15 March 2005
With the Presidential election in Poland later on this year, I have received many requests to present myself as a candidate one more time. For this reason I would like to explain my position the best way I can.
I took part in a spectacular election in 1990 as an independent candidate without any financial support from anyone or any organization. The official result was significant - 4 million people voted for me in both rounds. Even though we lost that election it was important that opposing views were heard and we could express our concerns with corruptive privatization, ugly speculation of Polish currency and the general lack of concern with unemployment. Poles have paid a very high price for losing that presidential election 15 years ago; some economists estimate it to be 150 billion dollars. If this years elections are lost, the post-communists will probably demand from Poles a much higher rent.
Never during my election campaigns did I give any unrealistic promises. When in 1990 I said that when we win things would get better, I meant that I would not allow the corruption and lawless thievery that has been witnessed at the highest levels of government during the last 15 years. Also I promised to call new elections for the Parliament based on a majority (JOW) vote, not a proportional scam that guarantees the same political manipulators to set the future of Poland. For my opponents it was a threat that forced them to respond with underhanded slander and lies about me in a typical fashion - a thief yells to catch a thief when running away with loot ...
Today the economic situation of our Motherland is much worse than it was 15 years ago. This is because we still see the same faces in the political arena, faces of the treacherous people who have not only failed to serve the electorate but have outright betrayed the very same people who voted for them. They have already orchestrated deceitful political chess to eliminate the chance that any outsider would spoil their game, which they have enjoyed for a long time. This is how the despised Kwasniewski was elected as President in two consecutive campaigns. The election for Parliament has started already this year with unfair proportional election law and it is too late now to make any significant changes. The only hope of real political change is in the upcoming presidential election in September this year. The time has come for Poles to unite in support of an honest candidate whom they can trust and defend.
Political polarization in Poland is always, on the front, "we and them" meaning that the potential electorate is cornered to vote on those candidates presented by the post-communists and related to their political Parties. But most people are already aware of this game. This is why over 50% of Poles do not want to vote anymore. Does it mean there is an opening here for an independent candidate to confront their amalgamated power? Post-communists who hold most managerial and administrative posts can be tamed and forced to obey the law only under strong political control.
The problem that I see in Poland today is that impoverished Poles who have witnessed the plunder of their land still have the hope that the savvy and media-promoted post-communists will "take care of them". This false fear of stepping from the rain to under a gutter must stop. Only a strong electorate can support a strong leader that will change the course of Poland. There are many ways to express support of such a leader but one thing is certain - the support has to be massive and fearless. This is what any country needs today - a fearless leader who will not compromise Reason of the State. A good leader is at risk to his life to represent national interests against all odds and unfair pressures of the superpowers and neighbouring countries. Only a strong leader can change the destiny of Poland to give people a chance to grow and prosper.
Any potential candidate for this job must be prepared to face the risks of dissatisfaction from the rich and powerful minority groups that will be marginalized from participation in the new political power. An honest President, loyal to Poles, will be constantly criticized by the foreign-owned national press and TV that will try to discredit him at every opportunity. The new President must face many problems on the national and international arena to represent and to protect Poles against unfair deals. This is why the future President of Poland needs a solid contract with the Poles that they will protect him while he is doing his work.
Running for the office in Poland I gained valuable political experience. It is always a big compliment to see that many Poles trusted me to do this job. For all those that want me to run for office again I have a question - how would you support me to win this election for you? For this is not a game to win the presidential election for myself. Voting for me you really vote for yourselves where if elected I am to be your representative. Only an irresponsible or treacherous man or media-supported figureheads like Lech Walesa or Aleksander Kwasniewski would accept the job of President of Poland without the strong support of his countrymen. Ever since WWII Poland has not had a true President. In fact we have only had puppets loyal to any foreign power-of-the-moment.
I would like to see some sign that Poles are ready to give me or any other independent candidate the support needed to win this election. We must win control of our country back from our long-time enemies. I have waited many years for a massive call to come back. It never happened because people are afraid of losing their fight to post-communist forces. I am not a magician who can lead cowards to victory.
I remember the great enthusiasm and emotions of millions of Poles hoping to win the election in 1990. Together we managed to overthrow the hostile government of Mazowiecki and to slow down the corruptive privatization of Poland. Their defeat was so decisive that they have been forced to rename their political Party four times hoping to fool the people again. Never since have I seen anything comparable in Polish politics. I know what it takes to win but I cannot do it with silent support.
Some misfortunes we bring upon ourselves; others are completely beyond our control. But no matter what happens to us, we always have some control over what to do about it. Just stop and think about what you are prepared to do to retake possession of Poland. It can be done with enthusiasm, a determination to fight and the unity of all Poles. An opportune time will come in September this year.
Our forefathers rebuilt Poland after WWII and we can do it again with honest political leaders. When this happens we will have lots of work! I do not even have to be your President to enjoy a free Poland. Any job in a country free of corruption, manipulation and slavery is a reason for joy! This is the only promise I can make.
Stan Tyminski
www.rzeczpospolita.com