At last, a victory for democracy. After recent electoral defeats of opposition forces in Turkey, Israel, Hungary, Italy, and elsewhere, Poland voted to turn back autocracy. The sympathies of Polish President Andrzej Duda for the far-right Law and Justice party (the ruling party of Poland since 2015) could prove
A once placid and virtuous society can easily become overwhelmed by the rise of a cheerleader of hate, like Mussolini, Hitler or Trump. These role models promote anger, hate and other vices, to the point that much of the society embraces authoritarianism. The best weapon against authoritarianism seems to be the promotion of virtues like kindness, sharing, equality, empathy, honesty, compassion and having a conscience..... a warm heart.
“Love works! If we can keep the truth of love growing, we can win! Keeping a Cool Head and Warm Heart During a Crisis;” sounds and feels good, but not enough. As they say, words are cheap.
We protect what we live. If we chose not to be a protector of that which we purport to love, we’re being disingenuous. “Love” is not enough.
"That’s because since he took office as prime minister a second time in 2009, that same Netanyahu developed and advanced a destructive, warped political doctrine that held that strengthening Hamas at the expense of the Palestinian Authority would be good for Israel.
The purpose of the doctrine was to perpetuate the rift between Hamas in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. That would preserve the diplomatic paralysis and forever remove the “danger” of negotiations with the Palestinians over the partition of Israel into two states – on the argument that the Palestinian Authority doesn’t represent all the Palestinians."
Ravi, you make good points with which I can’t disagree. I would add, knowledge also is not enough. It may be a narcissistic pursuit unless followed by action for the benefit of all not just the few— with benefit also accruing for a human-caused dying Earth. Thanks.
"Most of Europe is becoming more and more nationalistic, antisemitic, and racist," says Kwiatkowski. Really? That seems like a very broad statement to make about a very broad geographic area. I know the trends and election results from various European locales, but this still seems overly simplified.
That said, thank you, Ruth, for covering this wonderful victory for all small d democrats!
I remember that Donald Trump was very excited when Brexit passed in the UK. He saw it as foreshadowing for what was to come. It's hard not to hope that the Polish elections were a different foreshadowing, and that the world has grown warier of domination thinking, violence, and control over people because of identity. We'll see if it continues. I was worried, especially given the Slovakia election that things would trend more to the right. I've also been hearing more about the disgust and anger of Israeli's with Bibi brought on by this last week. I find that hopeful as well.
Billionaires ( oligarchs) have more in common with other international oligarchs than they do with the regular people in their countries. I dont know if anyone knows 100% this is a cabal, I think it is just a case of aligned interests which when they come together or in contact with each other to increase their wealth, that wealth creation also creates relationships of mutal interest. Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is a really good example of this. That Jim Jordan somehow is worht nothing to all of a sudden 30 million once in office, well that explains a lot of what is happening all over the world to corrupt Democracies. Follow the $.
Finally, some encouraging news. Corruption is the Achilles heel of autocracies. People can eventually come to the realization that the autocratic regime does represent their interests but the interests of the regime and its favored cronies.
What could the EU do better when faced with Polands Law and Order as it attacks the institutions of Democracy? Same for Orban in Hungry. What could the EU do counter Lapenne in France and Italy's new fascist PM? What are they doing to counter the conservative/fascist movements? What could we learn from their successes before its too late?
Let us be inspired by the March of a Million Hearts and take note. We, too, can shut the door on anti-democratic leaders, candidates and policies. Vote and drag everyone you know who can vote to exercise their right to vote.
Since the term for suicide or even murder is "unalive/unalived", perhaps the term "unfreedom" should be used to convey the aims,machinationsand goals of authoritarian, dictatorship, and totalitarian movements.
How the young voters propelled Poland forward – lessons for us all
As one headline described Poland, 'No Country for Old Men!' and further described how the young voters helped swing the elections in Poland as the young voters were STILL lined up in the “middle of the night” waiting to vote!! After nearly a decade of Nationalist-Conservative Law & Justice Party (PiS rule), Poland has become increasingly polarized with this year’s campaign being most malicious since the post-1989 era! But the actual and most amazing aspect of this year’s elections was the record voter turnout of 74 percent with turnout among the young voters (18 to 29 years) reaching 68.8%, compared to 46.4% in the previous elections of 2019!
The strategy was to continue to use the traditional PiS rule that maximizes the more well-off, older voters. But there weren’t enough of them this time around!
