Tomasz Gołębiowski, Editor-in-Chief of CRN Poland

2021 is a strange year in which different signs in heaven and earth portend some disasters and unusual events. At that time, a decree was issued to conduct a nationwide census. Eight mysterious stars, accompanied by lightning, appeared in many places. Banks can only be entered with veiled faces. Britain has left the European Union for good, the former French president has been convicted of corruption and will be imprisoned for a year. Abroad, she is the first woman in history to hold the position of Vice President and has a good chance of becoming the main seat in the Oval Office. In Texas, masses of fans began to come to the stadiums, which was met with outrage from the world public. In Germany, the Poles broke the historical record for scoring goals in the Bundesliga, finally ending the era of “Polnische Wirtshaft”.

Thus, the era of “Polnische Ordnung”, that is, the new Polish order, began. But fate, who loves to play tricks, caused a terrible turmoil that reigns immediately after the announcement of the new regime. It turns out that the middle class includes people who have one property (on loan), a twelve-year-old car (there is no opportunity to exchange it for a new one), savings that allow them to live without work for two or three months, and spend their holidays on plots of land surrounded by a grid) . In this way, the strange year of 2021 may result in a new aphorism: “Polnische Krösus” (“Polski Krezus”) in reference to…the least lucrative Germans. In this context, the dialogue between Kargol, Pavlac and the Polish diaspora from Chicago turns out to be prophetic:- Middle class, middle class… – What is he talking about? It’s the middle class…

I remember another conversation that once had the unforgettable and unique Marek Zawadzki (then the photographer for “Film” and “CRN Polska”), with an FSO employee who accepted a request from him for a new polonaise. – Or maybe you want to buy halogen lamps? – no thanks. – And electric windows? – No. – And the sunroof? – Nor is he. – Maybe aluminum wheels at least? – Ma’am, even if you buy a gold steering wheel, leather upholstery, and Blaupunkt speakers, you’ll still be just a bolognese.

This story not only amuses me, but also educates me. First of all, it’s nice to see the world through rose-colored glasses, but when you’re making decisions, put the ‘linons’ aside and invoke the spells of things. After all, it is impossible for the “middle class” to include talented, hard-working, but still accomplished people, who only have a chance of being promoted to the middle class. Now, as part of the New Deal, a glass ceiling will be placed over their heads, low enough to prevent them from not only issuing a new order but even a new order…