comprehensive lower secondary school, before a decision is made on whether to send a student to vocational training. Knowledge - reading, writing, arithmetic - is valued above technical skill. Foreign language, especially English - became a key component. In 2000 only 1 percent of kids received four hours or more of language classes. By 2006 that figure jumped to 76 percent.
Notwithstanding the success in education, Poland spends only around $5,000 per student annually from primary to tertiary education, but outperforms the United States, which spends three times more than Poland on education of one student. Of course, a part of the educational success is based in the socialist past, when Poland's education system went through its first wide and deep modernization.
The economy in Poland continues to be strong. In fact, Poland was the only European country which did not succumb to 2009 recession (in fact, it registered, as the only country in Europe, a 1.6% growth in 2009). January, 2015 indicators show a booming economy, with over 8 percent growth. However, Poland still remains a low payer for teachers, approximately $650 per month, compared with the national average of all workers of $945 per month (of course, one has to remember that education, healthcare and the rest of social safety net are still provided in Poland free of charge). Obviously, Poland will have to upgrade the salaries of their teachers rather sooner than later. There are also some unexpected sides to the educational success of Poland, i.e. Poland's rapid development of foreign language training has a negative side effect. Many Poles are leaving home to gain skills abroad. While it generally helps the technology sector, if they return, many of them never do, preferring to stay in the U.K., Norway, Germany, Netherlands, France or Austria, where they can count on higher wages. But despite the negative effect of losing so many of creative and energetic young people to economies of Western Europe, Poland's educational system is an example to the whole world, and a stellar proof that its not just the money that makes good students.

Janusz Andrzejewski, a New York City based attorney, writes on legal and other important community topics. You can contact him by telephone (212) 634-4250 or, through e-mail: janusz@januszandrzejewski.com or jwandrzejewski@gmail.com

POLAND STUNNED WORLD CHAMPIONS GERMANY WITH A 2:0 VICTORY

National team of Poland finally managed to beat Germany on a football pitch. Saturday's 2:0 win at the beautiful National Stadium in Warsaw, in the qualifications to EURO 2016, was long overdue. Poland played Germany 18 times before, and never was able to record a win, even though all the football matches played between these two nations, except for one or two, were always evenly fought ferocious battles. Because of the history of German invasions of Poland and infliction of death and destructions of Polish cities and towns throughout the centuries, any encounter between the national teams from these nations always brings Poland to a stop during the game (same story as with respect to matches against Russia, another of our invading tormentors).
The most famous match between Germany (then West Germany) and Poland was played in Stuttgart, during the 1974 World Cup. Poland was the sensation of the tournament, to which they qualified by beating England 2:0 and then drawing at Wembley 1:1. During the World Cup itself, Poland was unstoppable by beating Argentina, Haiti, Italy, Sweden and Yugoslavia. The match in Stuttgart was to decide who would meet Holland in the big final in Munich. The Poles were the highest scoring team of the tournament, with Grzegorz Lato (7) and Andrzej Szarmach (5) being two leading scorers in the World Cup 1974. The unstoppable in his dribblings winger Robert Gadocha created 9 goals himself, whereas legendary playmaker Kazimierz Deyna, was voted one of the top 3 players of that world cup, together with such greats of the game as Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer. Germans, on the other hand, boasted - besides Beckenbauer - such stars as Meier, Breitner, Overath, Netzer and Gerd Muller. Had the match been played on a normal pitch, Poland would have likely won with their brand of quick-lightning football, and deadly forwards. Unfortunately, an hour before the match the pitch was flooded by heavy rains, and in current football the match would have to be postponed. However, the Germans pressed the officials to play the game as they realized that speed of Polish players would be neutralized by the puddles of water on the pitch. Since Poland then was subjugated by the Soviets and had no clout whatsoever with FIFA, the officials sided with West Germany, and the game was allowed to proceed. Notwithstanding the conditions, the match was dominated by Poland who created multitude of scoring opportunities, yet the ball would not cross the line, either because it would stop in the puddles of water, or in the arms of Sepp Meier, German goalkeeper playing the match of his life. On the other end, Jan Tomaszewski palmed away Uli Hoeness's penalty shot, but he was unable to stop a low shot by Gerd Muller. In the next match, the final against Holland, Germany beat the latter 2:1 and bagged their second world championship, whereas Poland went on to beat Brazil for the 3rd place in the world.
The German approach to the matches against Poland was summarized by coach Jurgen Klinsmann who in 2006 World Cup famously motivated the German national team ahead of the match against Poland, by saying something to the effect: "We can lose against anybody, but never can we allow to be beaten by Poland, never...". That game was also ferociously fought and the score stood at 0:0 until the last minute, when Oliver Neuville managed to somehow beat Artur Boruc, by sliding his body to push the ball through the goal line.
In 2011, in a friendly preparation game to Euro 2012, Poland was leading 2:1 in the last minute, yet the Germans equalized in the last gasp of the match through naturalized Brazilian, Cacau, and denied the Poles the elusive victory. Before Saturday's match, theses teams met the last time in May, 2014 in Hamburg, both in depleted squads, and the game ended again in a 0:0 draw, exactly as in 1971 in the same Hamburg stadium, during qualifications to EURO 1972, incidentally won by West Germany.
Last Saturday, the conditions were favorable to Poland, as Germany is currently in transition, after retirement of Lahm, Klose and Mertesaker, and injuries of Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Ozil and Reuss
had an impact on the Germans. Poland was also missing its best technical and creative player, Jakub Blaszczykowski, known by fans all over the world as Kuba. Yet Adam Nawalka, one of the young stars of 1978 World Cup, whose career was quickly finished by injuries, is rather a smart coach, and he knows Germany as he played against them himself. He improved dramatically Polish defense, and decided to surrender the midfield whereas he concentrated on quick transition from defense to attack. Poland did not have many breaks, perhaps 5 or 6, and ended up with 3 shots on target, yet 2 of them reached home. Clinical! Our best centre-half, Kamil Glik, finally showed why in Serie A he is known as the Wall, and whatever he could not stop, was stopped but our young goalkeeper Wojtek Szczesny (he earns his living at Arsenal London)  who smartly positioned himself on all German scoring opportunities, and probably had a better game than Jan Tomaszewski had at Wembley in 1973. The most decisive was though the role of Robert Lewandowski, who played huge role in diverting the attention of German defenders from Arkadiusz Milik and, after his substitution, from Sebastian Mila. On the first goal, Piszczek crossed toward Lewandowski and Milik, however, German defenders paid attention only to deeper placed Lewandowski, what allowed Milik to attack the ball freely, ahead of Neuer, the German goalkeeper, who attempted to correct his defenders' mistake, and Milik's glancing header ended up in the German's net. On the second goal, the ball was thrown to Lewandowski, who controlled it in the right corner of German penalty area, and cleverly shook off Durm, then seeing the other German defenders converging on him, Lewandowski passed the ball calmly to arriving in Sebastian Mila, who struck it immediately home with his left foot. Apparently, Neuer did not know that Mila is a left-footed player, for he expected Mila to control the ball with left foot and to strike it with his right foot.  Immediately, the National Stadium went in delirium for it became apparent that the first victory over Germany in football was in the bag. The vodka must have been streaming in Poland all night, as online readers of Guardian commented on. So, finally we took that monkey of our back, and future matches against the Germans would be from now on a less tense affair for the Poles.
The Warsaw victory is one of the string of recent successes by Polish sport, which is somehow catching up with Poland's economic success and is the next sign of normalcy of life in Poland. Three weeks ago, Poland's volleyball team won the men world championships and two weeks ago young Michal Kwiatkowski won the world championship in road cycling, whereas another young cyclist, Rafal Majka was the revelation in Tour de France, where he won the best climber jersey. Poland was recently also successful in track and field, speedway, team handball and tennis, and improved considerably in basketball, in addition to recording best ever medal catch in the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.
Tomorrow comes match against Scotland, even more difficult than the one against Germany, as Scotland will likely "park the bus", leaving the attacking to Poland, who is not used to positional football, particularly without injured Kuba Blaszczykowski, the most creative Polish midfielder. As I am certain that counterattacking Polish team will handily beat Scotland in Glasgow, I am not so sure about the game played in Warsaw, notwithstanding the higher technical level of Polish team. The Scots are technically limited and although they can play quick physical football, they are predictable in their usual automatic schemes of play. I believe, though, thanks to the huge motivational kick in the form of victory over Germany, that we will prevail over Scotland, after all.  Godspeed, Poland! Naprzod, Polska!

