As noted in the Position Statement issued on February 16, the issue of the PAC taking a position concerning TV Trwam’s digital broadcast rights application is both close to the hearts of many and polarizing of our community. The feedback the Executive Committee has received since the statement’s publication bears that out. The comments have expressed both strong support and strong criticism.

While the Executive Committee continues to believe that the position to remain neutral is the correct one for the organization, the Committee is open to revisiting our decision in light of any new information or arguments national member organizations and state divisions wish to present.

The PAC Executive Committee will be meeting in the first half of April to discuss the many issues facing the organization, prominently financial issues, and will also have on the agenda a review of the PAC position concerning TV Trwam.

National Member Organizations and State Divisions, as well as individual Members of the Council of National Directors, wishing to present their views concerning PAC’s position regarding TV Trwam, both in opposition and in support, should do so in writing and forward them by Tuesday, April 3 to PAC Secretary Timothy Kuzma either by e-mail to TKuzma@polishfalcons.org or by first class mail to:
Mr. Timothy Kuzma
Secretary, Polish American Congress
c/o Polish Falcons of America
381 Mansfield Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15220

In the meantime, we would like to remind State Divisions and National Directors of the provisions of both the PAC By-Laws and the Resolution adopted by the Council of National Directors on May 9, 2008:

Polish American Congress By-Laws, Article VI, Section 6: “A State Division, or any of its subordinates, shall not take a conflicting position concerning policy matters and internal administration established by the either Executive Committee, the National Executive Council, or the Council of National Directors.”

Resolution of PAC Council of National Directors adopted in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 9, 2008:
“The Council of National Directors resolve that any public position that is taken as the official position of
the Polish American Congress that addresses any political aspect of the Republic of Poland, that the following procedures take place:
A. that all such issues be directed to and reviewed by the Polish Agenda committee, (appointed by the Vice President of Polish Affairs);
B. that any National Director may submit an item to the Polish Agenda committee for consideration;
C. that the Committee, shall review such submissions within two weeks, suggesting a public position and,
D. that the submission and accompanying documentation should be forwarded electronically to the executive committee for review;
E. that the executive committee, meet (telephonically) within two weeks to review and discuss the submitted proposal;
F. the executive committee by majority vote, will accept, reject or send the proposal back to the Polish Agenda committee. The Polish Agenda committee will resubmit the proposal within 30 days to the executive committee if further action by the executive committee is needed;
G. If requiring a second review, within thirty days the executive committee will either accept or reject the proposal.
H. Any communication within the purview of this resolution shall have as the first signature that of the President of the Polish American Congress.
I. Further, no individual division, or individual member of the PAC, may publicly issue a statement regarding the Republic of Poland, without following the above procedures. Any statement so issued will be deemed not a position held by the Polish American Congress. Any division issuing an unauthorized public statement, contrary to the spirit of this motion, will be subject to censure.”

While the Polish American Congress believes wholeheartedly in the idea of free speech as the essential foundation of an open and democratic society, the PAC by-laws and rules set forth procedures by which views and differences can be aired. Resolutions from national organizations and state divisions can be presented to the Council of National Directors, to the Executive Committee between Council sessions, or according to other established procedures as set out in the above CND resolution.

The Executive Committee appreciates and gives full review to the views of organizations, divisions, and directors submitted in the prescribed manner. This allows for all views to be taken into account and to settle differences within the Congress itself. Ignoring established procedures and seeking to air these differences in public creates the perception that the Congress is seriously divided and not an effective organization. We are sure this is not what any of us wish to convey.

Again, if your national organization or state division wishes to weigh in on the PAC’s position concerning TV Trwam, pleases send your resolution or views to Secretary Kuzma by April 3.

On behalf of the Executive Committee
Frank J. Spula
President, Polish American Congress
March 21, 2012

Kongres Polonii Amerykanskiej

“1920. THE WORLD’S MOST IMPORTANT BATTLE” is a Polish mega-production about one of the world’s most important battles which saved Europe from a global communist revolution.

The film focuses on the 1920 clash between powerful Red Army and soldiers of newly reborn Poland resulted in a repulsion of Bolsheviks from the gates of Warsaw. The heroic effort of Poles led by Marshal Józef Piłsudski defeated Soviets in the battle which shattered Lenin’s dreams of conquering all Continent and introducing communism to the world.

