Polish national stadium with the name of a hero?

National hero Ryszard Siwiec/Image courtesy: wikipedia.org

An important and late gesture towards a symbol for the struggle against communism, according to government ministers and politicians, will be made. It is finally a good sign that all politicians in Poland unanimously agree that either the Polish National Stadium or a main street leading to it, will be named after Ryszard Siwiec.

Ryszard Siwiec committed suicide by burning himself, not trying to injure other innocent poeple, in the stands of the Stadion Dzisięciolecia (10th-Anniversary Stadium). It all happened during a yearly harvest festival on the 8th of September 1968 where high profile Communist minsters were present, as a protest for the Soviet-led invasion of Prague, the Czechslovakian capital on the 5th of January 1968, by tanks from countries in the Warsaw Pact.

Communist Poland also joined this horrific and very inhumane action to repress the street riots and uprising in Prague, also known as the “Prague Spring”.

This sad event took place to keep and secure a horrific and cruel Communist system in place. Many hundred people lost their lives during that inhumane invasion.

Heroic intellectual

Siwiec, was a philosopher, former Polish Underground Homy Army soldier (AK), who took part in the fight for an independent Poland from the occupying Nazis and later from the Communists.

Self-immolation in the stands/Image courtesy: wikipedia.org

He was a husband and father of five, but saw his life as a duty to fight for a free Poland and the inhumane totalitarian Communist oppression in Eastern Europe.

He knew that fighting for a free and independent Eastern Europe was his duty, as a honourable person who risked his life on many occasions before. His suicide in the name of freedom was never reported and people were forced to keep quet over this incident.

Dedication for Poland’s best manager?

This stadium is now taken apart, due to the construction of the new Polish National Stadium for the EURO2012 taking place in Poland and Ukraine. Mirosław Drzewiecki, currently Minister for Sport and Tourism in Poland, is looking at all options even seeling the name for commercial purposes to a sponsor.

Legendary manager/Image courtesy: kazimierzgorski.pl

Another very popular option is to name the stadium after the most successful Polish National coach Kazimierz Górski, who led the Polish National Team to the most successful era in its history. Poland was then seen as one of the three best teams in the world, beating football powers with ease.

His biggest success was probably the 3rd place at a World Cup. A team that knocked out eliminated England from participating in the upcoming World Cup in Germany, Yugoslavia, Sweden and Italy, during the 1974 World Cup in Germany, only to lose the semi-final to the host in a very controversial way.

But also winning the Gold medal with his team at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, but also wan the Silver medal at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.

It would be very important to show the appreciation to both heroes, who made us proud to be Polish.

Stadium in the name of two Polish heroes?/Image courtesy: PL.2012

Keep politics out of sports

Excluded from tournament Shahar Peer & Andy Ram/Image courtesy by wikimedia.org

We always relate sports to our European heritage. Thanks to the ancient Greek and Roman athletes we have great role models when it comes to perform sports in everyday life. But there is one thing that the wise and honourable athletes of the Roman Empire and Greek peninsula did. Keeping politics out of sports.

Most famously, in ancient Greece, all wars and battles have been stopped due to the Olympic Games. In the end it all came down to healthy rivalry and the aim of a place among the champions.

Tennis is a new discipline when compared to track and field or discus throwing. It is one of the most popular sports in the world with many followers and athletes. Unfortunately, now this politically untouched area has been hit by a scandal. In some countries this ancient model is not accepted.

Politics in Dubai

Dubai refused to let Shahar Peer, a female Israeli professional tennis player, into the country.

Many have no doubt that this obvious discirimination is related to the recent Israel-Gaza conflict of mid-December, as a small protest and sign of solidarity with the terrorist Hamas group. In Dubai tournament organisers although said that they only want to protect the player from possible attacks and have no political intention.

Fortunately, WTA and ATP reacted quickly and set a record fine $300,000 onto the organisers to prevent future discrimination. All rules set by the ATP and WTA have to be obeyed and if not done the tournament will be taken off the calendar.