Janusz Andrzejewski, a New York City based attorney, writes on legal and other important community topics. You can reach him by telephone (212-634-4250), 

 or, through e-mail: janusz@januszandrzejewski.com

TO THE SIMPLISTIC AMERICAN AND BRITISH MEDIA: POLAND IS NOT A PART OF EASTERN EUROPE

Reading the American or British newspapers or listening to their audio or visual media, one gets very often aggravated by constant description of Poland as an Eastern European nation. Frankly speaking, I'm tired of the media's ignorance, simplifications, shoddy journalism, sloppiness and constant inability to liberate themselves from the shackles of convenient stereotypes.
Even Wikipedia knows better, as describing Poland it properly says: "a country in Central Europe". The truth is Anglo-Saxon media description of present day Poland as an Eastern European nation is groundless and unjustified geographically, politically and culturally.
1) Geographically, Poland lies in the center of Europe and therefore it is a Central European country. If one draws the line between Portugal's Atlantic Coast on the western border of Europe, and the Ural Mountains on the eastern border of Europe, with the line between the northern tip of Scandinavia on the northern border of Europe and the southern tip of Sicily on the southern border of Europe, those lines will cross each other near Lodz in Poland. Therefore, the precise center of Europe is located near Lodz in Poland, which is at the same time the center of Poland, and consequently, Poland lies in Central Europe. Prior to World War II, when Poland was reaching much further to the east as it consisted of major parts of Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania, whereas some of the western territories of present day Poland were in Germany, describing Poland as being part of Eastern Europe was almost justified. Not at present though, I must repeat, as Poland is undoubtedly a Central European country.
2) Politically, Poland is in the Western Europe nowadays. Of course, during the Soviet domination of Poland after World War II (domination caused by the sell-out of Poland to Stalin by F.D.R., with weak resistance from Churchill, at Yalta Conference - an unprecedented betrayal of their biggest ally which came up with the 4th biggest allied military forces and military contribution, notwithstanding being occupied by Germany), Poland was politically part of Eastern Europe, however, it is no longer the case as Poland recovered its democratic system structures in 1989, became part of NATO in 1999 and a member of EU in 2004.
3) Culturally, Poland is part of the West for more than a thousand years as it accepted Latin Alphabet and Christianity, in the form of Roman-Catholic religion, in 966. Since then, all its literature, arts and culture otherwise is that of a western nation.
Perhaps it is the time for the managers of the western media to change your manuals of style and usage, with respect to Poland's location, or its description in political, cultural or geographical terms, since your education system is incapable to break out of the stereotypes formed during the cold war and your writers are still ignorant of basic facts concerning one of the big nations of Europe.

Janusz Andrzejewski, a New York City based attorney, writes on the legal and other important community topics. You can contact him by telephone (212-634-4250),  or through e-mail: janusz@januszandrzejewski.com