Some factors did stand out in the Poland elections this time around which “progressive factors” elsewhere can learn from as we are learning in the United States involving Gen Z issues, abortion laws, women's reproductive issues, young mothers’ & childcare payment issues, same-sex partnership issues, racial/diversity issues, etc.
On Sunday, close to 70 percent of young Polish voters (18 - 29 years) voted compared to less than half in 2019 and of those voters only 14 percent voted the "traditional PiS rule candidates!” The largest portion voted for the Donald Tusk’s Civic Coalition (KO) and two allied opposition parties who amassed enough seats to claim victory, and who also and more importantly promised to, roll back extremely severe abortion laws and same-sex partnership restrictions!
UPDATE on the amendment to the Ohio Constitution, where early voting has started, to establish a state constitutional right to "make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions, including but not limited to “decisions about abortion, contraception, fertility treatment, miscarriage care, and continuing pregnancy”
A “yes” vote on Issue 1 supports amending the Ohio Constitution and so far polls are showing that more than 58 percent are voting YES on this Issue 1!!!!! Woo hoo!!!
This is an EROSION of the strength of the Supermajority Extremist Republican Autocrats that have infiltrated Ohio!!!! Democracy 👍👍
Diane/Steve: A minor & friendly editorial correction, &/or comment:
“… Extremist [Fascist] Republican Autocrats … I’m concerned that complacency, with winning small, but important battles, may unwittingly deflect our attention from fascists that seem to be winning more than losing — even inflicting horrific massacres... While I too celebrate victories, the celebration should be followed by even more action…
I confess to not being in a celebratory mood while civilians are bombed by hostile and friendly fascists. We oppose some and finance others, symptoms of modern madness. Check out my post at the very bottom; am I going off the rails?
Diane/Steve: A minor & friendly editorial correction, &/or comment:
“… Extremist [Fascist] Republican Autocrats … I’m concerned that complacency, with winning small, but important battles, may unwittingly deflect our attention from fascists that seem to be winning more than losing — even inflicting horrific massacres... While I too celebrate victories, the celebration should be followed by even more action…
I confess to not being in a celebratory mood while civilians are bombed by hostile and friendly fascists. We oppose some and finance others, symptoms of modern madness. Check out my post at the very bottom; am I going off the rails?
No Robert, you are indeed NOT going off the rails.......but I do have to say that anytime I find Steve optimistic about our struggles within fascist worlds, I am optimistic and it is very motivational for me!!!!! 👍
I'm just so wowed and happy for the people of Poland! This is such a big win for the forces of democracy and the power of love and justice over division and hatred. Right now I just have John Lennon singing "All you need is love" going through my head and I feel uplifted and optimistic by the whole seemingly unlikely turn of events. The underdogs won and had only the advantage of a positive message of justice, love and inclusion against the ugliness and corruption of autocracy. Poland has hope and a bright future of democratic resurgence that respects individual rights and liberties while reintegrating with its neighboring western liberal democracies in Europe to look forward to.
In addition, this has been an eff U to Putinism with in the broader context of rising authoritarianism around the world.
Lastly, many observers believe (myself included) the same sort of phenomenon is brewing right here in the United States!
A reason for hope, but only one of many battles in this long war, not just in Poland but worldwide. Law and Justice will not give up. They have money and an entrenched power structure both inside and out of Poland. Watch for the L & J propaganda and misinformation to come, which, along with real challenges regarding the Ukraine-Russian conflict, energy and food prices, migration and whatever else, will require astute and mature governing and effective communication on the part of Tusk and his allies in order to be countered.
Love works! If we can keep the truth of love growing, we can win! Keeping a Cool Head and Warm Heart During a Crisis | Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pacific-heart/202310/keeping-a-cool-head-and-warm-heart-during-a-crisis
A once placid and virtuous society can easily become overwhelmed by the rise of a cheerleader of hate, like Mussolini, Hitler or Trump. These role models promote anger, hate and other vices, to the point that much of the society embraces authoritarianism. The best weapon against authoritarianism seems to be the promotion of virtues like kindness, sharing, equality, empathy, honesty, compassion and having a conscience..... a warm heart.
Very helpful to internalize for the months ahead, when we talk to others. Thanks for the link to article.
Ravi,
“Love works! If we can keep the truth of love growing, we can win! Keeping a Cool Head and Warm Heart During a Crisis;” sounds and feels good, but not enough. As they say, words are cheap.
