The British news outlet “The Spectator” published an article on Poland’s conflict with the EU over the judiciary and other reforms, in which Alam Fimister, assistant professor of theology at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, Colorado, commented on the Poland-EU conflict in the context of Polish-British historical relations.
“Poland’s quest for its own kind of democracy has more in common with the British civic tradition than Brits realize, and it deserves more sympathy than it receives,” he wrote.
Fimister emphasized that “the medieval origins of Polish liberty irritate western continental Europeans – it undermines the idea that the French Revolution was necessary for ‘freedom’.”
He disagreed that the European Union was after Poland for an alleged attack on democracy. Instead, he pointed out that Brussels was initially formed as an economic union and has now become a commonwealth of values which are not supported by the Polish government in a predominantly Catholic country.
Fimister stressed that the foundation for the reform of the judiciary was that Marxists still held key positions in the establishment, which has been troubling for the majority of conservative Poles who also “see elements of Marxism in the new LGBT ideology and in the EU.”
The author explained that for many Polish conservatives, the current conflict has transformed into an all-out cultural war.
Once again Poland is fighting our battles for us and we are too complacent to recognize that fact.
“In their minds, whatever the many failings of Law and Justice, the EU cannot be allowed to perpetuate a fifth column and strike down Poland’s constitutional law. It may be that the government really is threatening the separation of powers, they reason, but that doesn’t mean the judges are not the enemy within,” Fimister stated.
He noted that the conflict with the EU did “threaten to lead Poland out of the EU and right into the arms of Russia. Poland is, like at other points in her history, caught between Moscow and Berlin.”
The author criticized the EU for pushing its members too far, which could lead to Poland being added to a new anti-West block led by either Russia or China.
“We should take more interest in Poland. It is surely in Britain’s interests to ensure that there is a safe landing zone for such countries outside the EU,” he urged.
Moreover, Fimister emphasized the crucial role which Polish pilots played in the 1940 Battle of Britain and underscored the UK’s “eternal shame” for recognizing Poland’s communist puppet government and refusing Poland’s proper representation at the 1945 victory parade.
“Once again Poland is fighting our battles for us and we are too complacent to recognize that fact,” he wrote.