It is a picturesque epic story of love in the time of war with a very simple plot, in which fictional characters intertwine with great historical figures: Pilsudski, Petlura, Lenin, Stalin, Trotsky. The action reflects a participation of daring American pilots from the Kosciuszko Squadron as well as an important role of the Ukrainian troops

February 2012 – On January 31st bipartisan Visa Waver reform legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, H.R.3855 and S.2046, respectively. Support for the Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act crosses state and party lines as Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Steve Chabot (R-OH) have all signed on to the bills (a full list of cosponsors of both versions of the bill is included below).

As we all know, successful legislation of this kind, and the resulting inclusion of Poland into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are long overdue. As Senator Mikulski said “A grandmother from Gdansk shouldn’t need a visa to visit her grandkids in Baltimore.”

Nonetheless, the outdated requirements that exclude Poland from the VWP still remain in effect despite U.S. tourists ability to travel visa-free to Poland since 1991. “This is an issue of fairness and equity for a longstanding friend and partner, Poland,” said Rep. Quigley. “Expansion of the Visa Waiver Program will improve our international diplomatic relationships, create jobs, stimulate the economy and strengthen national security. It’s time to expand outdated travel standards to include our proven allies.”

Last year the very same members of Congress introduced similar bills that, for various reasons, never faced a vote and never left the committees to which they were referred.

The new and improved bills introduced last week – a direct result of close cooperation between congressional offices and the Administration – address the flaws of the 2011 versions and broaden the scope of the legislation, making the provisions presented in H.R.3855 and S.2046, stronger and more feasible.

Specifically, this new legislation introduces basic, dual qualifying criteria for an aspiring country’s membership in the Visa Waver Program: a low overstay rate of three percent or less, as well as a three percent refusal rate. The refusal rate criterion, however, may then be increased from the required three percent to ten percent, on a country-by-country basis, where the aspriring country’s participation in the Program does not pose a threat to security, law enforcement or immigration laws. Furthermore, the applicant country would need to be cooperating with the U.S. in fighting terrorism, as evaluated and recommended by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

The legislation also improves the way in which the refusal rate is calculated. According to proposed bills, the rate will no longer be calculated according to number of applications received but by the number of applicants. Meaning that the refusal rate will not be increased by those applicants that apply on multiple occasions and are continually refused a visa.

Here at the Polish American Congress (PAC), we strongly believe that, if passed and signed into the law, the legislation will finally allow for the inclusion of Poland into the Visa Waiver Program. Many Polish American organizations, including the PAC, and members of Polonia community have been working hard to make this happen for years. Now we need to work together again in one more organized action. The day when all Polish citizens can visit their American relatives and friends without the hassle and cost of obtaining a tourist visa may be in the near future! However, this will not happen without a strong and coordinated effort by the Polish-American community and its allies. Take action now!

We ask the Leaders, Members and Friends of the Polish American community to make their best effort and contact by phone, letters, and the Internet the Congressional delegations of their respective states, in particular:

1. Please strongly urge your Representative and Senators to support the bill by becoming its co-sponsor (if they are not already),
2. Urge your Representative and Senators to vote for the passage of the bill when it comes for a vote,
3. Make sure to express your gratitude to those Legislators from your state who already showed their support and signed up as bill’s co-sponsors. They would like to hear from you and will appreciate your support, AND
4. Show your support for the H.R.3855 bill at POPVOX (https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/112/hr3855). POPVOX is an online platform that allows individuals and organizations to make their voice heard in connection to a specific legislative initiative or campaign. Even if you signed the Petition by the Polish American Congress last year, please make sure to show your support again for the recently introduced H.R.3855. It is a different piece of legislation!

Bill in the U.S. House of Representatives:
H.R. 3855: Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act
Sponsor: Rep. Mike Quigley [D-IL] (introduced 1/31/2012)
Cosponsors (As of February 6, 2012)
Rep. Gary L. Ackerman [NY-5]
Rep. Dan Burton [IN-5]
Rep. Steve Chabot [OH-1]
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart [FL-21]
Rep. Robert J. Dold [IL-10]
Rep. Michael G. Grimm [NY-13]
Rep. Brian Higgins [NY-27]
Rep. Marcy Kaptur [OH-9]
Rep. Adam Kinzinger [IL-11]
Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich [OH-10]
Rep. Daniel Lipinski [IL-3]
Rep. Gregory W. Meeks [NY-6]
Rep. Christopher S. Murphy [CT-5]
Rep. David Rivera [FL-25]
Rep. Ileana Lehtinen [FL-18]
Rep. Janice D. Schakowsky [IL-9]
Rep. Aaron Schock [IL-18]
Rep. John Shimkus [IL-19]
Rep. Edolphus Towns [NY-10]

Latest Action: (1/31/2012) Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill in the U.S. Senate:

S.2046: Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act
Sponsor: Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski [D-MD] Sen. Mark S. Kirk [R-IL] (introduced 1/31/2012)
Cosponsors (As of February 6, 2012)
Senator Mark Begich [AK]
Senator Roy Blunt [MO]
Senator Sherrod Brown [OH]
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin [MD]
Senator Mark S. Kirk [IL]
Senator Amy Klobuchar [MN]
Latest Action: 1/31/2012 Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Let your Member of Congress know that you, and voters like you, support Poland’s inclusion in the Visa Waver Program!