CELTIC GLASGOW HIDING BEHIND UEFA'S SHOCKING DISREGARD OF THE SPIRIT OF FAIR PLAY

Poland's football (or soccer, if you prefer) seems to be on the rise. Except for one or two clubs of 16- teams Polish Ekstraklasa, all the clubs play nowadays in either new or renovated stadiums, the money supply is slowly rising, and the Polish footballers are regaining the spotlight they used to enjoy in 1970-s and 1980-s, when Poland's national team twice came 3rd in World Cups (1974 and 1982) and players like Lato, Deyna, Lubanski, Gadocha, Tomaszewski or Zibi Boniek were world-wide renowned stars. The new generation is graced by Robert Lewandowski, Jakub "Kuba" Blaszczykowski, Lukasz Piszczek, Wojciech Szczesny or Artur Boruc. This year Legia Warsaw, the former club of Kazimierz Deyna, the playmaker of 1974 national team of Poland, who was selected as no 3 player of 1974 World Cup (just behind Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer) confirmed the improvement of Polish soccer by destroying Celtic Glasgow in 3rd qualifying round of Champions League by aggregate score of 6:1 (4:1 in Poland, and 2:0 in Scotland), despite wasting two penalty shots and many more occasions. But soon it turned out that not everything is so rosy in the real world and that sun shines at different angles for rich men, and poor men. Before Legia Warsaw players stopped celebrating the fully deserved double victory and qualification to the Champions League playoffs - the final round of qualifications to lucrative group stage of UEFA Champions League - there came a news that Legia might have fielded for the last four minutes of the away game in Scotland, when their win and qualification were already assured, a player who might have been ineligible to play due to earlier suspension. However, Legia Warsaw released in Poland a statement that there should not be a problem of ineligibility of the player, Bartosz Bereszynski, who was suspended for three matches because of a red card from previous season. They were under impression that the player served the suspension fully by abstaining from three matches of Champions League in this very campaign (two matches against St. Patrick of Ireland, in 2nd qualifying round of Champions League, and first match against Celtic in Warsaw, Poland). However, Legia Warsaw forgot about an old and obscure rule requiring that the name of the player serving suspension be placed on match statements, filed with UEFA after each game. The chairman of Legia Warsaw, with all necessary documentation flew on Thursday to Nyon, Switzerland, to the headquarters of UEFA disciplinary body, to prove that Bartosz Bereszynski was Legia Warsaw player throughout those three qualifying games in which he did not play, as he was serving the 3-match suspension, and to prove that the omission of his name on the match statements was just a clerical error. However, Mr. Mioduski wasn't allowed to see the UEFA's disciplinary body whereas Celtic Glasgow was pressing quietly through their allies behind the closed door for walkover decision in the match played in Scotland. When Mr. Mioduski finally saw the UEFA people, the decision of a 3:0 walkover in the match played in Scotland was already made. It is interesting to note that the rate of payments for tv transmission of Celtic Glasgow matches are much higher than for those paid for Legia Warsaw matches, and that UEFA stands to make much more money from the Celtic matches in Champions League group stage than from those of Legia. What is also interesting is that UEFA public announcement did not even mention the fact that Bartosz Bereszynski in fact served the suspension (except for reporting irregularity on the match statements sent to UEFA), instead UEFA just reported to the public that Legia Warsaw fielded ineligible player in the match played in Scotland (Celtic Glasgow v. Legia Warsaw 0:2) and because of that the result was nullified and Celtic was awarded a 3:0 result by walkover. So, not only Legia wasn't allowed to explain anything before the decision was reached,  but also the UEFA statement implies to ignorant readers that Legia Warsaw cheated by fielding ineligible player which is far from the truth. The UEFA announcement does not only fail to mention that player de facto served his full suspension, except for match statements irregularity, it also does not mention that he was fielded for inconsequential 4 minutes, when the result and Legia's qualification was already assured on the pitch. I understand that if one sticks to the letter of the law, UEFA might be right. However, since the offence was unintentional, miniscule and had no bearing on the result on the pitch, the strict adherence to the letter of the law by UEFA was a highway robbery perpetrated on Legia club and players. Also, the same UEFA in 2011, in similar situation, when Debrecen of Hungary fielded for 4 minutes not registered player in match against champion of Bulgaria, UEFA did not disqualify Debrecen - stating that the offence was inconsequential - for obvious reason: Debrecen opponent was from lowly Bulgaria, enjoying almost the same lowly status as the Hungarians. To Legia Warsaw UEFA could not apply the spirit of the law as it did toward Debrecen, as Legia's opponent was the famous Celtic Glasgow, from rich U.K., with people from U.K. sitting on various UEFA committees, and with bigger television rights piece of pie from the lucrative U.K. market. So, the reason for double standard is quite clear. Legia Warsaw will of course appeal as soon as UEFA issues its facts and findings in support of the decision, however, the participation of Celtic in the final qualification round to Champions League will go on, and it will jeopardize Legia's chances on appeal. Therefore, chairman of Legia, Mr. Mioduski, attempted to contact Celtic people by telephone to discuss the Celtic's position, but Celtic didn't answer any communication from Legia. Mr. Mioduski decided then to publish an open letter to Celtic, reminding them the fair play traditions of famous Celtic Glasgow, and asking for a meeting to work out a joint statement to UEFA. Predictably, Celtic people refused any meeting and hide themselves behind the UEFA decision. What's more, they have audacity to claim that they are furious at Legia and otherwise disappointed! It appears that official UEFA delegate for the match in Scotland saw Bereszynski's name on the match statement prior to the match, and did not voice his objections until the match was over. I reckon he must have winked to Celtic officials to assure them that everything will end up well for the Bhoys, notwithstanding the result on the pitch. From the little irregularity on the paper, notwithstanding the resounding success of Legia on the pitch (without using the questionably ineligible player), the latter, although growing and with modern new stadium, is still a poor club comparing to the famous Celtic. The more acute will be their loss of approximately $30,000,000.00 should they have qualified to the group stage, whereas Celtic might undeservedly reap the same $30,000,000 amount thanks to shady dealings by UEFA and people supporting Celtic in UEFA committees. The decision by UEFA is so shocking, that even the New York Times jumped on Legia Warsaw wagon, expressing the outrage the decision caused all over Europe, and even across the big pond, in the United States. So much for transparency and fair play concepts, so vociferously espoused by British media when it suits their purposes and interests. I wonder why those U.K. defenders of those high concepts are not crying foul now? They were much louder when they screamed: do not go to Euro 2012 if you do not want to come back in a coffin! So much for equality. After all, double standards do not disappear from this world. Its the eternal rich men, poor men!  

Janusz Andrzejewski is a New York City based attorney, writing on legal and other community important subjects. You can contact him by telephone (212-634-4250),  or, by e-mail: janusz@januszandrzejewski.com

THE INCESSANTLY NOISY VITALITY OF WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN

First time I have visited Williamsburg, then a very raw section of Brooklyn, in the summer of 1981. It was a time of Solidarity movement heyday in Poland, several months before the imposition of martial law by infamous general Jaruzelski. I was then a young student of Jagiellonian University in Cracow, who was lucky enough to have a good aunt in Williamsburg, who invited me for the summer to see New York City. I spent six weeks traversing the boroughs and sections of New York City; everything was so new to me, a student who got for the first time a peak of the United States through his own pair of eyes. Williamsburg of 1981 was quite a scary kind of place. Full of dilapidated factories, with the areas of Kent and Wythe Avenues between Domino Sugar Factories in the south and Greenpoint in north, occupied by vulgar prostitutes and drug pushers. Williamsburg in those bleak years, under the good mayor Koch, was so raw and bleak, that I gladly went back to my native Poland at the end of August of 1981, with hope that Poland rejoined the free world for good. But Jaruzelski was already preparing the implementation of his Martial Law plans. At the last year of my studies at Cracow's Jagiellonian University I was lucky enough to get a visa to the United States, and gladly took off for New York City again. Initially, I stayed with my aunt in Williamsburg again, but after a couple of months I got my own room in Woodside, then I went through other boroughs of New York City, including crossing Hudson and getting my own New Jersey inhabitant experience; I did not have to deal on a daily basis with the scary looking Williamsburg for the next three years. Eventually, I returned to Williamsburg in March, 1989, and since there I was a witness to its slow transformation from the raw, industrial neighborhood (occupied initially in its north side by Italian, Polish and Irish immigrants, and on the south side by Puerto Rican community, and further to the south, by Hasidic Jews), through invasion of artists and musicians in the early 1990, to the present gentrified hipsters capital of the world. I still remember the time when the entertainment in Williamsburg was limited to Johnny Gallagher Ship Mast (featured heavily in Nick Gomez's movie Laws of Gravity which was shot on $20,000 budget yet it went on to win Sundance Film Festival), Teddy's, Charleston and one spot of xxx entertainment. Slowly, during years of Mayor Giuliani, the prostitution disappeared from Kent and Wythe Avenues and from the bank of East River, the wild construction boom was started by all out conversion of the factories into lofts and artists studios, and then developers got their hands on more and more parcels of land, and soon new buildings started to appear like mushroom after summer rains, and obfuscate my view of Manhattan skyline; the Williamsburg I used to know was suddenly in the midst of its conversion into the hipster capital of the world. Now, to get a view of Manhattan skyline, I have to take stroll to the Northside Piers beyond Kent Avenue, on the banks of East River. On the other hand, the area around the Ferry Terminal at Northside Piers became so esthetically pleasing that I do not long much for the raw Williamsburg of early 1990-s. The amount of bars and nightclubs in Williamsburg, tempting the strollers, is staggering though. So good, that I have given up on the night life several years ago! Nowadays, I just wish that the amount of bars and nightclubs could somehow be limited, stopping the hordes from Manhattan and from other sections of Brooklyn, from disrupting our life night after night. And if someone could do something about those construction noise, I would be eternally grateful.

Janusz Andrzejewski is a New York City based attorney, writing on legal as well as other important community topics. You can contact him by telephone (212) 634-4250 or by e-mail: janusz@januszandrzejewski.com

BAD DAY FOR GREAT BRITAIN AND ITS ECONOMY

Judging by the successful nomination of Jean-Claude Juncker to head the European Commission, David Cameron, the Prime Minister of Great Britain has chosen the wrong battle. The European Union states voted 26-2 to appoint the former Prime Minister of Luxembourg to be the next president of the European Commission. It appears that instead of obtaining concession from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Mr. Cameron has brought Great Britain closer to secession from the European Union. Unfortunately for Mr. Cameron and the United Kingdom, the secession would cost the latter approximately 3 million jobs. David Cameron forced a vote in an attempt to block the selection of Jean-Claude Juncker, seen as a backer of closer political union, which U.K. vehemently opposes. But EU states voted 26-2 to appoint Mr. Juncker to the presidency. Apparently, Mr. Cameron's strategy had "totally failed" and he has been "comprehensively and humiliatingly" outvoted, as per the words of Labour leader, Ed Miliband. Only Great Britain and Hungary voted against the appointment. Another victory for Angela Merkel and the concept of closer political union in EU, another defeat for David Cameron and his model of loose ties binding the members of EU. I have to admit that in light of the United States disengaging itself more and more from the European matters as it switches its attentions to Pacific Ocean countries and starts to deal with growing China economic power, there is not much choice for the Europeans but to bring to a closer union its member states even if those states would cede some of their sovereignty to the EU. In fact, in light of Russia's recent actions and the United States looking toward the Pacific, the European Union should create their own rapid units of military forces to counteract growing might and appetites of Putin's Russia. To me, born in Poland, the country which experienced so much suffering and destruction from both Russia and Germany commencing with the partitions of Poland in the second half of 18th century, through 19th century uprisings and World Wars of the 20th century, until the victory over the communism brought by the Solidarity movement, there is no other way but to embrace a closer EU. The U.K. has a choice, it can always go its own way.

Janusz Andrzejewski is a New York City attorney writing on legal and other important community topics. You can contact him by telephone (212) 634-4250 or through e-mail: janusz@januszandrzejewski.com

THE WORLD AT CROSSROADS

Recent events appear to indicate that the world as we know it might soon be gone as it is no longer dominated by the United States who, since the fall of the Soviet Union, ruled the world virtually unopposed. Russia and China are becoming more and more aggressive players in the world geopolitics. Russia has recently achieved some victories on the world stage, unheard off since the fall of the Soviet Union: it prevented the West's intervention in Syria, derailed economic treaties between European Union and Armenia and Ukraine respectively, humiliated the United States by snatching Edward Snowden (and facilitating his unleashing of plagues befalling the NSA and the United States, both made pariahs in the courts of public opinion in the United States and over the world), played its role in what might turn out to be an appeasement of Iran, and, as if to stress Russia's recent victories, president Putin has been voted the most influential person in the world in 2013 by the Forbes magazine. China was more subtle and quiet, concentrating on the economy, yet they still were able to project their economic standing by becoming more assertive in the world's geopolitics. Recent proclamation of Air Defense Identification Zone over large areas of East China Sea, and sending its aircraft carrier on a maiden expedition toward the disputed Senkaku Islands are symbolic steps, foretelling more of similar, and perhaps, more aggressive steps in the near future. It seems that China already embarked on a road to convert its economic success into military might. As soon as China acquire means to project its military power over the seas, they will attempt to take over the control of East China and South China Sea in order to secure unobstructed access to oceanic routes. As it is, Japan and the United States are able to easily disrupt China's commerce due to Japan's control of various islands between Taiwan and the main islands of Japan, and the United States' ability to project its military power in Pacific and Indian Oceans. Apparently, China will not stand ay longer for the status quo, and will try to secure control over the seas leading to oceanic routes. The more militarized China would become, the more probable would be scenario of China's attempt to take over Russia's Far East, which economically seems to have closer ties to China than to Russia proper. India is not going to sleep at the time when its rival, China, grows its military might, and will also develop its aircraft carriers. In fact, recently they acquired a new aircraft carrier, which is supposed to take place of an old one, being decommissioned. We cannot forget of course about the unpredictable North Korea and volatile Iran-Israel situation and its potential for inflammation of major military conflict between Christianity and Islam. We seem not to appreciate how blessed Europe and North America has been since 1945, more or less, without necessity of dealing with war at our homes, except for the Balkans. If we are not prudent in our next steps, the peace might become a distant memory. What steps should the United States and the European Union undertake to avert the above dangers? Anyone out there with ideas?

