This is a continuation of my pervious post about the European Commission’s video clip without “Solidarity”. I have to say, I find European Commission officials completely arrogant on this issue.
They were of course asked about it during the midday briefing in Brussels. Although they said that the spot may be changed, especially where 1993 footage was used to illustrate events in 1981, I found their attitude competely unacceptable. They (Joseph Hennon and the main spokesman Johannes Laitenberger) repeatedly said the changes would make “a rather good artistic contribution an even better one”.
A rather good clip? Guys, you messed up big time and the sooner you apologize the better. If you make a clip about 20 years of freedom and omit the key events that gave us this freedom it’s not a good spot, no matter how artistic or how well filmed.
I’m afraid this subject is not going to go away. The Polish foreign minister spoke about it at his press conference in Brussels today, saing he expects a new version of the clip as soon as tomorrow. “It woudn’t cross my mind not to mention “Solidarity”, so I expect the Commission will put the obvious – “Solidarity’s” input into the fall of communism – into this material”, he said. Polish MEP are putting out statements and calling press conferences.
The subject is not going to go away. The only effect can be anti-Brussels feelings rising. Guys, you f… up and its better to stop the snowball rolling before it get bigger.
#1 by Lawrence on May 18th, 2009 - 11:25 pm
What else do you expect from petty dictators?
#2 by Andi on May 19th, 2009 - 1:59 am
Oops. A good point! It’s probably in the nature of a big community like the EU that, every now and then someone’s going to be insensitive and cock-up.
I suppose “25 years of freedom” will be the big celebration ….
#3 by Martin on May 20th, 2009 - 12:44 am
I’m sorry but the only thing I can see when reading your blog posts here is a huge arrogance on your (or respective the Polish) side. A small clip that was trying to emphasize the freedom most parts of Europe are enjoying since 20 years – that’s what it is. it is NOT the Commission’s view on history.
Of course Solidarnosc COULD have been included. But the attitude of some people (unfortunately also yours) insisting on the “Polish ownership” of the liberation of Communism is the real arrogance.
The reaction of the Polish public and even Politicians shows us unfortunately nothing else than the huge inferiority complexes that is still present in parts of the Polish society. Read more Gombrowicz and take it easy. It’s a two minute clip that nobody would meditate about. It’s not the first version of a European history book.
Just sad…
#4 by Lawrence on May 20th, 2009 - 8:45 pm
Martin
As far as I can remember it was Solidarnosc and the Polish workers who faced the music to free their country and not any of the Commissioners or the eu.
Pity Poland has lost its Independence and Freedom to decide what is in its own and its peoples best interests by joining the eu.
#5 by Marcel on May 25th, 2009 - 5:49 pm
If you substitute the more accurate word ‘Politburo’ for Commission in your article it would be far more apt.
After all in Poland they should still remember what a Politburo is and what it does and that the peoples have no discernible influence on it. Then look at the European Commission and tell me it really isn’t a Politburo.
#6 by Lawrence on May 25th, 2009 - 6:04 pm
You are correct Marcel
Those who cast the votes decide nothing.
Those who count the votes decide everything.
Attributed to Josef Stalin
In politics nothing is done unless first you create a channel of corruption.
Jesse Cuellar, a cynic observer of the political scene, San Antonio, Texas, 1982
#7 by Lawrence on May 25th, 2009 - 6:05 pm
In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned.
When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.
Notebook, 1904 Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)