RIC POLANSKY

RIC POLANSKY

Apartado 734, Mojacar Playa 04638, Almeria, España.
Tel: 34 950-478086 Fax: 34 950-478138 Mobile: 34 607-117174
E-Mail: ricp@bitmailer.net

Press Articles

AMERICA AT WAR!
Ric Polansky ©

The satin black veil of ignominy that descended upon the United States following the suicide attacks of September 11th continues to hide the authentic issues that created and will continue to perplex the states in their war on terrorism. Unless recognized, chewed, and swallowed, the gaping schism that separates two world cultures as drastically as mother earth is distant from the moon can never be reconciled.

In the nightly news broadcast by America's all encompassing media, when allowing the Arab side to voice their complaints, Americans are constantly bewildered and confused to listen to Mulahs, Amans or other high stationed religious leaders of Islam vitriolically proclaim "America deserves it's suffering as it is but a punishment from God!" Shocked stateside listeners can't believe their ears nor eyes. Hell, even before the bombs were actually raining down on Afghanistan, the US had already pledged almost a quarter of a billion dollars in relief. Yet, America is still characteristically shown as the evil Satan. The good folk of the states cannot understand what they view. Scene after scene, their flag is burned, effigies are lit on fire and trampled, and the odd interview allows a rampant crowd to chant "Kill America!"

America's new war is as different an enterprise from it's historical past as imaginable. This is a unique type of foe. No head on combat will be found here. This is daggers in the night, and if you aren't prepared, or catch a cat nap- you'll die. A full understanding of this adversary is essential.

First to be noted is that this war will be fought against ISLAM represented now by Afghanistan, but soon to be replaced with many and sundry others. All current Muslim empires think, act and vote differently than us. Each of the Muslim controlled countries in the world is run by either a military regime or oligarchy. There are no elected democracies giving popular support but rather personal dictators or kings ruling. Who the leaders rule is likewise unique. Because the religious considerations are so stringent, book learning, internet use, and television are highly censored. Basically the populace is not informed of current events, not only technologically but likewise because of little to no general education. There is only indoctrination received from the village religious heads (whose entire learning is based around their Holy book of the Koran- leaving every other piece of philosophical treatise or literature errant, evil and certainly to be avoided). New thought, learning, books or initiative are not encouraged. Penalties exist for the wandering mind, both secular and religious. But then again, in such closed societies, it is almost impossible to contemplate free thinking.

All of Islam is entrenched in this same narrow analysis of the modern world. Their societies are simply closed, travel regulated, scientific teachings controlled, no egalitarianism between classes, least of all between sexes. Rule is by force. It's a way of life and has been that way in most cases for more than a thousand years. One hundred million Muslims thrive in the natural inherited circumstances they were born into- and faithfully accept.

As sad as it might be to mention, in many ways the religious teachings of each culture comes into consideration. The Bible is full of characters questioning the rights, wrongs, and implications of their confrontation with life and god. The book of Job holds a substantial place as does the book of Revelation. ISLAM'S Koran is not like that. The laws and living conditions of men, women, and life are spelled out in vivid detail not compromising much with the changes that have transpired since the 700's. Acting any different is tantamount to being a heretic.

Can you imagine a society that at it's maximum culmination of scientific and meditating powers doesn't accept the theory of evolution?

If East ever meets West, it will be on the battlefield. And it's been deemed that way since Mohammed converted his followers by sword and rewarded his adherents with blessed words and promised positions of high acclaim now or in the hereafter.

In truth the Terrorists are to be feared. They know of no rules or moral considerations to corral them. They are a race unto themselves. The only PURE AND TRUE ONES left in their own estimation. All acts they perform, no matter how atrocious, are pardonable by their own laws and, in fact, rewarded by their own doctrine. TERRORISM is not a questionable offence in their own creed. There are no other laws other than their own. Dastardly deeds can indeed be performed, according to them, as a direct mandate from their god. With "heaven" the final accolade should they fail or die trying!

