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TOP STORIES
11/19/2004
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1) Congress Adopts Key US-Armenia Trade Provision
2) ACF Banquet Delivers Powerful Message
3) 2000 in Paris Demand Vote on Turkey’s EU Accession
4) Telethon 2004 Entertainment Line-up
5) Telethon 2004 Domestic and International Broadcast Info
6) Hairenik Association Online Radio Station
7) Tidbits From the Diner
8) WHAT’S LOVE BUT A SECOND HAND EMOTION?
9) Reverb, and Organizations’ Obligations
10) LETTERS:
1) Congress Adopts Key US-Armenia Trade Provision
Bill Granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations Status to Armenia Headed for
Presidential Signature
WASHINGTON, DC–The Senate, today, unanimously acted to permanently normalize
trade between the US and Armenia, opening the door to expanded economic
relations, new commercial opportunities, and the further strengthening of the
longstanding bonds between the American and Armenian peoples, reported the
Armenian National Committee Of America (ANCA). With the House version of the
measure adopted in October, the bill now goes to President Bush for signature.
This provision, which grants Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR)
status to
Armenia, was adopted in the final hours of the of the Senate lame-duck session
as part of the larger bill, HR 1047–the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical
Corrections Act. The bill, which has been held up due to human rights concerns
in Laos, was considered following a Senate vote to avert a filibuster of the
measure.
Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) was the first to raise the
issue of Armenia PNTR in Congress. His legislation, HR 528, introduced last
year was supported by the Armenian Caucus and cosponsored by 112 other Members
of Congress. A companion bill was introduced on the Senate side by Senator
Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and cosponsored by 21 other Senators. The strong
support
for these measures paved the way for their inclusion by members of Congress
negotiating the final version of the larger trade measure.
“The ANCA welcomes the Congressional passage of the Armenia-PNTR bill and
thanks Congressman Knollenberg, Senator McConnell and all those who played a
role in securing its passage,” said Ken Hachikian, Chairman of the ANCA.
“Following Presidential signature of the measure, we look forward to exploring
new opportunities to further expand the growing US-Armenia economic
relationship.”
Over the past two years, the ANCA has worked, in Washington, DC and in local
communities throughout the country to generate bipartisan support for this
trade measure among legislators, including those serving on key trade
subcommittees. Over ten thousand pro-Armenia activists sent ANCA WebFaxes to
Congress, thousands more made phone calls in support of PNTR, and this
important issue was raised in several hundred Congressional visits, both in
District Offices and the nation’s capital. The sample ANCA WebFax letter for
activists included several reasons to support this legislation, among them:
– Increased US-Armenia trade and investment advances US foreign policy by
strengthening Armenia’s free market economic development and integration into
the world economy.
– Expanded US-Armenia commercial relations will strengthen bilateral relations
and reinforces the enduring friendship between the American and Armenian
peoples.
– Adoption of PNTR for Armenia will help offset – at no cost to US taxpayers –
the devastating impact of the dual Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades,
estimated
by the World Bank as costing Armenia up to a third of its entire GDP (as much
as $720 million annually) and half of its exports.
The Trade Act of 1974 excluded all Soviet countries from having normal trade
relations (NTR) status with the United States. One particular provision of the
Act, known as the Jackson-Vanik amendment, required the President to deny NTR
to those countries that restricted free emigration. The policy was adopted, in
part, in response to Communist government restrictions on the emigration of
Jews. According to the terms of the Jackson-Vanik amendment, when the
President
determines that freedom of emigration rights have been reinstated in a
country,
normal trade relations may be granted. To maintain NTR, the President must
report to Congress twice a year that Jackson-Vanik requirements have been met.
While successive Presidents have waived the Jackson-Vanik Amendment
restrictions on Armenia during the past decade, the passage of the Knollenberg
bill, would grant Armenia permanent normal trade relations status, without the
need for semi-yearly Presidential determinations.
The text of the Armenia PNTR provision is provided below:
Title II, Section 2001
Subtitle A – Miscellaneous Provisions
SEC. 2001. TERMINATION OF APPLICATION OF TITLE IV OF THE TRADE ACT OF 1974 TO
ARMENIA.
(a) FINDINGS. Â Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Armenia has been found to be in full compliance with the freedom of
emigration requirements under title IV of the Trade Act of 1974.
(2) Armenia acceded to the World Trade Organization on February 5, 2003.
(3) Since declaring its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia
has
made considerable progress in enacting free-market reforms.
(4) Armenia has demonstrated a strong desire to build a friendly and
cooperative relationship with the United States and has concluded many
bilateral treaties and agreements with the United States.