Also, please be sure to pass along this information to anyone interested in this important issue and encourage him or her to actively support the legislation!

WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION:
About the bill: http://thomas.loc.gov and enter bill number: H.R.3855 or S.2046
About your Representatives: www.house.gov or by calling (202) 224-3121
About your Senators: www.senate.gov or by calling (202) 224-3121

Sznonwna Jubilatko,
Przytoczone na wstępie słowa naszego Wielkiego Rodaka obrazują, jak ważna w życiu ludzkim jest wiedza i jaką wagę przywiązywać powinniśmy do edukacji młodych pokoleń. Wyraża się w nich również szacunek dla osób – tych, którzy to dziedzictwo przekazują. To dzięki Pani, Pani Ado, wychowawcy kolejnych pokoleń, “oświecona” społeczność może odgrywać znaczącą rolę tam, gdzie przyszło jej żyć. Może obficie czerpać ze skarbnicy, jaką jest kultura własnego narodu, ale też i tę kulturę wzbogacać, bronić przed zniknięciem, nadawać jej sens. Pani działalność, jako wychowawcy młodych pokoleń, w tym dziele zapisuje się złotymi zgłoskami.
Chciałbym Pani uroczyście i serdecznie podziękować za to, że kształtuje Pani ludzi, którzy pamiętają skąd pochodzą; ludzi, którzy cenią swoje tradycje, którzy mogą wnieść wiele w życie kraju emigrantów. Dziekuję Pani za przekazywanie wiedzy, podtrzymywanie i kontynuowania dziedzictwa, któremu na imię Polska.
W imieniu własnym i Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej w Wisconsin, życzę Pani wszelkiej pomyślności w życiu osobistym oraz wytrwałości w pięknym dziele utrwalania kultury – znaku Polskości na obczyźnie.200 lat niech żyje Pani Ada!

Waldemar Biniecki
Prezes
Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej
w Wisconsin

“1920. THE WORLD’S MOST IMPORTANT BATTLE” is a Polish mega-production about one of the world’s most important battles which saved Europe from a global communist revolution.

The film focuses on the 1920 clash between powerful Red Army and soldiers of newly reborn Poland resulted in a repulsion of Bolsheviks from the gates of Warsaw. The heroic effort of Poles led by Marshal Józef Piłsudski defeated Soviets in the battle which shattered Lenin’s dreams of conquering all Continent and introducing communism to the world.

It is a picturesque epic story of love in the time of war with a very simple plot, in which fictional characters intertwine with great historical figures: Pilsudski, Petlura, Lenin, Stalin, Trotsky. The action reflects a participation of daring American pilots from the Kosciuszko Squadron as well as an important role of the Ukrainian troops.

The Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation has opened competitions for two series of scholarships.
The Majer and Lakowski Families Memorial Scholarships
Available for full-time undergraduate and graduate students majoring in engineering or business administration.
Recipients must attend a public state university or college.
Amount of scholarship is equal to the annual state-resident (in-state) tuition.
Applications can be printed from the PACCF website or by contacting PACCF
Application deadline March 15, 2012

Richard Gorecki Scholarship
Applicant must be a citizen of the United States and of Polish ancestry.
Applicant must be full-time student enrolled as a sophomore, junior, senior, or post-graduate in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program at a college or university.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
Applicant must become a member of their local PAC Division or if none in their area, then a member through the National PAC. Copy of PAC membership card required with application.
Amount of scholarships will be between $500 and $1,000.
Application can be printed from the PACCF website or requested by contacting PACCF.
Applications must be submitted by April 15, 2012.

For further information about eligibility criteria and to download applications, visit the PACCF website at www.paccf.org. Applications can also be obtained by e-mailing to pacchgo2@pac1944.org , by telephone at (773) 763-9944, or by mail addressed to PACCF, 5711 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646.

In 2011, PACCF awarded 3 Mayer and Lakowski Families Memorial Scholarships and 33 Richard Gorecki Scholarships. Please share this information with our Polish-American youth and their families.

The PACCF is a 501(c) (3) tax exempt organization. The entire amount of your donation is considered a charitable contribution.