Unsolvable? Ironically enough the leaders of almost all Islamic nations likewise fear the zealot terrorist organizations including those afar and even more so those at home in their own countries. Places like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Yemen, UAR, Qatar, are inevitably forced to voice disconcertment and critical comments about the United State's actions, but behind the media's cameras and closed doors they will be funding the operation in both cash and kind. They know they too could be beheaded by their own home grown fierce fundamentalist or Afghanistan's Taliban.

These irreconcilable differences must force East to meet West- or the most serious confrontation the world has ever known will take place. In truth, the West has developed too rapidly and is too far advanced when viewed from the covetous scrutiny of its Eastern neighbours. Its very freedoms make it an easy pray for crazies.

The terror scene of the exploding World Trade Center might have seemed impossible for Hollywood to script. Ironically, the answer has already been aired by Hollywood and viewed by millions. The USA will need to create lots and lots of James Bonds. He will need lots of gadgets from Q and some guidance from M. Worse yet, he will need to be given a real life authenticated "licence to kill" what and whom he and his fellow "double O's" determine to be the bad guys. They should be easily distinguishable when wearing their black turbans. When not wearing them- that's the real war that we will have to fight. Each and everyone of us will have to remain vigilant too.

AMERICA AT PLAY
Ric Polansky ©

It is a bright but chilly Sunday morning. The time is a few minutes past 8 AM; sunrise wasn't long ago. But, you're "wide eyed and bushy tailed" as they say in this neck of the woods. It's an exciting day. Typically the motorway is packed. A serpentine chain of cars extends into the distant horizon as if everyone is being pulled by a train. Lots of horn honking, especially by the younger participants. They energetically frantically wave flags while attempting to weave in and out of traffic. Almost everyone has a US flag stuck somewhere on their car in a most poignant of observable surface. The banners they wave are Green and Gold.

Within a half an hour we reach our goal and park in front of a friends house. He removes his Mailbox to make space for us to join the other cars, some there since well before dawn. Not a word is spoken as the ancient ritual is initiated. Wham! The tailgate is dropped as simultaneously tables and chairs are jerked from the back of the vehicle. Then crates of beer and pop are unloaded along with bags full of venison sausage, Polish Sausage, Bratwurst in 57different varieties, hot dogs, etc, et al coupled with stacks, slabs, bars and canisters of different cheeses all religiously placed in their proper position on the banquet table. Then come jars of relish, pickles, onions, and armfuls of different uniquely flavoured potato chips. Everyone knows their duty in this time honoured ritual picnic scheme. Within less time than it takes to pronounce a neighbouring town "Oshkosh by Gosh" someone slaps a cold beer in your hand and shouts "go Pack." That's the starting call to cannibalise the condiments of a gourmet feast before the morning dew had the dignity to leave the grass.

It's not nine in the morning yet drinking is the order of the day. By doing so you haven't committed an irreverence technically you are within the shadow of the Cathedral-- a hallowed sanctuary called Lambeau Field. All will be forgiven (or forgotten). After all, you are just taking Holy communion the way it's done in this town. Before you can thank your mate for his Sunday generosity the ad hoc jazz band parading down the road break into a lively rift of "When the Saints Come Marchin' in." But they are soon drown out by an even larger band with a singer belting out the blues. Everyone laughs and is smiling. Listening to the blues at the red eye hour of a Sunday morning is truthfully gleeful. High fives are exchanged all around as tins of cold beer are clanked and then the feeding frenzy resumes.

If you look up you can see the Leer jets and private Cessna's careening over the stadium. Most drop a wing in salute then descend into the distant horizon where you presume the airport must be. Streams of green and gold wearing fans are striding toward us, some dancing to the music, others begging for a smidgin' of something to eat from the harvest filled tables lining both sides of the road. A bratwurst sandwich is extended here, a can or two of beer there, cookies, cakes are often handed out. The small town mentally recognises the Packer's are one big family. Everyone is laughing, shouting and enjoying themselves in the best of ways. Friendly insults are exchanged with those wearing a rival team's jersey-but all in fun.