(5) Total United States-Armenia bilateral trade
for 2002 amounted to more than $134,200,000.
(b) PRESIDENTIAL DETERMINATIONS AND EXTENSIONS OF NONDISCRIMINATORY
TREATMENT.
Notwithstanding any provision of title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 USC.
2431 et seq.), the President may:
(1) determine that such title should no longer apply to Armenia; and
(2) after making a determination under paragraph (1) with respect to Armenia,
proclaim the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations
treatment) to the products of that country.
(c) TERMINATION OF APPLICATION OF TITLE IV.
On and after the effective date of the extension under subsection (b)(2) of
nondiscriminatory treatment to the products of Armenia, title IV of the Trade
Act of 1974 shall cease to apply to that country.
2) ACF Banquet Delivers Powerful Message
By Jenny Kiljian
The Armenian Cultural Foundation, along with 250 of its loyal supporters,
gathered on Saturday, November 13, at the Glendale Hilton for its 8th Annual
Banquet, under the auspices of Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian of the Western
Prelacy of the United States and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western
Region Central Committee.
After a lavish cocktail hour prior to the reception, the program began with
Rima Garabedyan, who roused the patriotism of the audience with her powerful
renditions of the national anthems of the United States and Armenia.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by master of ceremonies Saro Nazarian. He
thanked those people who lovingly and wholeheartedly continue to support each
year the activities and events of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation in the
Western Region of the United States, noting that in the more than 100 years
since its inception, the ARF has always enjoyed the support of the communities
it has served. Nazarian specifically thanked ARF Bureau member, Deputy Speaker
of Parliament in the Republic of Armenia Vahan Hovhannisian, ARF Bureau member
Dr. Vicken Hovsepian, Troshag editor Nazareth Berberian, and ARF East Coast
Central Committee representative Zohrab Tazian for their presence that
evening.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian then led the audience in prayer, after which
guests enjoyed their dinner while listening to the delightful strains of the
Artashes Kartalyan Jazz quartet.
Following the dinner, Nazarian introduced a short film about the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation that was produced by the Armenian Cultural
Foundation.
The film began with the slogan “Hayootyan Hed, Hayasdani Hamar,” (With the
people, for the homeland), and was the perfect backdrop for the images of ARF
volunteers who fought the Ottoman Empire to defend the Armenian people against
extermination. Flags bearing the slogan “Freedom or Death,” and the ARF emblem
were proudly displayed by their battalions. The film emphasized the importance
of the ARF in the political arena at the end of World War I, and how the party
demonstrated its leadership in both the battlefield and the state rooms of
Europe.
The film also highlighted the work of the Armenian National Committee of
America (ANC)the grassroots, political lobby of the ARF. The ANC is the oldest
grassroots organization in the United States, and is founded on the principles
of the American Committee for the Independence of Armenia, started by Vahan
Cardashian. The ANC displays the face of the community, and represents issues
of importance to Armenian-Americans within the United States. The
organizations
three priorities are recognition of the Armenian genocide, education about the
genocide within school system, and political lobbying through state and local
government.
Mountainous Karabagh was also a key segment of the film. The ARF has been one
of the staunchest supporters for the liberation of the Artsakh region; the
bond
that the party has established between the diaspora and Armenia is
inextricable. The ARF has been able to turn the impossible into a possibility,
and has succeeded in giving the people of Armenia and the diaspora hope in a
future full of possibilities.
Following the film, Nazarian invited ARF Bureau member, Deputy Speaker of
Parliament in the Republic of Armenia Vahan Hovhannisian, to deliver his
keynote remarks. Hovhannisian expressed that it was a great honor and joy
to be
present that evening. He commended the audience, saying that talk of the
social
climate in Armenia, the poverty level, or whether soldiers in Karabagh are
well, were not truly pertinent to discuss that evening, because those present
continue to be involved in those matters daily, and know that the situation on
all fronts is well.
Hovhannisian reminded the audience of the ARF motto “A free, independent, and
united Armenia,” noting that the continual change in the global political
climate has often made it necessary to shift their respective priorities. In
1988, unity was the top priority, when the people of Karabagh began their
struggle, with no diplomatic solution in sight.
1991, noted Hovhannisian, brought with it the need for the independence of
Armenia. “What good was a united Armenia under a fascist regime?” posited the
Bureau member, noting that from the mid-90s until present day, the top
priority
has been to free the Armenian people from unjust and inhumane leadership.
