12 April 2005
A week ago the portal of "Gazeta Wyborcza" in Poland indicated that I can count on 21% of the popular vote in the upcoming presidential election. This is more support than any of the other potential candidates currently have that are promoted by Polish media. For this reason I have received numerous calls from various reporters who are demanding a copy of my election program. For a good election program for ravished Poland is the most valued commodity this year.
Only a very naïve politician would present his election platform a few months before election. There is no penalty for theft of political ideas by those parties that have huge resources for media support. This is why political programs are always presented during the election campaign.
Nevertheless to satisfy my supporters and my enemies alike, I am obliged to explain my intentions in a manner that will not jeopardize my future election campaign. Poland is now in the middle of an economic crisis similar to the ugly depression experienced by the United States after the "Great Crash" in 1929. This similarity is well documented by similar levels of unemployment, decaying services such as health care, old age pensions, social care and lack of confidence in any government. Clearly Poland suffers from lack of good leadership.
Today as I write this text, it happens to be the 60th year anniversary of the greatest American president since Abraham Lincoln: Franklin D. Roosevelt. I greatly admire this man who has always been for me a source of inspiration and example of what can be done in Poland.
For in a time of great economic crisis, Franklin D. Roosevelt saved American capitalism with social programs. He instituted massive public spending to help the poor and the aged, formed a strong labour law to encourage the formations of trade unions and to protect collective bargaining, created the United Nations accompanied by a much stricter adherence of the USA to the concept of international law, and provided for strict regulation of an out-of-control and arrogant Wall Street. Three of FDR's initiatives: the payroll-tax-funded Social Security system, the "make work" Works Progress Administration, and the Security and Exchange Commission constituted the most radical transformation of the American political system since women got the vote. He made America strong to win WWII against Germany and Japan.
When I make indirect references to his accomplishments in my political work, I am often labeled by my opposition (former Communists) as a communist because of my compassion and care of the poor electorate that have always voted for me. Now that no political party has a sensible program for the people, I hope that even my enemies will take a good look at the life and work of Franklin Roosevelt to stabilize the country and prevent the onset of revolution after gross mismanagement, blatant robbery of assets, corruption and speculation with currency exchange.
During the last 15 years since the day when Poland decided to jump the abyss between communism and capitalism, consecutive populist governments were busy with globalization, privatization, NATO and membership in EU but have neglected to protect the most precious capital: the well being of its own citizens. For there is no greater loss than idle, unemployed people who have no means to support their families and no hope for the future.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, of whom I am reminded today, was one of the most beloved presidents that America ever had. To understand FDR's impact, ask an American over the age 70 and he or she will likely tell you that, much like in the moment of departure of our Pope, on April 12, 1945 "Everywhere men and women wept openly, and without shame". He earned confidence, trust and the support of his nation with his politics of instinct and of the moment. Fortunately, unlike many of the leaders of today his instincts tended towards the moral side of the Christian ledger.
This is why for all those who want to know about my election program way in advance, I recommend that they read a book about the life and work of my idol: Franklin D. Roosevelt. With a minor adaptation for modern times, his program that saved America will help to save Poland this year.
For I am prepared to fight hard to find money for the "make work" government programs to save millions of Poles from idle misery. I am ready to propose and to institute the long overdue reform of public administration. Most of all I am determined to supervise honesty and transparency in the banks, stock market and any future privatization. There is much to be done for Poland to have a fighting chance with export activity in a world where international competition does not tolerate any governmental weakness.
To solve the economic crisis there is no need to re-invent the wheel. All we need to do is to borrow successful initiatives from great men such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and to adapt them to our heritage and present times. It is an honor for me to remind my countrymen about this great man and to show him as an example of what a president can do in Poland. He was one of the great American presidents and a good example to follow.
Now that you have a general idea about my plans for Poland, I hope that you will have patience to wait for me to present my "New Deal" when I am registered as a presidential candidate. It is up to the people to decide who will be the next president of Poland. My only wish is to bring my black briefcase with my "New Deal" during the election campaign so that this option is also discussed. It would be a shame and great loss to democracy in Poland if this "New Deal" does not have a chance to be presented, discussed and criticized during the presidential election later on this year.
When the time comes to present my "New Deal", I will not waver under the pressure of critics or show the flexibility of a populist. A radical situation requires radical solutions and a strong hand. This "New Deal" can work only with strong leader who has support of the Poles. The future president needs a solid contract with the country. Only a united country with a good plan can turn around to the road of prosperity and success.
To round up this text I would like to thank those 21% of Poles who trust me with their votes six months before the upcoming election. This means that Poles know that I am one of the political leaders who have much to say. This is a great responsibility for me and my duty will be to work hard on a "New Deal" and to be prepared with a series of legislative proposals in order to have this plan implemented pending the outcome of the popular vote.
Stan Tyminski
www.rzeczpospolita.com