Janusz Andrzejewski is a New York City based attorney, writing on various important community topics. You can get in touch with him by telephone: (212) 634-4250 or through e-mail: janusz@januszandrzejewski.com

LONDON 2012: OLYMPICS IN CONSTANT TROUBLE

It appears that Mitt Romney got it right: the 2012 Olympic Games in London, known as London 2012, are in huge trouble. Day after day, one scandal is being chased by another one. It all started with shortages in security personnel: turned out, that organizers were missing approximately 3,000 people necessary to provide safety to the olympians and their audience! It was too late to train the necessary personnel, so, the organizers had to call in the military forces to cover for the shortages - Thank you Sir Sebastian Coe for converting the civilian holiday into a military operation! Then, as soon as the olympians from all over the world started to arrive in, the London airports were not able to process them, the baggages were misplaced, the buses were getting lost in traffic, unable to reach their destinations for hours. Finally, before the opening ceremony was wrapped up, one country after another started to protest the treatment of their teams, the most vocal being the team of India, who felt humiliated by an exposure given to unknown woman marching by India team's flag-bearer; the intruder dominated the 10 seconds spot of the tv coverage, granted by the organizers to the second most populated country in the world. We are now only in the fourth day of the 2012 Olympics, yet scandal follows a scandal. Country after country experiences so called false flag shocks, to be associated forever with London 2012; the most crude example being the football match between North Korea and Colombia, prior to which North Koreans walked off the pitch. Eventually, as a result of organizers' display of their enemies' (South Korea) flag as a purported emblem of North Korea, the match had to be delayed for approximately one hour. Yesterday, it was the Chinese's turn to get offended by display of their flag at a lower height than South Korea's flag; swimmers from those two countries were classified both in second position and both received silver medals, and the olympic etiquette required that both countries' flags should have been placed at the same height. Well, I never thought the English were so lackadaisical! And, most of the times, the olympic venues shock with huge patches of empty seats! Some of the observers must be quipping that BBC Panorama and Sol Campbell had something to do with it! I can understand that the US liberal media jumped on Mitt Romney to show his purported lack of diplomacy and inexperience on international scene, in an attempt to score a point for Obama campaign in the US presidential elections. Yet, Romney's words, perhaps crudely undiplomatic, were definitely warranted and the majority of the media, instead of pouring the scorn on him, should have rather applauded Romney for the sincerity, which the same media often says is so needed in the politics. Let's hope that the Londoners finally will get a grip on the olympic machinery and redouble their efforts in the remaining days of the 30th Olympiad. Yet FIFA, the world footbal (soccer) authorities, should be applauded in their collective wisdom for not gratning England's bid to organize the 2018 World Cup. For once, FIFA got it right! And let's hope that England, before applying for organization of another international sporting event, would first hone their organizational skills. Perhaps, they should consult the Poles and the Ukrainians, the hugely successful organizers of Euro 2012 - whom, paradoxically, the London and English media denounced so prematurely, prior to the kick off of Euro 2012, for alleged racism, xenophobia, lack of infrastructure, and expected calamities. Well, those dark predictions at Euro 2012 did not come to fruition, instead, the English now have to constantly blush for their own shortcomings. I presume, with some dose of satisfaction and "schadenfreude", that English media, including BBC's Panorama (and Sol Cambpell), Guardian, Telegraph, the London Times as well as their loud tabloids, enjoy the quality of British paper while eating their own words. Bon appetit, mes amis!

Janusz Andrzejewski, is a New York based attorney, writing on legal and other important community topics. You can contact him by telephone: (212) 634-4250 or through e-mail: janusz@januszandrzejewski.com

YOU ARE WRONG CAMPBELL, AND BBC TOO

It is rather a common knowledge all over the world that Olympic Games, World Cup in Football (or in soccer, if you are from North America) and European Championships in Football are the three biggest sporting events on the planet. Each of them takes place at four year intervals. Currently, European Championships, known as Euro 2012 are being hosted by Poland and Ukraine. These two countries put years of preparations into staging the event, built or renovated stadiums, airports, hotels, highways, etc. Poland, the economic tiger of Europe, a member of NATO and of European Union, known as the only country in Europe which did not have recession in recent years, managed quite well its preparations and there was never any doubt regarding its ability to stage the event. Ukraine though, a poor country in comparison even to Poland, had major problems, which eventually were overcome. Obviously, Ukraine's infrastructure and hotel base is not on par with that of Poland, yet they managed to finish their preparations on time. However, some image problems started when BBC Panorama aired a so called documentary under scary title "Stadiums of Hate". In my previous pieces ("Decline of BBC Empire" and "Threat of Racism Looms Over Euro 2012, Pursuant To Certain Media, That Is") on this blog, I have written about BBC manipulation and doctoring of facts in order to show Poland and Ukraine as racist and antisemitic countries. On BBC's wagon soon jumped former English retired football player, Sol Campbell (played among others for Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle), who warned those who would want to travel to Euro 2012 that they might come back in a coffin. Soon after Campbell's ridiculous warnings, some of the English players stated, on Twitter and other social media, that their families would not travel to Euro 2012, apparently following Sol Campbell's advice. All of this made headlines of the world media for weeks. Well, BBC, Sol Campbell and all other united bigots of the world, please be advised that Euro 2012 has been a tremendous success,  on both levels, sporting as well as organizational. UEFA just gave high marks to Poland and Ukraine for hosting the event and for exceptionally warm atmosphere surrounding the fans from all over Europe and the world (notwithstanding Polish-Russian brawls on the way to the game between Poland and Russia, which had nothing to do with racism or antisemitism but everything with Russia's and former Soviet Union repression of Poland in last 250 years). UEFA stated that it would be very diffcult for the Euro hosts in the future to best the high marks achieved by Poland and Ukraine. Well, Mr. Sol Campbell, it is not so easy to lead your life in the real world as it was on a football pitch. Perhaps next time, before opening your mouth you would like to think over what you want to say. Apparently, English Football Association is considering a lawsuit against BBC (and perhaps Sol Campbell) for scaring away English fans from giving support to English national football team in their matches played in Ukraine. There is more to it as the football fans from all Fan Zones in cities across Poland and Ukraine, will stage a protest on the final day of Euro 2012, prior to the championship game between Spain and Italy. At the gates to each of the Fan Zones, coffins will be set up to which every visitor is welcome to put in a message, either to Sol Campbell or BBC. Then, the coffins are to be sealed and sent out to BBC and Sol Campbell in their "safe" from racism United Kindom (Perhaps Sol Campbell should give advise to John Terry, his compatriot footballer, charged with criminal charges of racism, stemming from his treatment of Anton Ferdinand, during one of English Premier League footbal games). Imagine the faces of poor Sol Campbell and BBC Panorama chaps, when they open their packages. Precious!
The protest apparently was organized by www.facebook.com/YouAreWrongCampbell