“The most dangerous thing for Armenians would be to become disillusioned with
independence because of fundamental injustices committed against them,”
Hovhannisian said. “More people emigrate from Armenia because of injustice
rather than poor social conditions. But, we’ve survived because we continue to
fight against injustice.”
The current year, according to Hovhannisian, also brought with it a new
prioritythe freedom of Armenia. In 1918, and 1991, Hovhannisian conceded that
the Armenian people were unprepared to be given their independence. But, they
accepted it and lived under a new social climate. “It’s easy to live as a
slave
and have no decisions to make. Though you may complain and express your
dissatisfaction, you accept that you have no control and your fate is not
up to
you,” expressed Hovhannisian. “You have no responsibility to decide your fate
or the fate of your people. We must not become disillusioned because of the
difficult decisions that come part and parcel with independence.” Hovhannisian
emphasized that the determining of one’s fate is a tremendous, often
overwhelming responsibility. Though Armenia may not have been ready to be
free,
that freedom has been on the ARF platform since 1890 and that is the central
reason, according to Hovhannisian, why the ARF stands behind the government.
“In the end, we won’t lose our freedom. But, our role is to make this freedom
a reality. We can’t rest with little victories,” urged Hovhannisian. “We’ve
had
a mediocre independence, freedom, and unity. But, I can’t live in a country of
mediocrity. We need and deserve complete independence, freedom, and unity.”
Chairman of the ARF Western Region Central Committee Hovig Saliba also
addressed the audience that evening. “We are one people, and we have one
homeland. We live in different regions, under different social conditions.
But,
we’re all Armenian with one homeland,” said Saliba, echoing the opening of the
film. “There are no issues of ‘the homeland’ and ‘the diaspora.’ Rather, there
are Armenian issues that our futures are centered around.”
Saliba touted the importance of the youth in promoting the platform of the
ARF, and expressed that the Armenian culture and traditions need to be
instilled from an early age in Armenian schools. He also mentioned that
various
sister organizations of the ARF each play a crucial role in shaping the
community and the lives of the youth.
The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) imbues in young Armenians the importance
of political involvement and radical thinking; the Armenian General Athletic
Union (Homenetmen) provides an opportunity to display athletic prowess and
mastery of scouting; Hamazkayin provides a forum to learn about culture and
history; and the Armenian Relief Society demonstrates the importance of social
work and volunteerism. Saliba also regarded the work of the ANC in getting the
youth involved in genocide recognition, issues relating to the Republic of
Armenia issues, Artsakh, and within California and federal politics.
According to Saliba, however, the salient issue is the recognition of the
genocide. The 90th anniversary of the genocide is rapidly approaching, and
without more concerted efforts, admonished Saliba, Armenians would soon be
marking the first century since the Ottoman Empire tried to exterminate the
Armenians. “The genocide must be recognized once and for all. Turkey must be
forced to admit its past, and make reparations of Armenian land,” he said.
“Not
I nor any Armenian can imagine Armenia without Ararat.”
Saliba called on all organizations to work togetheron a united front without
political bias, because the genocide was committed against all Armenians
regardless of political affiliation. “We also have a responsibility in
Armenia.
If we don’t sustain our homeland, the diaspora will not survive,” said Saliba.
“We must strengthen our homeland, so that we can persuade more and more people
to return to Armenia.”
The evening closed with Armenian Radio Ensemble of Traditional and Troubadour
Music, under the direction of Tovmas Boghossian. The ensemble performed many
traditional and troubadour songs, along with their unique renditions of
Armenian Revolutionary anthems such as Verkerov Lee and Menk Angeghdz Zeenvor
Enk.
3) Paris Rally to Demand Vote on Turkey’s EU Accession
PARISOver 2,000 French-Armenians gathered at a rally Wednesday at the Palais
Bourbon, home to the French National Assembly, to demand that the country’s
Parliament vote on Turkey’s accession to the European Union (EU).
Organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, the Armenian Democratic
League (Ramgavar party), and the Hai Tahd Committee of France, the rally
attracted 22 ministers representing 266 members of French Parliament, 265 of
which categorically oppose opening accession talks for Turkey’s EU bid.
The French National Assembly on October 14 had discussed the issue of Turkish
accessionbut did not hold a vote, despite the demand of a large number of
political parties and parliamentarians to do so.
The French governmentparticularly President Jacques Chiracopposed such a
vote,
fearing that a majority of the Assembly, including Chirac’s own party members,
might reject Turkish accession. That result would have undermined Chirac’s
authority and likely isolated France within Europe.
Wednesday’s rally took place exactly one month before the EU’s December 17
summit, which will set the date on when the EU would begin formal accession
talks with Turkey.
