Lights out in Poland in honor of the Pope? You've got to be kidding.

Let it not be said that Poles march silently and obediently in any solemn procession, even if it is to honor their fallen hero. Always the mavericks, they like nothing more than to be obstinate when asked to get in line behind some else’s idea.

I read this morning the appeal made through the media: let Poland grow dark for five minutes tonight at 21:37 as we mourn the loss of our Pope.

Here are some responses (again crudely translated by me), from the Gazeta Wyborcza’s chat room:

That’s a very dangerous thing to do! Unplug your computers because our electrical system will not withstand the sudden down-surge and the upsurge in use!

This is sheer lunacy! Such an absence of restraint in mourning helps no one.

I’m not turning out any light! I’m going to be reading a prayer for John Paul II.

Okay. I understand. We’ll light candles and stand by the window. Only what does sitting in darkness have to do with giving respect to John Paul the Great? It’s a little sick…

This is absurd! I called the electrical company! Nothing will happen!

People are expressing their respect just for show. All we need is to tape us doing it. What good will turning out the lights do anyone... We should carry him in our hearts – much better than doing something for show, just like everything else that we do in our country.
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The comments go on. And on. And on. And now I really do want to check back in an hour to see who, if anyone, has complied.