Janusz Andrzejewski, a New York based attorney, writes on the legal as well as community important subjects. You can contact him by telephone (732-527-2195) or through his website www.adwokatandrzejewski.com

EURO 2012: NO MAJOR SURPRISES

Euro 2012 reached the decisive stages. Ahead of us the semi-finals between Spain and Portugal in the first pair, and Italy and Germany in the second. I will go with Spain-Germany final (Spain will win it all), although I think Italy migh still go all the way to the final. A couple of weeks ago, I predicted as my semifinalists Spain, Germany, Italy and France. Unfortunately, the French self-destructed in the game against Sweden, and then had to go against the artists of Spain. Tough luck! They were not ready yet for such a tremendous task, notwithstanding that Laurent Blanc did a very good job with this French team. The biggest disappointment of Euro 2012 turned out to be Holland, but they never could be consistent in two major tournaments in a row, particularly that they always have to deal with inner conflicts in their team. The closest they have come to be consistent were the World Cups in 1974 and in 1978, when they ended as runner-ups, but they self-destructed between those two tournaments, in Euro 1976, despite having then the best team on the planet.
England, as always, were a joke. When will the English media realize that English players are not good enough to win anything? In fact, they are mediocre when they have to play without the creative foreigners, who raise the level of play in English Premier League. How anyone can dream of winning a major tournament in international football (or soccer, as it is called in North America), relying only on players who can play good defense, but they are unable to keep possession of the ball and properly pass? The statistics told the whole story of this English team, in each of the four games England was outpassed, outshot, and chased their opponents for 60%-70% of the play time. I will tell them again, get proper coaches for your kids at the ages of 7 or 8 and teach them the basics of controlling the ball and passing it properly around. However, you have to get coaches for your kids from Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Netherlands or Italy, as English coaches themeselves never aquired the proper technical skills. Only then, in 14-16 years from now, the English might have a shot of winning it all. Until then, dream on England, while neutrals are having a laugh, again at your cost. Poland? Well, it was the second youngest team in Euro 2012, only older than Germany. However, without playing any competitive games in almost three years, they were not able yet to mix it up with the best. They need some more competitive games, and the nearest World Cup qualifications against England, Ukraine, Montenegro, et al. will show what they are built off. Provided, they will get an able coach (like talented but inexperienced Fornalik, or veterans: Lenczyk or Kasperczak). The talents of Lewandowski, Blaszczykowski, Piszczek, Wolski, Szczesny or Tyton should blossom at 2014 World Cup. If they qualify, that is!

Janusz Andrzejewski is a new York based attorney, writing on this blog on legal and community important subjects. You can contact him by telephone at (732) 527-2195, or through his website: www.adwokatandrzejewski.com

POLAND V. RUSSIA, BATTLES ON AND OFF THE FOOTBALL PITCH

Fifth day of Euro 2012, the football tournament (or soccer, should you prefer the American terminology) being played at present in Poland and Ukraine, was very eventful, to say the least. Both, on the streets and at the stadiums. Unfortunately, the loaded with history and emotions match between two long enemies, Poland and Russia, was scheduled by UEFA unwittingly on the Russia Day. The worst mistake however, committed the Mayor of Warsaw, Ms. Gronkiewicz-Waltz, by issuing a permission for the Russians to march from the centre of Warsaw to the National Stadium, accross Vistula River. As if the long history of Russian persecution of the Polish nation was not enough to provoke Polish ultras? Let us see what made the atmosphere so tense: the Russian partition of Poland (with Prussian and Habbsburg Empire) at the end of 18th century; 123 years occupation of Poland from 1795 to 1918; ruthless crushing of Polish uprisings throughout 19th century and deportations of millions to Siberia; invasion of Poland by bolsheviks and war of 1919-1921; secret clause to the Ribbentrop - Molotov Pact and back-stabbing Soviet invasion of Poland on September 17, 1939, when the Poles were in the middle of defensive war against nazi Germany; repressions, deportation to Siberia of millions and murder of 22,000 of elite of Polish nation at Katyn, Kozielsk, etc.; the post World War II Soviet domination of Poland (after FDR sold Poland out to Stalin) and, still unexplained (to the conservative Poles, at least) catastrophe of Polish presidential plane at Smolensk, two years ago. In addition, violence of the Russian ultras at Wroclaw Stadium during Russia - Czech Republic game and severe beatings of defenseless stewards. It appears that Polish police, in force of over 6,000 men did a sensible job in Warsaw, after all. It appears also, that the march was marred by a 100 or so of ultras, both Polish and Russian, who were provoking and attacking each other, apparently having contracted the fights online. The final provocation and insult occured at the National Stadium, where the Russians posted enormous flag with a picture of Russian hero of fight against the Poles in XVII century, bearing a huge sign: THIS IS RUSSIA. As if they had to remind the Poles that Warsaw was 123 years under the czarist Russia occupation. Luckilly, it was decided that heavy police presence was necessary at National Stadium, and strong anti-riot police forces were placed in front of the Russian sector.
Regarding the match itself, crdit to players, they outdid themseves and produced a memorable spectacle on the pitch and the best match in Euro 2012 so far, with the goal of tournament scored by Polish captain, Jakub Blaszczykowski, known also as Kuba, one of the three Polish stars of Borussia Dortmund (the creative trio which gave Borussia Dortmund second consecutive championship of Bundesliga and the German Cup trophy). Even though Russia enjoyed majority of possession, the Poles had the edge when it mattered as they had more shots, both on and off target and were more dangerous when it mattered. If not for the Russian goalkeeper and the Russian luck, the Poles could have ended up with a win. In any case, the second youngest team in Euro 2012 is bursting now with confidence, and having much better defense than the Czechs, and more dangerous attack with the hugely talented and versatile Robert Lewandowski, is considered now to be the favorite in confrontation with the Czechs.

