USA

Over the past few days, the media has been buzzing about the potential transfer of Polish MiG-29 fighter aircraft, originally of Soviet production, to Ukraine, or rather, the failure thereof. Let's take a closer look at this mess.

Funds will be distributed for medical needs of citizens in Ukraine and refugee needs in Poland through the Council on Aid to Ukrainians of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA).

Putin recognized the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics by breaking international law once again, and the European elite and its diplomacy still believe in the project of cooperation with Russia from Vladivostok to Lisbon. What will happen to Europe next? Will Germany stop feeding us pro-Russian demagogy and cynicism?

The Polish American Congress unequivocally condemns Russian recognition of rebel entities in Eastern Ukraine and the invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine. We see the Russian action as an unwarranted aggression that undermines international law and principles of sovereignty and independence. This action makes a diplomatic solution more difficult.

The XXIV Winter Olympics concluded in Beijing yesterday. It is no coincidence, we argue, that, like clockwork, just after the games are finished, things are starting to happen in the world. The pace of world events suddenly accelerated significantly. Is anyone really surprised?

We talk little about it, but it is our national trait to be a humble and proud nation, while others promote their own actions, even if they are irrelevant. With some disbelief, I listen to the words that Great Britain has always helped Poland. I listen with fear to the words about the "second Afghanistan," and about the new alliance Great Britain-Poland-Ukraine, which is perhaps supposed to force France and Germany to be more active.

Kuryer Polski has great news to share with the Polish American Community. Ernest Litynski has been appointed to Major General in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Fat Thursday is a tradition in many countries. For example, in the Rhineland, Germany, Weiberfastnacht (Women's Carnival Night) is the day when women take over town halls, symbolically cutting off... the gentlemen's ties — in exchange for a kiss on the cheek. Giovedì grasso is also celebrated in Italy, and jueves lardero (also called Día de la Tortilla, or Tortilla Day) in Spain. In Poland, this day is celebrated rather sweetly, by eating mainly pączki and faworki (angel wings). This year, Fat Thursday falls on February 24.

It is with real pleasure that I study the latest research entitled "Polish Americans Today," about the American Polonia, sent to me by their author, Dr. Dominik Stecula — a professor of political science at the Colorado State University.

Poland’s rebirth as an independent nation in 1918 is one of the most remarkable events of modern history. One of the forgotten elements of Polish independence is the role played by Polish Americans in Poland’s restoration. Polonia’s contribution was overlooked due to the passage of time, interwar political divisions, and the impact of World War II and the subsequent communist takeover.

At the moment, a danger is approaching the Polish borders and our families there on the Vistula River. So it is time for joint, coordinated action on this issue.