If multiculturalism means a recognition of that fact, we are for multiculturalism; if it means a pretense that such divisions could be obliterated, we can only laugh--albeit sadly, for in that case multiculturalism signifies another utopia, another 'ism' forced upon the real world, another grim idea manufactured in the intellectual forge of modernity which has already produced communism and nazism. We salute Novodvorskaia for her courage to think and say that which few Russians have dared think and say, and we thank the editors of Novoe Vremia for permission to publish her article.

We are pleased to offer our readers an interview with the former Polish prime minister, Jan Olszewski. He represents the center-right segment of the Polish political spectrum. His party's name is Ruch Odbudowy Polski [Movement for the Reconstruction of Poland]. Olszewski's sympathizers say that in the USA, Poland is represented almost exclusively by sympathizers of the Freedom Union, a party which represents the ideologically leftist and, in some cases, economically opportunistic circles of the postcommunist Polish intelligentsia. If Polish views are heard at all in American universities and in the opinion-making circles, it is this segment of Polish public opinion that is considered the voice of Poland. Indeed, those Polish intellectuals who are opposed to the ideology of the Freedom Union sometimes encounter the kind of treatment Novodvorskaia writes about: they are speedily dismissed, like the dissidents who dared to oppose Andrei Sakharov (who did not flinch while developing the excessive and unsafe nuclear arsenal for the Soviets). It bears repeating that not all Polish intellectuals sympathize with the Freedom Union, and they have to be listened to, if only for a more accurate overall picture. Olszewski is one such intellectual.

Far be it from us to suggest that a single interview could remedy this suggested lack of balance. It is remarkable, however, how few of Mr. Olszewski's statements and opinions have been quoted in the American media. He was a prime minister, and his party's standing with the voters is approximately equal to that of the Freedom Union (about 10%, within a few percentage points upwards or downwards). Thus we are happy to offer this interview although, as a journal, we obviously do not identify with Mr. Olszewski's views. So far as we know, this is the first interview with Mr. Olszewski ever to appear in an English language publication.

Professor Lukaszewski's eloquent article argues for the republican option in Central Europe, an option which, at this time, manifests itself in the desire of Poland and other Central European nations to be admitted to NATO. Lukaszewski elaborates the views stated forcefully by former United States national security adviser, Zbigniew Brzezinski.


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