The vast majority of French voters are opposed to Turkey’s accession to the
European Union, and rally organizers hope to put pressure on President Chirac
to heed public opinion.
They are also seeking to make Turkey’s recognition of the Armenian genocide a
precondition for Turkish entry into the EU.
In that context, ARF’s Mourad Papazian said that in spite of difficulties,
there exists the possibility of gaining the backing of at least one European
leader or Prime minister to oppose setting a date for Turkey’s accession
talks,
unless it recognizes the Armenian genocide.
“It is impossible for French President Jacques Chirac to turn a deaf ear to
the pain and anguish of French Armenian’s,” said Harout Mardirossian, speaking
on behalf of the Armenian National Committee. “Each time that Turkey
approaches
Europe, it’s as if the dagger more deeply penetrates the Armenian psyche.”
Speaking on behalf of 78 ministers of France’s UMP party, Philippe Pemezec
revealed that he generally opposes Turkey’s EU bid, and more so considering
the
Cyprus issue and Armenian genocide recognition.
The Socialist Party’s RenĂ© Rouquet, representing the 144 Socialist party
representatives in French Parliament, and on behalf of the head of that
party’s
block Jean-Marc HĂ©rault, assured they are fully behind the party’s official
decision to set recognition of the Armenian genocide as a precondition to
Turkey’s EU entry.
According to Rouquet, after meeting with ARF and ANC representative earlier
that day, HĂ©rault immediately demanded, from the head of Parliament, the
scheduling of a draft law that would criminalize genocide denial in France.
Rouquet also revealed that if a categoric effort is made, President Chirac
too
can be forced to change his stance on the issue.
Other ministers, including the president of the France-Armenia Parliamentary
Friendship Group François Rochebloine, also addressed the rally.
On behalf of the Armenian Democratic League, Varoujan Sirapian appealed to
European Armenians to attend the upcoming December 17 rally in Brussels to
exert pressure on European leaders.
4) Telethon 2004 Entertainment Line-up
GLENDALEAn unprecedented line-up of Armenian folk, jazz, pop, rock, and
comedy
performances by internationally recognized artists will be featured during the
Armenia Fund (AFI) Telethon 2004 Make It Happen broadcast on Thursday,
November
25 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (PST).
Armen Chakmakian, a keyboardist for the Grammy award winning band Shadowfax,
will lead Telethon 2004’s live, seven member house band with renowned oudist
and composer John Bilezikjian, while Zulal, the acclaimed New York City
based a
cappella folk trio of Teni Apelian, Yeraz Markarian, and Anais Alexandra
Tekerian, will perform numerous sets throughout the twelve hour international
broadcast.
The all-star entertainment line-up also includes live performances by Aram
Asatryan, Shushan Petrosyan, the Garni Folk Ensemble, Gor Mkhitarian, duduk
ensemble Winds of Passion, and Nune Yesayan, as well as two monologues by
comedian Vahe Berberian.
The broadcast will feature interviews with celebrities, AFI supporters and
political leaders from Armenia, Mountainous Karabagh, and the diaspora, as
well
as construction footage from Armenia and Karabagh, and stories of lives
impacted by AFI-initiated infrastructure development projects.
Telethon 2004, live from Glendale, California, is a 12-hour event airing
throughout the United States, Europe, South America, the Middle East, the CIS,
and Armenia. Telethon 2004’s goal is to raise funds to complete the remaining
52 miles of the North-South “Backbone” Highway in Karabagh. When completed,
the
$25 million, 105-mile highway will link 150 towns and villages to provide
crucial economic, trade, and development opportunities. Telethon 2004 will
also
provide continued assistance in health care, education, and infrastructure
development in the Republic of Armenia.
Detailed domestic and international viewing/broadcast information is
available
at , or by calling 800.888.8897. Telethon 2004 will also be
available in full-motion web-cast at
Internet users will be able to view and make secure contributions online.
Armenia Fund, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation, is the US
West coast affiliate of the “Hayastan” All-Armenia Fund (HAAF). Established in
1994 to facilitate humanitarian assistance to Armenia and Karabagh, HAAF has
administered over $100 million in humanitarian, rehabilitation, and
construction aid through the united efforts of Armenian communities
internationally.
5) Telethon 2004 Domestic and International Broadcast Info
The following is a list of US/Canada broadcast information. All broadcast
information is listed in viewer local time. Refer to local listings for
detailed information, or call AFI at 800.888.8897.