Never again

The WTA Tour Chairman Larry Scott spoke of Shahar Peer “who was victimized by an unjust policy of discrimination by the UAE.  These actions are also intended to send a clear message that our Tour will not tolerate discrimination of any kind and that we will never allow this situation to happen again, in UAE or elsewhere.”

Solidarity

Now more and more players show solidarity with Shahar Peer and already informed the public of their boycott of the Dubai tournament next year. Agnieszka and Urszula Radwańska, two sisters from Poland, but also Andy Roddick, are among many players that will not participate next year. But also TV stations and broadcasters declared their slidarity and took the tournament off air.

Andy Ram, another Israeli professional tennis player was also about to get his visa refused, but in the end under the pressure from the ATP, the player could participate in the tournament.

Dubai as liberal as it claims to be, have no political or diplomatic ties with Israel.

A dangerous result

Hugo Chavez another Socialist/Communist Dictator?/Image courtesy of visionamericas.com

Results from the Venezuelan referendum worry on what is coming up next in international affairs. It is a possible defeat for future democracy and freedom, but I am not surprised that people who voted for Mr. Chavez are very short sighted and narrow minded, as a result of the ongoing leftist propaganda and brainwashing of society.

It is the will of the people in Venezuela, which accepted the amendments to the Constitution. Fair enough. But do they really know what they got themselves into?

Experts say that Chavez deliberatly played on the poverty, criminality and everything that is bad in his country, to force through his ideas of a socialist/communist revolution.

Cruel system

I know, from my own experience, that Socialism in any of its forms is a cruel system. Did not history already show us what will happen? Socialism is just a cover word for dictatorship and Communism. It evolves very rapidly into Communism and repression.

Why go so much against peace in the world? I would not be too worried if he would use mild and peaceful verses in his speeches, but all his anger and hate against the West is just to worrying.

Socialism/Communism = Dictatorship, money on arms, ties with dictators

Chavez already showed with his arm deals, military co-exercises with Russia, strong ties with Cuba and Iran, that he is not going to stay away from any means in order to protect the revolution in his country, but also wants to secure a place as a world power for God knows which reason.

Why does not he use the money to modernise the country? I am quite sure that infrastructure, education, health system and other important civil projects need improvements.

Refusing free thoughts

He even rejected entry for the Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Former President of Poland Lech Wałęsa, the one who brought down Communism in Eastern Europe through famous strikes. He was invited by the democratic opposition in Venezuela for talks and to give lectures.

Why? Becuase Chavez knows that Lech Wałęsa would endanger his struggle for complete power and a socialist dictatorship with him at the helm for another century if you like. It is fair to argue that he might want to stay in power with force in a few years time. Relating to dirty practices and oppressing methods.

This is just the beginning of censorship and repressing of thoughts. Next up is foreign and oppositional media…

Did the people there really experience what it means not be free? You might get some benefits from it, but what if you are not able to go abroad, roam around freely and most importantly think freely?

Just a cover

Any benefits hat come from socialists are just cover on what goes on in the background, where normal citizens do not have the rights to look into and where equality does not apply.There are only equal rights for a special group at the head of the state, the rest has to adapt to everything they say.

I just want to tell the people of Venezuela that what they chose is not a good choice, it is not the future. We know from history what can happen in the name of Socialism.

Democracy and the freedom is in danger in this South American country.

Schocking study: Nazis as schoolname patrons

Nazi patrons over schoolchildren in Germany

Its the 21. century and if you might think that we have already completely cleaned out any forms of the cruel systems such as fascism or communism, you are mistaking.

An unbelievable study by a German historian suggests that there are still schools in Germany with Nazi school name patrons. Members of the SS, SA, NSDAP give the names to at least eight schools, in Saxony. This is a sickening study, that shows the true face of some local authorities in Germany, who do not want to change voluntarily the names of mass murderers, war criminals, unless the media gets involved. But also the central government does not take enough measures to completely eliminate cases of modern National Socialism.

