The Polish Heritage Institute condemns the European Parliament's resolution
on the increase in racist and homophobic violence in Europe
July 28, 2006
Letter to the Editor
The Washington Post
1150 15th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20071
Dear Editor:
We strongly condemn the European Parliament's June 15, 2006 "resolution on the increase in racist and homophobic violence in Europe" because it contains extreme exaggerations and untruths that slander the Republic of Poland and its Roman-Catholic population. The European Parliament makes the false assertion, that racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia and homophobia are increasing in Poland. These fictitious accusations are based on ignorance and politically motivated disinformation.
Poland was and still is one of the most tolerant, open and hospitable nations in Europe. This fact is supported:
(1) by Poland's one thousand year history (including Poland's fierce oppposition to the Nazis during the 1939-1945 German occupation of Poland); (2) by contemporary crime statistics in Europe; (3) by the 64 million people who visit Poland each year; and (4) by the numerous ethnic and religious minorities that prosper in Poland. Minorities in Poland have their own organizations, churches, schools, businesses, cultural institutions, and representatives in government.
We urge everyone to visit Poland (to experience Poland's rich Roman-Catholic culture) and to study Polish history, especially the works of Prof. Norman Davies, Prof. Richard C. Lukas, Prof. Iwo C. Pogonowski, and Prof. Marek J. Chodakiewicz.
Sincerely,
Alfred M. Karwowski, M.A.
President
The Polish Institute of America
on the increase in racist and homophobic violence in Europe
July 28, 2006
Letter to the Editor
The Washington Post
1150 15th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20071
Dear Editor:
We strongly condemn the European Parliament's June 15, 2006 "resolution on the increase in racist and homophobic violence in Europe" because it contains extreme exaggerations and untruths that slander the Republic of Poland and its Roman-Catholic population. The European Parliament makes the false assertion, that racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia and homophobia are increasing in Poland. These fictitious accusations are based on ignorance and politically motivated disinformation.
Poland was and still is one of the most tolerant, open and hospitable nations in Europe. This fact is supported:
(1) by Poland's one thousand year history (including Poland's fierce oppposition to the Nazis during the 1939-1945 German occupation of Poland); (2) by contemporary crime statistics in Europe; (3) by the 64 million people who visit Poland each year; and (4) by the numerous ethnic and religious minorities that prosper in Poland. Minorities in Poland have their own organizations, churches, schools, businesses, cultural institutions, and representatives in government.
We urge everyone to visit Poland (to experience Poland's rich Roman-Catholic culture) and to study Polish history, especially the works of Prof. Norman Davies, Prof. Richard C. Lukas, Prof. Iwo C. Pogonowski, and Prof. Marek J. Chodakiewicz.
Sincerely,
Alfred M. Karwowski, M.A.
President
The Polish Institute of America
* In 2006 the Polish Heritage Institute was known as the Polish Institute of America.