Berkeley, CA
Comcast Ch. 8 12pm-6pm
Boston, MA
Game Show Ch. 8pm-11pm
Denver, CO
Comcast Ch. 15 12pm-6pm
Detroit, MI
WPXD Ch. 31 4pm-6pm
Chicago, IL
WJYS Ch. 34/62 7pm-10pm
Fresno, CA
KJEO Ch. 32 8am-8pm
Comcast Ch. 14 8am-8pm
Houston, TX
KTBU Ch. 55 12pm-6pm
Time Warner 55 12pm-6pm
Las Vegas, NV
Cox Cable Ch. 48 12pm-7pm
Los Angeles, CA
KSCI Ch. 18 8am-8pm
Oakland, CA
Comcast Ch. 8 12pm-6pm
Milwaukee, WI
Time Warner 95 7pm-10pm
Minneapolis, MN
Time Warner 99 10am-10pm
New York Tri State
WMBC Ch. 58 2pm-6pm
Philadelphia, PA
WPPX Ch. 61 4pm-6pm
Providence, RI
WPXQ Ch. 69 4pm-6pm
Salt Lake City, UT
KJZZ Ch. 14 9am-1pm
Comcast Ch 14 9am-1pm
San Diego, CA
KSCI Ch. 18 8am-8pm
San Francisco, CA
KTSF Ch. 26 12pm-6pm
San Jose, CA
Comcast Ch. 8 12pm-6pm
Seattle, WA
KBCB Ch. 24 12pm-8pm
Comcast Ch 14 12pm-8pm
St. Louis, MO
Charter Ch. 8 11am-6:30pm
Vancouver, BC
KBCB Ch. 24 12pm-8pm
West Palm Beach, FL
WHDT Ch. 59 8pm-11am
International viewers in Europe, the CIS, the Middle East and portions of
South America (Argentina) may watch and participate in Telethon 2004 via a
live
satellite feed from Armenia’s H1 TV Channel from 7:00PM to 7:00AM. (Armenia
time–Greenwich Mean Time plus three). Viewers may also watch Telethon 2004 on
both MGN/Paradise and Horizon Armenian TV via cable and/or satellite
television. Telethon 2004 will also be available in full-motion web-cast on
Internet users will be able to view and make secure
contributions online.
The broadcast will feature live entertainment, interviews with numerous
celebrities and political leaders, development and construction footage from
Armenia and Karabagh and stories of individuals
impacted by AFI projects
For more information on Telethon 2004,
call AFI at 800.888.8897 or visit
6) Hairenik Association Online Radio Station
WATERTOWNThe Hairenik Association Inc. formally launched its new internet
radio station, Hairenik Online Radio Station, which broadcasts Armenian music
and news about Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk, and the Armenian diaspora 24 hours a
day.
The station began broadcasting with a music-only format on August 10, and has
since been updating its musical selection and conducting small promotions to
test the interest of listeners.
“The response from our listeners has been overwhelmingly positive,” says
Jirayr Buegekian, Programming Director. “The number of listeners is increasing
steadily and emails of encouragement are pouring in. We have regular listeners
in more than 35 countries!” A measure of that popularity was reflected in a
recent report, which appeared on the website of California’s Fresno Bee
newspaper, citing the unique programming provided by the station.
Hairenik Online Radio started broadcasting an expanded format.
“We were currently broadcasting music 24 hours a day. Based on listener
requests, we expanded the format to also include some news, interviews, and
special programs for children,” reveals Buegekian.
But the station maintains music at the heart of its programming.
Prior to launching the online radio station, the Hairenik Association worked
with Bentley College in Massachusetts to undertake a study on the viability of
launching an internet radio station. Based on those findings, Hairenik Online
Radio will reserve at least 80 percent of its airtime for Armenian music.
“Although we think our listeners will enjoy the expanded format, we remain
committed to broadcasting lots and lots of music,” stated Buegekian.
The Hairenik Online Radio can be accessed via the web site of the Hairenik
Association (), which also includes an online bookstore and
the
online versions of its two newspapers, the Armenian language “Hairenik Weekly”
and the English language “Armenian Weekly.” Hairenik Online Radio can also be
accessed at and selecting the media player of your
choice.
7) Tidbits From the Diner
By Tatul
The November snow had covered the sidewalk and the steps leading to the
entrance of the Diner. There was a chill in the New England air that seemed to
linger long after the announcement of the presidential election results. I was
pleased with the warmth that greeted me insidealong with the smell of bacon
and
Greek sausage sizzling somewhere in the kitchen. I looked around and, sure
enough, Marty was already there, sitting alone at his usual corner,
uncluttered
by his usual stack of newspapers.