This is a clear message by the school and local authorities in Germany: We support Nazis! We negate the Holocaust and all its atrocities!

Why does not this study cause so much media coverage as the case of the Lefebvrist Bishop? Why is not Angela Merkel reacting to this shocking study?

Angela Merkel was quick to ask for an explanation from the Vatican. But to tackle and denounce such public institutions in her own country, is not seen as a priority.

Action has to be taken immediately. The elimination of Communist patrons from school names has already been completed, but the presence of SS members in school names is not something that disturbs or even irritates the German population.

Over the last incidents, a stronger and LEGAL presence of the Neo-Nazi Party NDP in local governments, the war in Gaza and over-criticising Israel and now the inaction about Nazi names at schools, it seems that the radical form of fascism and anti-Semitism, that we fortunately only know from history books and our elder family members, is returning to a daily practice in Germany, and was just hidden over the last few decades.

One school were pupils went out and protested at the Nazi patron of their school, is a good and promising action taken. This one example shows that some students and pupils actually learn and understand the information absorbed during the hisotry lesson. A history lesson taught at the same school, with the Nazi patron.

Hope for a reduced nuclear weapons arsenal

A nuclear bomb/Image courtesy of wikimedia.org

Barack Obama in his first weeks at the Oval Office shows that his period as President of the United States of America will be based on more peaceful and open politics.

One important step towards a less violent and aggressive future in of the world, is certainly the reduction of nuclear weapons in the world.

According to an article in “The Times”, the US is ready to work on that and make this reduction programme a priority throughout Obama’s presidency period, even though it brings risk to US state security.

The declaration to reduce warheads comes shortly after Iran successfully launched a satellite carrier to space but also does not want to stop uranium enriching programme and reports that North Korea will be testing long range missiles/rockets that can reach the US.

Barack Obama wants a new treaty/Image courtesy of Tyronetakesamerica.com

Mr. Obama is spreading the right message to his followers but also eternal enemies of the USA.

Washington’s proposal to Moscow  to reduce nuclear warheads and the re-negotiate the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), should find acceptance at the Kremlin.

Both countries are in possession of approximately 5000 nuclear warheads. The White House proposed to the Russian side to reduce the arsenal by 80% from 5000 to 1000 warheads, in both countries.

A new treaty would warm up relations between Russia and the USA, but the article in “The Times” also mentions that it would take hard negotiation rounds to actually sign a possible treaty. Russia are sceptical of this idea because their warheads are of worse quality and power, compared to the US warheads which are stronger.

A possible victim for a successful treaty might be the resignation of the missile defence system placed in Poland and Czech Republic, of which Russia is a strong opponent.

Medvedev and his predecessor open for proposals/Image courtesy of dailytelegraph.co.uk

Global citizens should be relieved to hear such an optimistic and peaceful appeal by the US President. Let’s hope that Mr. Medvedev, President of Russia, will accept this invitation for start talks.

Poland in the group of death

UEFA Under-21 European Championship

Groups for the qualification phase of Under-21 Euro 2011 in Denmark were drawn today. A few interesting  clashes will take place at this stage.

Holland will take on Spain in Group 4. The defending champions will have a hard task against a Spanish side who won all qualification games for this year’s Under-21 European championship in Sweden. It will be a difficult task for Poland or this year’s Euro championship participants Finland, to qualify from highly desired second spot of the group.

England v Portugal is a never ending “soap opera” style encounter. They also met in the qualifications for this years tournament. Also seen as a major game that stands out from the other games in Group 9.

A heated atmospehere can be expected during games in two groups. The match between neighbours Serbia and Croatia in their Group 7 and the match between Turkey and Armenia in Group 2.