Janusz Andrzejewski
The author is a New York based lawyer, publishing a blog on legal and other community subjects. You can contact him by telephone (732-527-2195) or at www.adwokatandrzejewski,com

DECLINE OF THE BBC EMPIRE

Usually, prior to major football tournaments, like World Cup or European Championships, English media ridiculously herald to the world that this time England is going to win it all (not this time, though). Of course, the English national team, for various reasons,  cannot deliver. One of the reasons is that their players cannnot hold the pressure created by their own media. Another reason is a long season, without a winter break. The most important reason, however, is lack of basic technical skills among majority of English players. Simply said, they are not good enough to rival Spain, Italy, France, Germans, the Dutch or Portugal, so, they have to resort to defensive type of football. It is obvious that international results of English Premier League top teams are achieved thanks to foreign players, who raise considerably the level of play in the Premiership and are responsible for the creative parts of the play whereas English players are left mostly to take care of defensive tasks (defensive blocks plus midfield holding players, whose main function is to destruct opposing team's attacks and to recover the ball). This time around, after so many bad lessons since 1990 World Cup (last time that England had a decent national team), English media are full of caution. Perhaps they understood that it is so difficult to win when chasing the ball, being kept in possession by opposing teams for 65% or 75% of the play-time. Strangely, this time then England is not among the favorites in English media circles. Paradoxically, because of this, they think that they can win it all. Here we go again, then! Also, in recent years English sustained severe blows to their pride when they made a bid for organization of the World Cup in 2018. And what worse, they were so self-deluded (as with respect to the skills of their football players) that they did not see it coming. They are still reeling from losing the World Cup 2018 bid to the Russians. So, what do they do this time around? Well, they had to show somebody that they are leaders in something so they jumped this time on the political correctness wagon. BBC Panorama made a program about racism among the hosts of Euro 2012. To achieve a desired result, they went across Poland and Ukraine in search of appropriate material. Result, a scandalous program showing anti-semitic actions among Krakow fans as a result of tradional rivalry between Wisla and Cracovia football clubs, and also among Lodz fans, of rivaling LKS and Widzew. The fact that Krakow and Lodz are not staging any matches of Euro 2012, was not mentioned. Jonathan Ornstein, a director of Krakow Jewish Community Center, who has lived in Poland the last 11 years, and whose statements were distorted by Panorama, filed a protest with BBC. He said that all positive things he mentioned about Poland in his 1hr interview with BBC Panorama, were cut out from the aired material. When during his interview he suggested that Panorama talk to two Jewish footballers playing for Wisla Krakow (Maor Melikson and Dudu Biton), Panorama people told him that it would not fit their program as they wanted only to show racism and anti-semitism in Poland. What's more, Panorama people interviewed Israeli football player Baruchian, playing for one of Warsaw's top division clubs. However, since he had no bad experiences with antisemitism in Poland, his interview was not included in "Stadiums of Hate", as again, it did not fit the main subject of the so called documentary. Apparently, anything good about Poland, would not fit their program main team: Poland as anti-racist and anti-semitic country. Mr. Orenstein suggested to BBC to make a balanced program about anti-semitism in Poland, but BBC people were not interested. It seems, they had to scare the fans from coming to Poland and Ukraine. But, they did not succeed with respect to Poland, at least, for Polish impressive stadiums are full, the atmosphere is great and the country is crowded with thousands of Irish, Spaniards, Russians, Croats, Italians, English and even poor Greeks. A different story in Ukraine, a poor country, in comparison to Poland. Indeed, Poland, an economic success story within European Union, not knowing recession as opposed to the rest of Europe, notwithstanding the unemployment of 12%. Perhaps, BBC Panorama can expose racism and anti-semitism in England or Great Britain, where it apparently cannot be eradicated easilly? Perhaps, they can make a program about the racism incidents in Premier League, those reported recently, and various unreported? Maybe, BBC Panorama can enlighten us as to why John Terry's criminal case (for racially abusing a black player, Anton Ferdinand) has been adjourned for approximately six months, until the end of Euro 2012? After all,  justice delayed is justice denied. Or, how about turning their public resources to find out why Rio Ferdinand has not been selected for the English national team? What about the fate of persecuted in England following ethnic groups: Pakistanis, Polish, Lithuanians, West Indians, etc.? Perhaps, they Panorama people can enlighten us as to how many murders or incidents of violence against Polish workers in UK were ethnically or religiously motivated? How about scaring away some of the foreigners willing to come to London to see Olympic Games, why don't you warn them to stay away? And yes, in Poland we have racism and anti-semitism, but it is not embraced by the authorities or by the majority of the country's population. Yes, we have our own yobs. But, a lot is being done about these social pathologies, even though a lot more remains to be done! But, to cover these efforts in Panorama? It wouldn't fit your main theme, would it? BBC, what has happened to you?

Janusz Andrzejewski

The author of this post is a New York based attorney and a publisher of his own blog on various legal and community subjects. You can reach him by telephone at 732-527-2195 or through his website: www.adwokatandrzejewski.com

GERMANY WON, AS USUALLY. THE DUTCH DISAPPOINTED

Second day of the Euro 2012 disappointed, after two exciting matches of the kick-off day. Holland, the favorites of many, appear to have reached their limits with reaching the final of World Cup 2010. But, the initial loss 0:1 to Denmark does not have to be ominous to their chances. Denmark perhaps does not posses players of great technical skills, but it is a team consisting of players astute tactically, exhibiting sound usable technical skills. Perhaps only veteran Greek team can compare to them with the level of tactical skills. Van Persie and Robben disappointed, whereas Senijder appears to have regained some of his brilliance, blunted recently by his illness, by exhibiting some of great passes. Unlike during the matches played in Poland so far,  several thousand seats in Kharkov Stadium were empty. It appears that BBC Panorama doctored report did not help Ukraine. The second match of the day, between Germany and Portugal, has ended with expected 1:0 German victory. Portugal, until Mario Gomez goal, were preoccupied mostly with containing Germany. To achieve that aim, they fielded three holding players in midfield: Veloso, Mouthinho and Meireles. After the German goal, they changed their style of play and almost succeeded in creating several of opportunities for a tying goal. Unfortunately for them, the old rule that football is played by 22 players and Germany always win in the end, is still true. Also, having in the team Cristiano Ronaldo, does not help. It appears that Portugal would have been much more cohesive as a unit without him.
UEFA had charged Russian FA for excesses by Russian yobs in the match between Russia and Czech Republic in Wroclaw, Poland. Apparently, Russian fans have made monkey noises toward Czech black player, Gebre Selassie, and they also have brutally beaten four stewards, who attempted to detain Russian fan throwing firecracker onto the pitch. Today, higly anticipated Spain v. Italy match. Will the Spaniards be enough hungry for a third title in a row? What about the rift in Spanish national team (created by infamous Jose Mourinho) between Real Madrit and Barcelona players. Will the Italians respond to the bribery allegations with another title (as they did in 2006 World Cup)? Or, perhaps, they will start in a slow manner as in 1982 World Cup in Spain? Come today to Gdansk, Poland and see for youself.