I suppose I'd better tell you where you are. It isn't heaven, but it is as close as I will probably ever come because there is no place quite like it on this earth. You are strategically located in the most important town in the county, or state for that matter. And if are lucky enough to have one of the cherished tickets to view the game you'll be sitting next to some of the finest merriest people in all the United States.

Now you won't find the name of this place on any of your Euopean-American maps. You need to think larger to find the smaller places. I might suggest you quit looking for a New York, Chicago, Los Angles or any of the suspected mega-cities because although they do compete in what America calls its NFL (National Football League) this town is an anomaly compared to the rest. Naturally only a place with a considerable populace could support such a high profile team to compete on a national level-- unless it was something quite special. And, as you have probably guessed- it is. Green Bay, Wisconsin is a small town of just 50,000 people in north Central Wisconsin. A state with a pure cross section of immigrants from everywhere and even though many are second generations they still keep their home spoken accents. If you knew the sport you'd refer to the town by it's nickname TITLE TOWN for Green Bay has won more World championships (12 since 1927, twice as many as any other team) that plays the rugged game of strategic chess using movable live players (American Football).

The ancient ritual you are experiencing is called "Tailgating" and is derived from the fact that it is presumed that everyone in the state owns a Recreation Vehicle, (for hunting and fishing). The show usually starts the night before the game, party, get up early and start again. The stadium only sits 60,000 but while the game is played more people are outside viewing from their rented grassy knolls, the firm asphalt parking lot or sitting in a comfortable chair in the camper van with the door open in case someone new wants to stop in for a beer and chin wag.

Now all of this hullabaloo is in benefit to watch their blessed and fabled Green Bay Packers play football. Naturally you won't be far wrong when presuming that football is these parts is as near to a religion as- football. The fire hydrants are green and gold, that's the colour of your Sunday go to football outfit. But naturally the colours are put on everything else possible. Clothes, earrings, glasses, any apparel wearable or even imaginable. Going to the game allows you to be as outrageous as you want in both costume and demeanour. Always in fun, always in the spirit of conviviality. The event is a sharing communal relationship. It is a family affair the entire state participates in the good will outing. Results are expected. Some fifteen years back the Pack's followers still packed the stadium wearing brown paper bags with eye sockets cut and pulled over their head to show their disgust of their poor play and losing style. Since Brett Farve, their multi million dollar star came unto the field following an injury to the then team leader in 1992 the Packers have had an 86% win level at home. Visiting teams are not likely to leave in such a good humour as supporters of the Pack can enjoy before and after game.

Of course getting tickets to the game is impossible. Living in the state of Wisconsin it is your sanctimonious duty to attend and only a world or personal upheaval should keep you away. By sheer accident I was able to purchase two extra tickets as one of the couple was far away in Florida on an emergency repair trip. Knowing that I was desperate the other holder offered them to me a face for $50 each. That's Wisconsin pride. Rose had been waiting to get on the Packer Season ticket list since 1965. She received them just this year! An ardent fan seventy-two year old Rose now has trouble getting up the steps- so didn't mind sharing with us. Like attending Mecca if you're an Arab seeing an American football game at Lambeau Field is a must to do in your lifetime.

"All the money you earn and rings you win are good to show but it's the spirit of yearning to win, the hard work that you put into the endeavour to win- that's what will stick with you forever- and forever make you a winner." (Vince Lombardi-Packer coach )

AMERICAN THANKSGIVING-
A LUCULLAN FEAST !
By Ric Polansky ©

American's, as overtly ostentatious as they appear to the foreign public have never actually been a festive folk. No lavish bonfire nights nor frequently celebrated Saint's days either. However, they have one holiday in common that is as important to their national characteristics as, God, Mother and apple pie-Thanksgiving Day. By Presidential degree it is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month of November. And, as a true Yank, whether you live in the chilly North of Alaska or the sunny Southern climes off Key West, Florida-- if you are American you can be presumed to be accomplishing two traditional attainments on that revered Thursday: you will be with family and eating Turkey.

