Poland’s victory over Russia.

Seventy years ago this week events were developing that would change the world’s political and historical canvas. Germany was crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s on Case White (Fall Weiss) which was Germany’s plan of the invasion of Poland. Because of the inevitable winter the execution of Fall Weiss was to begin no later than 1 September 1939. Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler were busy working out the details on the fourth partition of Poland in what was to be known as the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, or “Treaty of Non-aggression between the Third German Reich and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics”, and Poland was busy quietly calling up reservists to active duty, and while at the same time attempting last efforts at diplomacy, while at the same time signing treaties of mutual military cooperation with France and Britain (which would later simply become part of the Phoney War and the Western Betrayal.)

Poland not only had to worry about it’s western border with Germany, but it’s southern border with Nazi occupied Czechoslovakia, as well as it’s eastern border with the Soviet Union. The ratio of German troops to Polish troops was pretty much 1:1, and Poland was pretty confident about the Soviet Union since Poland’s victory over Russia in 1921, effectively thrawrting any future Soviet attempts at a global socialist revolution. All of this uneasy confidence was quickly washed away when Poland was met with the Wehrmacht from the west and south (north as well I suppose) on 1 September and the Red Army from the east on 17 September 1939.

Both my parents, my father’s sister, my grand parents, great grandfather and other relatives lived through this and subsequent events (some did not). I previously reflected on some thoughts here. But as we reflect on history and events that took place a generation ago, it is important to remember and realize that wars and tragedies continue today. For whatever reason conflict is embedded into human nature and psyche. Wars will continue, leaders will puff their chests, and people will die; I have no illusion about the possibility of world peace. If two neighbors cannot figure out their differences with lawn chairs then I am under no illusion that Palestinians can quit throwing rocks at Israelis, and that Israel can quit responding to the rocks with 1000 pound cluster bombs.* But do me a favor, let the petty stuff go; It will eat at you. And try to be nice to the people that drive you nuts; Nothing will make them more crazy.

* I understand that there is more to this than rocks and cluster bombs, Palestinians blow stuff up to.

Michal

This is Michal's profile description. This is were Michal tells you how awesome and wonderful he is. He's just one cool cat.