Recent events on the border bridge in Zgorzelec, reported by city resident Arkadiusz Szczęsny, are causing serious concern.
The statements of a reserve major of the Polish Armed Forces indicate concern that the idea of patriotism may be used instrumentally to fuel aggression toward immigrants. Szczęsny stresses that the actions of the so-called "civic patrols", inspired by right-wing circles, are dangerous and may negatively affect Polish-German relations.
– Rational patriotism and devotion to one’s homeland have nothing to do with discriminating against people of a different skin color – says Major Arkadiusz Szczęsny. – Protecting the state’s borders is the task of uniformed services, while attempts to create “civic patrols” outside the existing law are an action directed against Border Guard officers, the government and the unity of the European Union – the major stresses, referring to his experience.
Major Szczęsny warns against using patriotism for political purposes and calls for respect for the dignity of every human being.
–– Artificially creating a migration problem that is, in reality, being effectively addressed through cooperation between Polish and German services is an action to Poland’s detriment. Summing up the activities of a longtime member of extremely right-wing and even nationalist groups, I must state that they are inspired and financed by an irresponsible Polish right wing. This leads to very disturbing conclusions. The right-wing “elites” are playing with the security of our homeland and attempting to destabilize the existing legal order solely for political gain. The security of the state – of Polish women and men – must lie in the hands of people prepared and responsible for this task, not in the hands of right-wing militias that arrogate this right to themselves – the major adds.