"GŁOS BOLESŁAWCA" was born out of heartfelt need and a passion for creation, but also out of rebellion against stagnation, passivity, opportunism and cheap demagoguery. It is the beloved child of mgr FRANCISZEK UŚC1ŃSK1EGO, who took up the gauntlet and rose to the challenge posed by the difficult period of systemic transformation. Without financial subsidies, without printing facilities, without the authorities’ blessing, and contrary to the logic and opinions of the discontented, who predicted a slow death following the example of other periodicals, he accomplished something that seemed impossible: he created a local newspaper that earned a lasting place in the local community. Only the creator himself knows how much personal effort, sacrifice and dedication this required. Whether the work will outlive its master—time will tell.
“The art of wisdom lies in knowing what should be overlooked,” reads a wise life maxim attributed to the American philosopher James. Franciszek made full use of it as an all-purpose editor: he did not engage in brawls or berating, did not create myths, insult or destroy, but painstakingly—day after day—built the authority of “Głos,” sought collaborators and undertook important social initiatives. Let us remember that we were raised in two cultures: the culture of dependence and obedience, of a cosy and safe “world of guidelines,” which deprived many of freedom while freeing them from responsibility, and the culture of protest, rebellion, anarchy and demands directed at external institutional structures, including state structures. Today we must move to yet another, more difficult level of awareness—to a culture of stewardship and creativity—and for many this task is beyond their strength. Yet it is a sine qua non for the existence, progress and development of ourselves, our environment, local self-government and Poland. Franciszek pursued this life and public credo in his—our—newspaper, painstakingly building a vision of the “little homeland.”
He stepped down from the position of Editor-in-Chief himself, and this decision must be respected. He left behind “GŁOS,” which will not change its character, profile, style or achievements. After all, a permanent and broad circle of the newspaper’s co-editors remains: people who write without author fees, hobbyists and community activists. There is also a diverse and exceptionally large community of the newspaper’s readers and supporters. We will strengthen and develop this invaluable bond with our Readers, reaching schools and all communities interested in cooperation. We are guided by the idea of integrating the local community and creating an emotional connection with our shared “little homeland.” We are not affiliated with any political option; we remain independent in the thoughts and opinions we express, reject censorship and targeted sponsorship that forces activities programmed in accordance with the sponsor’s own interests. The Polish press is free and independent today, and journalists have the right to inform Readers about what they consider important and interesting.
However, we do not operate in a complete vacuum and isolation; that would be a false utopia. We recognize the spiritual patronage of the Towarzystwo Miłośników Bolesławca, because it is, after all, a part of ourselves, and we value the financial support of the local self-government—the Municipal and Communal Councils in Bolesławiec. We remain close to the idea of a civic state, local-government democracy, community integration and consensus in collective action for the common good—our city and region (also with the future county in mind)—and in this regard we count on the support of the broadly understood community. We are with you and for you; we warmly appeal for cooperation and assistance, because only this will allow you to genuinely identify with your newspaper. It is too early to write about new ideas and initiatives. In the YEAR OF TOLERANCE, we want to work productively, effectively and well, to the best of our ability and in keeping with our social commitment. But alongside tolerance, we also ask for constructive criticism, because it generates progress and self-improvement, counteracting self-admiration and complacency.