Group 1:

Russia, Romania, Moldova, Latvia, Faroe Islands, Andorra

Group 2:

Turkey, Switzerland, Armenia, Republic of Ireland, Georgia, Estonia

Group 3:

Italy, Wales, Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Luxembourg

Group 4:

Spain, Finland, Netherlands, Poland, Liechtenstein

Group 5:

Germany, Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, Iceland, San Marino

Group 6:

Israel, Sweden, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Kazakhstan

Group 7:

Serbia, Croatia, Norway, Slovakia, Cyprus

Group 8:

France, Ukraine, Belgium, Slovenia, Malta

Group 9:

England, Portugal, Greece, F.Y.R. Macedonia, Lithuania

Group 10:

Austria, Belarus, Scotland, Albania, Azerbaijan

Update: Polish football corruption

Today Waldemar K. former player and football legend at Lech Poznan the UEFA Cup participants, was arrested on suspiscion of selling and buying football games. Both, Wlademar K. and Piotr R. arrested yesterday (as mentioned on my Blog) were brought to the prosecutors’ office in Wrocław, Lower Silesia.

Reports suggest, that after arresting an important member of the football club Swit Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, who admitted buying the game from Lech Poznan to stay in the league a few years ago, it was just a matter of time that football players who took part in that match, would get arrested and accused.

People in the field also expect the referee Robert Malek, who lead that game, to be arrested in the near future.

In the latest developments, reports suggest that Piotr R, is being accused in a number of cases involvng corruption. He is said to have received over 100,000 PLN (€21,000/£19,000/$28,000) for selling games.

He also admitted to some charges. The following days will bring more light into the story.

More arrests in Polish football corruption case

Piotr R., Lech Poznan/Picture source: Agencja Przegląd Sportowy, Author: CYFRASPORT

This morning state prosecutors arrested another person, this time a football player, on suspicion of taking part in the shady business of buying and selling football games in Poland.

Piotr R., 37, currently plays for the UEFA Cup participants, Lech Poznan. A living legend for the club from western Poland, who scored more than 100 goals in over 300 league games, which gives him this legend status at his present club. He played shortly for German clubs, such as Hertha Berlin, MSV Duisburg, SpVgg Greuter Fuerth in the past, but returned to his club from Poznan after this short stop in the Bundesliga.

He also played a few times for the Polish national team.

Most fans and supporters are very disappointed and do not want to believe that their former captain of their team, was involved in the corruption scandal.

The club will disqualify the player as soon as the accusations will be presented.

The problem of corruption in Polish football is making greater circles. More arrests are expected to take place due to the high number of  members of the football family being already in custody and in court. Information from this proceedings are used to catch all people involved in this dirty practice, that destroys football and other sports.

Only one host

FIFA/ Picture courtesy: wikipedia.org

FIFA has decided that future World Cups will be held in one country only.

The two dates, where only one host will be chosen, are the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Sepp Blatter’s, FIFA President, decision comes as a shock surprise and kick to the teeth to countries, that wanted to co-host the most popular sporting event in the world. Candidate countries such as Spain and Portugal, but also Belgium and Holland will not be taken into account then.

The deadline for countries (Australia, China, England, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Qatar, Russia and USA) to hand in their candidacy is monday next week.

Wyjątkowa bohaterka całego świata

Elżbieta Zawacka/Żródło zdjęcia: www.prezydent.pl

Urodziła się w 1909 r. w Toruniu. Karierę w Wojsku Polskim zaczynała już w młodym wieku. Po zakończeniu studiów na Uniwersytecie im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, swoje życie całkowicie poświeciła na działanie i pracę dla ojczyzny.

