Every thoughtful citizen of our country, regardless of their views or affiliation, will confirm that Poland’s path to parliamentary democracy and a pluralistic state—which history will undoubtedly confirm—was a model solution. There were no dramatic events like those experienced by other countries (Romania, Yugoslavia or Russia).
Some time has already passed since the June 1989 elections. The signatories of the Round Table have divided into a number of camps and subcamps, but the very idea, which could be expressed in the thesis “it is better to understand one another than to quarrel,” remains valid.
The same can apply to the smaller, local level. Territorial self-government and the creation of models of self-government democracy already have their good and bad experiences. The idea of creating shared small territorial homelands is taking increasingly real shape.
The experience of the current term of the local government confirms that there is a need to look to the future together, without constantly looking back at the past, while not forgetting that the past has left a lasting legacy in this city—one that should neither be ashamed of nor forgotten.
The city of Bolesławiec is our “small homeland” and deserves this. Let us begin to think about it in global terms, with the involvement of everyone who cares about the well-being of this beautiful town on the Bóbr, in Piast Silesia.
Towarzystwo Miłośników Bolesławca calls on and appeals to the city’s local-government authorities and the President, political factions and parties, and election committees to convene a municipal “small round table.” Perhaps it will become a model example on a national scale. A shared, wise, prudent and conciliatory view of local problems by all those who think responsibly.
For voters and candidates for the future local government, I propose President Clinton’s campaign slogan, “Ask not what America has done for you; ask what you have done for America,” which could be paraphrased as follows:
“Ask not what Bolesławiec has done for you; ask what you have done for Bolesławiec.”