We protect what we live. If we chose not to be a protector of that which we purport to love, we’re being disingenuous. “Love” is not enough.
Knowledge too., Israel has been betrayed by Strongmen. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-11/ty-article/.premium/netanyahu-needed-a-strong-hamas/0000018b-1e9f-d47b-a7fb-bfdfd8f30000
"That’s because since he took office as prime minister a second time in 2009, that same Netanyahu developed and advanced a destructive, warped political doctrine that held that strengthening Hamas at the expense of the Palestinian Authority would be good for Israel.
The purpose of the doctrine was to perpetuate the rift between Hamas in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. That would preserve the diplomatic paralysis and forever remove the “danger” of negotiations with the Palestinians over the partition of Israel into two states – on the argument that the Palestinian Authority doesn’t represent all the Palestinians."
Ravi, you make good points with which I can’t disagree. I would add, knowledge also is not enough. It may be a narcissistic pursuit unless followed by action for the benefit of all not just the few— with benefit also accruing for a human-caused dying Earth. Thanks.
Robert Leyland Monefeldt
I agree 100%. Action, and also recognizing deep connection. I'm a teacher, writer, and a psychiatrist. I've signed petitions, gone to vigils in recent days, called legislators. If you have other suggestions, lmk :) MOSF 18.11: Abusive Power and Megalomania Perpetuate Racial, Cultural, Transhistorical, & Intergenerational Trauma (Part 2) https://eastwindezine.com/mosf-18-11-abusive-power-and-megalomania-perpetuate-racial-cultural-transhistorical-intergenerational-trauma-part-2/
"Most of Europe is becoming more and more nationalistic, antisemitic, and racist," says Kwiatkowski. Really? That seems like a very broad statement to make about a very broad geographic area. I know the trends and election results from various European locales, but this still seems overly simplified.
That said, thank you, Ruth, for covering this wonderful victory for all small d democrats!
I remember that Donald Trump was very excited when Brexit passed in the UK. He saw it as foreshadowing for what was to come. It's hard not to hope that the Polish elections were a different foreshadowing, and that the world has grown warier of domination thinking, violence, and control over people because of identity. We'll see if it continues. I was worried, especially given the Slovakia election that things would trend more to the right. I've also been hearing more about the disgust and anger of Israeli's with Bibi brought on by this last week. I find that hopeful as well.
Billionaires ( oligarchs) have more in common with other international oligarchs than they do with the regular people in their countries. I dont know if anyone knows 100% this is a cabal, I think it is just a case of aligned interests which when they come together or in contact with each other to increase their wealth, that wealth creation also creates relationships of mutal interest. Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is a really good example of this. That Jim Jordan somehow is worht nothing to all of a sudden 30 million once in office, well that explains a lot of what is happening all over the world to corrupt Democracies. Follow the $.
Perhaps they are like magnetic magnets? Can't pull them apart with ease?
This result is very encouraging.
=]
It was so good to have actual/real good news based on elections moving against authoritarianism and dictatorships.
I, for one, had a "heartfelt" internal celebration that gave me a sliver of hope.
Finally, some encouraging news. Corruption is the Achilles heel of autocracies. People can eventually come to the realization that the autocratic regime does represent their interests but the interests of the regime and its favored cronies.
Bravo Poland!!
Brava Ruth for this article and for all your work carrying the batons for Democracy!!
What could the EU do better when faced with Polands Law and Order as it attacks the institutions of Democracy? Same for Orban in Hungry. What could the EU do counter Lapenne in France and Italy's new fascist PM? What are they doing to counter the conservative/fascist movements? What could we learn from their successes before its too late?
Let us be inspired by the March of a Million Hearts and take note. We, too, can shut the door on anti-democratic leaders, candidates and policies. Vote and drag everyone you know who can vote to exercise their right to vote.
"And Poland was going down the path of unfreedom"
A brilliant phrase!!!
Since the term for suicide or even murder is "unalive/unalived", perhaps the term "unfreedom" should be used to convey the aims,machinationsand goals of authoritarian, dictatorship, and totalitarian movements.
Yes, Terrie...Timothy Snyder used the term in his 2018 book, The Road to Unfreedom.
You're WAY ahead of my political knowledge!
Haha! Not so much, Terrie! :)
'Unfreedom' -- highly descriptive.