Na początku wojny, w wrzesniu 1939 r., uczestniczyła w obronie Lwowa przed wojskami niemieckimi, a następnie sowieckimi. Rok po rozpoczęciu drugiej wojny światowej, została przeniesiona do Warszawy. Służyła tam jako kurierka, otrzymała tam nowy pseudonim, „Zo“. Była niesamowitą osobowością, uznawaną na całym świecie przez rząd na emigracji jak i aliantów. Jako emisariuszka Komendanta Głównego AK udało się jej przedostać w lutym 1943 r. do Londynu przez niemal całą Europę. Droga prowadziła ją przez Niemcy, Francję, Andorrę, Hiszpanię, i Gibraltar. Wróciła do ojczyzny 10 września 1943 r., jako jedyna kobieta w elitarnym gronie  316 Cichociemnych, na własną prośbę. „Zo“ walczyła w Powstaniu Warszawskim przeciw okupantowi niemieckiemu, a po jego upadku nadal działała w służbie Panstwa Podziemnego. W latach od 1939 do 1945 r. ponad sto razy przekraczała granice jako kurierka, żeby przenieść ważne meldunki i wiadomości.

Aresztowana w stalinowskim więzieniu

Całą wojnę przewalczyła dla wolniej Polski, a po jej zakończeniu chciała pracować dla dobra ojczyzny. Było to niemożliwe ponieważ Polska nie wywalczyła jeszcze suwerenności i nie zostało uznane przez ówczesne władze komunistyczne. Dołączyła do powojennej konspiracji antykomunistycznej, za co „Zo“ została aresztowana przez UB w 1951 r. W ciemnych latach stalinizmu oczywiście była prześladowana, jak i wielu jej kompanów walki (druchów, kamrat). Jej twarda wola do walki dała jej siłę przeżyć te ciężkie i najciemniejsze czasy w naszej historii.

Po wyjściu ze stalinowskiego więzienia, została profesorem pedagogiki i pracowała na uniwersytecie w Toruniu. Kiedy upadł komunizm założyła muzeum poświęcone kobietom żołnierzom. Napisała wiele książeko kobietach walczących podczas drugiej wojny światowej. Była współinicjatorką Światowego Związku Żołnierzy AK i w latach osiemdziesiątych była związana z środowiskiem „Solidarności“.

Krzyże i Ordery

W grudniu 1995 r., ówczesny Prezydent RP Lech Wałęsa, odznaczył Prof. Gen. Elżbieta Zawacka Orderem Orła Białego, najwyższy order Rzeczypospolitej.
Została też udekorowana dwukrotnie Orderem Wojennym Virtuti Militari i pięciokrotnie Krzyżem Walecznych oraz Krzyżem AK.

Stopien generała brygady Wojska Polskiego, został jej nadany przez Prezydenta RP Lecha Kaczyńskiego w Ratuszu Staromiejskim w Toruniu 13 czerwca 2006 r. Jest ona drugą kobieta w Polsce ze stopniem generała po Marii Wittek.

Warta honorowa, wieczne spoczywanie

Pogrzeb odbył się 17 stycznia 2009 roku zgodnie z ceremoniałem wojskowym. Żegnana przez wojsko, kombatantów, młodzież oraz tysiący mieszkańców Torunia. Ciało Pani Generał zostało przewiezione na cmentarz na lawecie armatniej, kompania honorowa oddała salwy, a orkiestra wojskowa odegrała „Mazurka Dąbrowskiego“ i „Pierwszą Brygade“. Na pogrzebie obecni byli biskupi toruńscy i biskup polowy Wojska Polskiego a także przedstawiciel Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej szef BBN Aleksander Szczygło.

Musimy zatrzymać ją i wielu innych tak bohaterskich ludzi w naszej pamięci, żeby ich życie było dla nas przykładem i impulsem dla naszych działań dla dobra ojczyzny.

Elżbieta Zawacka zmarła mając 99 lat. W dniu 20 marca skończyłaby 100 lat.
Niech zawsze pozostanie w naszej pamięci.

Rafael M. Gurbisz

Żródło: IPN, PAP, Rzeczpospolita

W Świętej Pamięci Elżbieta Zawacka/ Żródło zdjęcia: Nasz Dziennik.pl