Janusz Andrzejewski

EURO 2012: SO FAR, SO GOOD

First day of Euro 2012 behind us. Despite small glitches, the atmosphere at the National Stadium in Warsaw, as well as in Wroclaw Municipal Stadium, was as expected, great. The new stadiums looked impressive and were crowded to their full capacity by enthusiastic fans. Except for the incident of Russian fans beating up four Polish stewards in Wroclaw Municipal Stadium, none of the BBC Panorama doctored predictions of racial abuse were fulfilled. The Polish police did not have to intervene. The fan zones in Polish cities, even though enormously crowded, did not produce any incidents of racial nature. However, some problems were reported in Krakow, one day before kick-off of Euro 2012. But despite initial report of racist noises directed at the Dutch black players, during their training session at Wisla Krakow stadium, being a training ground of Holland's national team, (which reports were denied by Dutch coach Bert Van Marwijk), the Dutch officials did not file any official complaint. The claims that Wisla Krakow supporters were rather protesting to UEFA that Krakow was not granted any games than racially abusing the Dutch players, were rejected by Mark Van Bommel. Strangely, Van Bommel's father-in-law, coach Bert Van Marwijk, disagreed with claims of racial abuse voiced by his son-in-law. Go figure.
In any case, Euro 2012 kicked off in good fashion. Even the initial match was an eventful one, as opposed to typical boring first game of major football (or soccer, as footbal is strangely called in the US) tournaments, having it all: great start by Polish team and a goal well taken by impressive Robert Lewandowski, after brilliant pass from Kuba Blaszczykowski, Greek come-back in second half, two red cards (one undeserved) and a saved penalty by Polish substitute goalkeeper, Przemyslaw Tyton, on his first touch on the pitch. The 1:1 draw was a just result, even though Poland could have wrapped up the game in the first half, had they converted their opportunities. It seems, that had the Greek player was not red-carded (unjustly), Poland would have easily won the game. Playing against weakened team, the young Poles lost their focus and were punished by Greek veterans.  The second game of the day, Russia v. Czech Republic, played in Wroclaw, was even more impressive, and it ended with Russian lopsided victory: 4:1. Arshavin and his passes were impressive. Apparently, English football does not allow him to show his creativity so well as the biggest stages of international football. Petr Cech's performance was on the other hand quite abysmal. Will the Russians be as much impressive against Poland at National Stadium in Warsaw on June 12, 2012? Come to Warsaw, and see for yourself!

Janusz Andrzejewski

The author of this post is a New York based attorney and a publisher of his own blog on legal and various community subjects. You can contact him by telephone  (732-527-2195) or through his website: www.adwokatandrzejewski.com

POLAND JOINS BIG LEAGUES WITH EURO 2012

Finally, after years of preparations, Euro 2012 in soccer is about to kick off tomorrow at Poland's National Stadium in Warsaw. The new stadium, one of the most impressive venues in the world of soccer, with a retractable roof, has over 58,000 seats and rather does not belong to the biggest arenas. But, its design inside and state of the art amenities make it impressive and imposing venue, indeed. Even more beautiful is a bit smaller PGE Arena in Gdansk, in various shades of amber color, with a light design of the outside walls and of the roof. The City Stadium in Poznan characterizes futuristic design of the roof construction (as seen from inside of the stadium) whereas Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw boasts with great visibility from each of its traditional one-tier level seats. The roads in Poland have been considerably improved, new highways were added, although not all of them are finished. The hotel industry, quite impressive in recent years, has been made even better. Warsaw Airport, already modern, opened additional terminal whereas majority of local airports were either modernized or rebuilt. Polish economy, which as the only one in Europe has not known recession in recent years, is still advancing ahead with 3,5 % growth, made even more impressive by the troubles of Greece, Portugal, Spain or Italy. Krakow, one of the most picturesque cities in the world does not stage any games, but it hosts teams from England, Holland and Italy and is already crowded with tourists from all over the world. Well done, Poland! Enjoy, for your time has finally arrived. Let's hope, that none of the racial incidents, predicted by BBC's sensational Panorama program, will take place for we cannot allow those few yobs to spoil our soccer holidays. Let us rather show the world our traditional Polish hospitality!

Janusz Andrzejewski

A HUGE BLOW TO CLAIMS THAT "POLES WERE COMPLICIT IN HOLOCAUST" AS PRESIDENT OBAMA PERSONALLY REGRETTS "POLISH DEATH CAMP" REMARK.

Notwithstanding ignorance of his speech-writers, president Obama corrected their mistake, and in the letter to Polish president, Bronislaw Komorowski, apologized, sort of, for the "polish death camp" remark. President Obama admitted that Medal of Freedom, granted posthumously to Polish underground hero and Georgetown University professor, Jan Karski, who alerted F.D.R. to the fate of  Jews in nazi- occupied Europe, in the middle of extermination process by the nazi Germany, was also an expression of acknowledgment of the sacrifices of Polish nation under German nazi occupation. President Obama stressed the bravery and heroism of the Poles, exhibited in their underground resistance to the nazis, and unequivocally stated that there were no "polish death camps". Also, he went on to acknowledge that many of the Poles sacrificed their own lives while saving Jews from the Holocaust. President Obama's letter regretting the "Polish death camp" remark, has been received as satisfactory by the president of the Republic of Poland. One only can hope, that various revisionist theories about "polish death camps" will finally be put to rest.

Janusz Andrzejewski (tel. 732-527-2195)