“Hi, Marty,” I said, settling down across him, “Where are all the papers… and
where’s Arty?”
Without saying a word, he pushed an envelope across the table. I noticed the
Canadian postage stamp and a return address in Montreal. “I didn’t know Arty
had relatives in Montreal,” I said, handing the envelope back to him.
He doesn’t,” said Marty.
I guess he is vacationing,” I said, “They do have a great Casino…”
Nothing like that,” replied Marty, “He wants to move to Canada.”
What for?”
He says he wants to live in a civilized country. He’s convinced that the
US is
slowly retreating into the dark world of robber barons and sweat shops…”
Marty looked tired and dejected; I would have said discouraged, if I didn’t
know him better. He had seen action in Korea, as a rifleman, losing the tip of
his trigger finger in a firefight and returning home with a Purple Heart. I
knew that Arty, his junior by several years, had served in Vietnam with the
Marines, but he seldom, if ever, talked about it.
“What makes him so pessimistic?” I asked, “Is it because Kerry lost the
election?”
“Not so much that,” mumbled Marty, “I think it is the realization that more
than fifty-percent of American voters put their faith in Bush and what he
stands for…” His voice trailed off as his eyes wandered outside the window
where it had started to snow again.
“Fear is a powerful motivator,” I said, “and dangerous when it’s the sole
motivator; but in this case.”
“Greed,” he said, “Greed and fear. A twisted partnership of an overfed,
greedy
establishment and a misinformed, terrorized working class… No wonder Arty got
panicky and…”
“Don’t forget the “morality” issue,” I interjected, “It must have played an
important part, along with greed and fear.”
“What sort of morality are you talking about?” He seemed to be waiting for an
answer, but continued, “How can morality exist in a system powered mostly by
greed and fear? In this case, it is the Bible belt high-jacked by born-again
GOP radicals and used to discipline the wayward, wicked liberals.”
“Whatever happened to the separation of church and state?”
“Good question,” said Marty, pulling out Arty’s letter from its envelope.
“Let
me read what he says on that issue.”
His eyes scanned the open sheet of paper covered with Arty’s surprisingly
neat
handwriting, stopping at a point close to the bottom of the letter. “Listen to
this,” he said:
“…after fighting a stubborn enemy for a certain length of time, you begin to
resemble him. Our government has declared war against Islamic fanatics,
against
radical groups like the Hazbullahwhich translated means ‘Party of God’, POG,
for short. The party in power in Washington, the GOP, the ‘Grand Old Party’ of
the past, is slowly becoming a mirror image of POG, the Party of Godthey both
have stopped listening to the people and talk directly to Godsoon GOP will
stand for ‘God’s Own Party,’ with Bush as its prophet… So I left, before that
happens, before Homeland Security evolves into a new Inquisition, hunting down
and burning at the stake dissenters and old Vietnam war protesters, like me.
You guys are going to need help. May the gods of our forefathers keep and
protect you.”
“Amen,” I whispered.
8) WHAT’S LOVE BUT A SECOND HAND EMOTION?
By Skeptik Sinikian
Skeptik tries to find out if true love can be found through a computer
So last week I decided to venture into the world of online dating for
Armenian
singles. I must admit that I haven’t had the time to conduct this experiment
in the most scientific way possible. I had it all planned out to the last
detail last week. The goal was to register my friends on these websites,
monitor their activities, and see if online dating really works for Armenians.
My prediction is that the idea of finding love through the internet is a pipe
dream but we’ll have to wait and see the results before passing final
judgment.
Before I get into the actual details of my experiment, I have to tell my
readers that of all the columns I have written, last week’s column elicited
the
greatest response yet. I didn’t know whether to smile or cry, so I laughed
until I cried and then sat down to begin my great experiment.
Day 1: Monday, November 15, 2004RegistrationWow, it’s free!
Since there’s no cost to registering on these websites, I decided to register
on one of the many Armenian singles sites in order to do some further research
before creating my friends’ profiles. I registered as myselfSkeptik
Sinikian on
“Hye Singles” (HS). I put up the best picture of myself I could find and
began
answering the questions that HS had presented in order to determine who my
ideal match would be. After reading some of the questions which included such
gems as “If you had magical powers, how would you use them to help society?”
and “How do you feel about the ethnic Armenian separatist conflict against the
Azeri government?” I decided that this will take a little bit more thought
than
I had originally anticipated. I logged off and went to grab coffee. By the
way, I chose “Skeptik” as my HS profile nickname. So much for creativity.