The house might be split religiously, one sister a Mormon, another a Catholic, an older brother an atheist and someone else not sure, but come "T day" they'll all drive lengthy distances just to sit down together and share what blessings and bounty have come their way during the year. Even if this established celebrated reasoning seems somewhat fabricated to meet the assembled occasion-all always ends up favorably because of the enormous stocks of food that each guest is plied with to warrant his certain appreciation of the host's scrumptious generosity and to ensure the guests later physical discomfort. Of course you eat too much-it's Thanksgiving, and that's just what you do that particular day.

Historically the world has known plenty of famed banquets and receptions. Biblically we understand that King Solomon of Israel and Judah kept an army of twelve thousand mounted men scouring the countryside for food to lavish his table. But the home grown passions were dim indeed when you contemplate the conversation around his ining table-- stilted and a bit austere when you consider he always entertained 700 wives and 300 concubines. Whom tonight Josephine? Biblical history records few headaches noted on behalf of the fairer sex.

The legendary Roman Emperor Marcus Gavius Apicius (20 A.D.) was not only a rich merchant, gourmand, and also author of a well known cookbook but a generous host. Historian Pliny called Apicius "the greatest spendthrift of all time". It was Apicius who was credited with the concoction now known as pate de Foie Gras. Legend has it that he held a banquet that cost some 100 million sesterces ($15 million) which left him a poor man. Legend also has it that having spent all his money charming his companions, he couldn't achieve any greater notoriety so he then poisoned himself. Party pooper.

The former Roman general, Lucius Licinius Lucullus ( 60 BC) was renowned for his celebrations. An average meal could cost as much as 200.000 sesterces (3.5 million Ptas.) One day, as Plutarch tells the story, he announced to his servants that he would be dining alone. He was served up a simple 10,000 sesterce snack (175.000 Ptas). Lucullus flew into an outrage. The servants protested: "but Sir, you are dining alone!" To which he replied: "This is exactly when they should take special consideration, after all, tonight Lucullus is host to Lucullus." And from that day forthwith a Lucullan banquet was of extraordinarily consequence.

Some Feasts were horrendous. The great Emperor Heliogabalus (219-222 AD) used to treat even his worst enemies to exquisite meals. He would get them all as drunk as possible by wining and dining them and giving them lavish gifts. He was no ordinary man, having been said to have entered Rome in a chariot pulled by 100 naked women and with 600 more chariots behind him carrying his baggage. During his few years of rule he completely depleted the Roman treasury, often placing pieces of gold in servings of peas or pearls with the rice. He lavishly bestowed upon his friends bejeweled golden plates and goblets, but it was for his enemies that he was at his tawdry and pretentious best. He would become his extravagant "worst" by gifting his unsuspecting rivals even more prestigious favours than normal and then continue to ply them with as much wine as they could drink. Once drunk he then would have his soldiers drag and throw them into a big iron structure in the shape of a cow, bar the door which left but one small opening where the mouth was. He would then create a bonfire underneath and entertain himself by listening to their impassioned screams for mercy. (gulp).

The English too have had their fetes. The Earl of Leicester once gave a garden party in 1575 for Queen Elizabeth the First that lasted 17 days. But the Grand daddy of them all was naturally an American, by the diminutive of "Diamond Jim" who actually was larger than life. He once threw a party in 1905 for his favorite racehorse, Gold Heels. For his 50 guests the bill was over $40,000 for food, but most of them came just to see Diamond Jim eat. He was no slouch when it came to enjoying himself at the trough. Diamond Jim started the feast with 3 dozen oysters, then a half a dozen crabs, then 2 bowls of soup, then 7 lobsters, then 2 ducks, then 2 huge portions of terrapin, a sirloin steak, assorted vegetables, a latter of pastries and a 2 pound box of chocolates; all washed down with gallons upon gallons of orange juice as Diamond Jim was a teetotaller.

If you are lucky enough to receive an invite to an American's Thanksgiving consider yourself one of the honoured family. Historians have written of that most memorable First Thanksgiving, celebrated most likely in October of 1613 between the Indians and the Pilgrim forefathers of the Americans, that the one most outstanding food feature now shared the world over wasn't Turkey, fish, cranberries, sweet potatoes, nor was it pumpkin pie, but a novel dessert brought and served by the Indians ......... popcorn!