October 24, 2007 | Sex & Society

Polish wonder twins' power de-activated

Poland's Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski is out, but not in a gay way. The homophobic politician was beaten in recent elections by more moderate challenger, Donald Tusk.

"People in Poland voted today to chose their own fate and have put a great responsibility, a great task on our shoulders. We undertake this great responsibility," effused Tusk. "We are going to do huge work and we will do it well."

"Die Welt," a german paper, said the results should have been different, considering the prosperity currently being experienced in Poland. "It could have been so easy for the nationalist conservative Kaczynski to win. His country is currently experiencing … its most fortunate, happiest time in 300 years. ... But he viewed himself as more than a 'mere' politician; he considered himself more a revolutionary who claimed the moral authority to bend the constitutional state at will and to disregard the conventions of democracy."

Switzerland's "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" seconded this assessment. "Kaczynski's government was wrought with scandals, staff suspensions, resignations, allegations, and tactical confusion. His government stirred up a lot of dust, but did not accomplish much."

This eliminates one half of Poland's power couple. Kaczynski's twin brother Lech is, sadly, still the Polish President. Does this mean the glass is half full, or half empty?