How the young voters propelled Poland forward – lessons for us all
As one headline described Poland, 'No Country for Old Men!' and further described how the young voters helped swing the elections in Poland as the young voters were STILL lined up in the “middle of the night” waiting to vote!! After nearly a decade of Nationalist-Conservative Law & Justice Party (PiS rule), Poland has become increasingly polarized with this year’s campaign being most malicious since the post-1989 era! But the actual and most amazing aspect of this year’s elections was the record voter turnout of 74 percent with turnout among the young voters (18 to 29 years) reaching 68.8%, compared to 46.4% in the previous elections of 2019!
The strategy was to continue to use the traditional PiS rule that maximizes the more well-off, older voters. But there weren’t enough of them this time around!
Some factors did stand out in the Poland elections this time around which “progressive factors” elsewhere can learn from as we are learning in the United States involving Gen Z issues, abortion laws, women's reproductive issues, young mothers’ & childcare payment issues, same-sex partnership issues, racial/diversity issues, etc.
On Sunday, close to 70 percent of young Polish voters (18 - 29 years) voted compared to less than half in 2019 and of those voters only 14 percent voted the "traditional PiS rule candidates!” The largest portion voted for the Donald Tusk’s Civic Coalition (KO) and two allied opposition parties who amassed enough seats to claim victory, and who also and more importantly promised to, roll back extremely severe abortion laws and same-sex partnership restrictions!
UPDATE on the amendment to the Ohio Constitution, where early voting has started, to establish a state constitutional right to "make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions, including but not limited to “decisions about abortion, contraception, fertility treatment, miscarriage care, and continuing pregnancy”
A “yes” vote on Issue 1 supports amending the Ohio Constitution and so far polls are showing that more than 58 percent are voting YES on this Issue 1!!!!! Woo hoo!!!
This is an EROSION of the strength of the Supermajority Extremist Republican Autocrats that have infiltrated Ohio!!!! Democracy 👍👍
"Extremist Republican Autocrats"........... AKA fascists. I love it when they lose.
Diane/Steve: A minor & friendly editorial correction, &/or comment:
“… Extremist [Fascist] Republican Autocrats … I’m concerned that complacency, with winning small, but important battles, may unwittingly deflect our attention from fascists that seem to be winning more than losing — even inflicting horrific massacres... While I too celebrate victories, the celebration should be followed by even more action…
I confess to not being in a celebratory mood while civilians are bombed by hostile and friendly fascists. We oppose some and finance others, symptoms of modern madness. Check out my post at the very bottom; am I going off the rails?
Diane/Steve: A minor & friendly editorial correction, &/or comment:
“… Extremist [Fascist] Republican Autocrats … I’m concerned that complacency, with winning small, but important battles, may unwittingly deflect our attention from fascists that seem to be winning more than losing — even inflicting horrific massacres... While I too celebrate victories, the celebration should be followed by even more action…
I confess to not being in a celebratory mood while civilians are bombed by hostile and friendly fascists. We oppose some and finance others, symptoms of modern madness. Check out my post at the very bottom; am I going off the rails?
No Robert, you are indeed NOT going off the rails.......but I do have to say that anytime I find Steve optimistic about our struggles within fascist worlds, I am optimistic and it is very motivational for me!!!!! 👍
I'm just so wowed and happy for the people of Poland! This is such a big win for the forces of democracy and the power of love and justice over division and hatred. Right now I just have John Lennon singing "All you need is love" going through my head and I feel uplifted and optimistic by the whole seemingly unlikely turn of events. The underdogs won and had only the advantage of a positive message of justice, love and inclusion against the ugliness and corruption of autocracy. Poland has hope and a bright future of democratic resurgence that respects individual rights and liberties while reintegrating with its neighboring western liberal democracies in Europe to look forward to.
In addition, this has been an eff U to Putinism with in the broader context of rising authoritarianism around the world.
Lastly, many observers believe (myself included) the same sort of phenomenon is brewing right here in the United States!
Chalk one up for the good guys! They set a shining example of what we can accomplish. The tide is rolling towards freedom.
Poland’s results give me hope for the US in 2024.
A reason for hope, but only one of many battles in this long war, not just in Poland but worldwide. Law and Justice will not give up. They have money and an entrenched power structure both inside and out of Poland. Watch for the L & J propaganda and misinformation to come, which, along with real challenges regarding the Ukraine-Russian conflict, energy and food prices, migration and whatever else, will require astute and mature governing and effective communication on the part of Tusk and his allies in order to be countered.
'Mature governing' -- great phrase