Day 2: Tuesday, November 16, 2004There’s no such thing as a free lunch:
I had had a full breakfast of cold lahmajoun and an apple. I had read the
morning paper and was in a good mood. I logged onto my profile and had already
received 2 “flirts.” For those of you who don’t know what “flirts” are, they
are a method for users of HS to contact one another in what will be
interpreted
as the internet equivalent of “Can I buy you a drink.” My two “flirts” were
from individuals who thought I was apparently “hot.” Here is a sampling of the
“flirts” I received: “Hello Skeptik. Wow, you’re hot! I feel as though we have
know each other for ever. Email me! I’m waiting for you… ”
So in spite of the fact that this message gave me visions of some quiet,
innocent looking Armenian girl breaking into my apartment to boil my pet
rabbits, I decided to respond anyway. Interestingly enough, if I wanted to
send
this young, potentially psychotic girl who claimed to feel “as though we have
know [sic] each other for ever,” I would have to upgrade my membership to the
platinum level. The least expensive of these services would cost me a mere
$29.95 per month with a $29.95 initial fee. Apparently the best things in life
aren’t free. The only thing standing between me and my potentially psychotic
soul mate was a mere $59.90. I decided to continue living the frugal life and
not respond to my “flirts.”
Day 3: November 17, 2004Answering life’s difficult questions:
I finally got around to answering HS’s questions. Here’s a sampling of the
questions and my responses to them. I tried to be as honest as I could. By the
way, these are actual questions and my actual responses.
Describe the perfect evening or weekend: Mid 70s with a slight offshore
breeze.
Do you believe in love at first sight?: I believe the question discriminates
against blind people and since true love is blind, I will not answer this
question.
How do you feel about the ethnic Armenian separatist conflict against the
Azeri government?: I fully support the right of the people of Karabagh to
seek
self-determination and relinquish any ties to the illegitimate Stalinist
Soviet
borders imposed upon them.
What do your friends tease you about the most?: My friends tease me about my
punctuality. They are always making fun of me for being on time or early to
everything. They also tease me about my SARCASM!!!
Interest for using this site (to find a cyber pen pal, lover, etc.): Yes, my
motivation is to find a cyber pen pal…idiots!! What the heck is a cyber pen
pal!? Here’s the deal. I’m on this website to conduct an experiment to see if
it is indeed possible for Armenians to meet each other using this medium. For
more details on my experiment, you can refer to my blog at
I’m also seeking actors and actresses for an
Armenian Soap Opera I’m working on called “Ashkharuh Bududoomah” (As the World
Turns). Any interested aspiring actors or actresses should email me.
Okay, satisfied with my answers, I log off. I have yet to convince my friends
to create their profiles and join me in this experiment.
Day 4: Wednesday, November 17, 2004The Profile Nazi censors Skeptik:
I try to log on only to find that my profile has been suspended. I wonder
if HS
has caught on to the fact that I’m doing an experiment and not in search of
TRUE LOVE like everyone else on the sight. I begin to panic thinking my cover
has been blown and the Hye Singles Security Squad will break down my door and
take me away to re-education camp where I will learn to give more conformist
responses to questions like “What is your ideal age for marriage?” or “If you
had to identify with one animal, which would it be and why?” I start packing a
small suitcase of clothes, a sock full of change that totals $37.48 and my
passport, just in case I have to flee the country to Canada or Mexico. After
great deliberation, I decide to email the World Single Network and inquire
about the suspension. I wait an entire day with no response. Potential lovers
are being denied access to Skeptik. This is wrong on so many levels.
Day 5: Thursday, November 18, 2004Back on track:
I log on and find an email response to my previous day’s inquiry. At least
someone is working on this website every day. Sort of reassuring I suppose.
Here’s what the email said.
Hello,
As delineated in the terms section, member profiles may not be used for
commercial promotional purposes (casting calls). You may however use the
Message Boards to raise this topic.
Your profile has been reinstated. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
WS Staff
Apparently my mention of my fictitious Armenian soap opera was enough to shut
me down. I removed the information about my potential program and continued my
experiment.
Day 6: Friday, November 19, 2004One is the loneliest number:
Thus far, I have received 28 hits on my profile. I have received one email
from
a loyal reader of Asbarez and have received two more “flirts” bringing my
“flirt” total to four. I’ve received some encouraging and supportive emails
from Asbarez readersmostly women. The experiment may have hit a snag. Tomorrow
I will create the other profiles and make them appear as genuine and
generic as
possible. Where it asks the ideal age for marriage, I will put down 1925 for
women and 30-39 for men! Where it asks what animal I most resemble, I will put
down a Mercedes Benz! I will play their game and I will find out what makes
these Armenian singles tick…
End of Week 1 log.
