Polish Solidarnosc Movement
Monday, February 1, 2016
“August 1980” saw protests against the communist government raging through Poland-- most especially in the seacoast city of Gdansk -- upon the firing of a nearly retired crane operator by the name of Anna Walentynowicz by communist authorities. Unemployed electrician Lech Walesa rises up to lead protests at the Lenin Shipyards, fueled by the determination of the masses of Polish workers from all over Poland, students, and intellectuals, and with the tacit support of Pope John Paul II.
Following the success of the Solidarity Movement in securing rights for workers to form independent trade unions with the right to strike, the Polish government finally struck back and imposed Martial Law in December of 1981. This began the "real struggle" in Poland for individual and societal rights. Following the gruesome murder of Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko in October of 1984, Poles launched themselves into a historical struggle with the Communist state, vowing to recreate society or literally die trying.
After years of the chaos and brutality of martial law, the "Round Table" in 1989 ushered in a new era for Poland, as Solidarnosc succeeded in organizing a government dedicated to charting a new economic and political course for Poland. It is important now to remember the great personal cost experienced by these brave individuals who risked everything to effect fundamental change. The actions taken to overthrow the communist government were both dangerous and often illegal but eventually led to success. The last quarter-century has been difficult with Poland moving ahead towards being a "normal country" within the European continent. There have been successes and failures, political upheavals, disappointments, economic advances, and continued hardships for many Poles who often felt overwhelmed by change.
However, after the Parliamentary elections in the Fall of 2016, many Poles today seem fearful of a possible overreach and power grab by former Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, twin brother of the deceased former President, and worry that actions of the new government threaten the constitutional democracy that millions of Poles fought so hard to achieve just 30 years ago. Not all agree and many Poles (including many Polish-Americans) strongly support the direction of the newly installed government.
These are many other issues will be explored by our presenters who will discuss the contemporary scene from a variety of perspectives.
Please join us! Everyone is welcome!
Polish pierogi and other Slavic treats will be served!