Be sure to read next when I begin to reveal some of the more bizarre dating
experience stories that people have emailed me during the course of these last
two weeks.
Skeptik Sinikian is not a licensed relationship counselor or a psychologist.
The last experiment he conducted was adding basturmah and string cheese to a
home made Hawaiian pizza. The results were inconclusive. He can be
reached at
[email protected] or visit his blog at
9) Reverb, and Organizations’ Obligations
By Garen Yegparian
Fortune smiles upon us. A letter to the editor appeared in Asbarez a few
weeks back, containing, among some reasonable issues, the very same inane
assertions about Bush’s “largest ever” vote tally. In addition, two
letters in
the November 7 Los Angeles Times, one by a fellow Armenian, also make the same
grandiose assertion. Need I say more about the right wing propaganda
machine’s
echo chamber? They just keep screaming the same thing until nothing else is
audible and it becomes ‘truth!’
But let’s address a different, actually valid, concern raised in the Asbarez
letter, overlooking the cheap shot at our organizations marching “in lock
step”
with Democrats.
Briefly, the issue is: Should Armenian organizations consider a broad
range of
issues, not just “narrow” Armenian ones, in deciding which candidate to
support?
Do the right to life groups, NRA, Sierra Club, AIPAC, NAM, Emily’s List, etc.
make their endorsements based on a broad range of issues? Of course not. Were
they to do something that foolish, they would lose their constituencies in a
heartbeat. It’s not their job or place to do that. The people who support
these and other groups look to them for clear, concise information based on
the
area of civic life they work on. Then the “sophisticated” voter weighs all
the
political input and votes accordingly. Unfortunately, sophisticated voters
are
not the norm, YET, in the Armenian community of the United States*.
So why should Armenian organizations functioning in the American political
arena behave any differently? More appropriate, however, is to point out why
this kind of question is posed. A hidden agenda is masked by a purported
concern for “Armenian-American” needs. The very term “Armenian-American”
betrays much. Inherently, it deems us Americans with some Armenian flavor, as
opposed to Armenians who are citizens of the United States of America. It
confuses nationality and citizenship, two distinct political realities.
The real intent of those posing these “questions” is to promote their right
wing econo-socio-political goals. It is a tried and true tactic. The Soviets
even used it. By nominally espousing benevolent and necessary economic and
social programs, they masked the actual political tyranny. Such rich
ironydiametrically opposed political ideologies using identical tactics.
Though I suspect what really unites them is their cohorts’ dictatorial
inclinations.
Be alert.
*See “Armenian Electoral-Political (Im)Maturity,” February 14 Asbarez, March
27 The Armenian Weekly.
10) LETTERS:
Dear Editor:
What Now
I am a long time subscriber to Asbarez. For months I have been reading
articles
in your newspaper highly critical and, often, with insulting remarks towards
President Bush. To make matters worse, I noticed that in your post-election
issues, the diatribe against President Bush continues. Not only was I upset
with the tone of your articles, but was saddened more so by the fact that we
revealed a lack of political savvy by placing all our eggs in one political
basket once again. In Southern California (and most likely throughout the
country), our Armenian political parties took a pro-Kerry position in the
hopes
that he will recognize the Armenian genocide. As much as any other Armenian, I
also hope and pray that the Armenian genocide will someday be recognized by
the
American government; however, given the current geopolitical reality, it was
naive that our Armenian leaders believed that Senator Kerry can deliver on
this
campaign promise when as we all know, past presidentsboth Republican and
Democratunder tremendous pressure from the State Department, have refrained
from doing so.
It should have behooved our Armenian leaders (and your paper) to adopt a more
balanced policy towards the candidates. Just to remind you, most corporations
contribute money to candidates of both parties so that they have leverage with
either winning candidate. Why couldn’t we be smarter and exercise wiser
diplomacy so that no matter what the election results may be, we would have
leverage.
As the heading of this letter states, we will obviously have to work through
our friends, both Republicans and Democrats in Congress, to do fence mending
with the Bush administration. Also, those of us who have been supportive of
the
President should write letters to him, as well as to the Speaker of the House
and the Senate Majority leader, encouraging them to do what is morally right
and recognize the Armenian genocide. I for one, as a life long Republican,
will
do so. Futhermore, I hope that this may be a lesson for our leaders to
exercise
smarter diplomacy in the future. We should learn not to act through our hearts
alone, but through our head as well.
Perry Maljian
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