LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (06/30/96)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I'll take Clinton any day...

Dear Editor:

My recent letter to The Weekly cited President Bill Clinton's positive policy toward Ukraine as a sound basis for supporting his re-election. At the same time, I noted opposition of past Republican administrations to Ukrainian independence and other issues important to our community as evidence of poor judgment that resulted in bad policy for the United States and not just for our own community. It was thus gratifying that your correspondent, Mary Pressey, agreed on June 2 that President Clinton's policies toward Ukraine have been more favorable than those of the Republicans. I certainly agree with Ms. Pressey that the president's record on this issue alone is not enough for those of us in the Ukrainian American community to make up our minds. Domestic issues are just as important. Fortunately, Mr. Clinton's record in domestic affairs far outstrips that of Mr. Dole and other Congressional Republicans. I'll mention just a few examples.

As a strong supporter of a clean environment, I am strongly opposed to Republican efforts in Congress to block enforcement of the Clean Air and Water Act, to weaken the Endangered Species Act and in general turn back the clock on progress in environmental clean-up. If I were a single issue voter, that alone would turn me against Bob Dole, who was in a position as Senate majority leader to block Newt Gingrich's assault on the environment but chose not to do so. I also find it alarming that Bob Dole supports legalization of military assault-style weapons and would repeal the Brady Handgun Control Bill. That might appeal to militia groups in Texas, but not to this Ukrainian American from Chicago. I could go on: from support for higher education to having more policemen patrol city streets, President Clinton just seems to have a more reasonable, future-oriented policy focused on growth, security and the well-being of our children. I shudder to think of the alternative: Bob Dole signing bills coming out of a Newt Gingrich-controlled Congress. Give me President Clinton any day.

Andrew Ripecky
Chicago

A summer camp for teen leaders

Dear Editor:

A Ukrainian Summer Teen Camp organized by the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada will be held at Camp Sokil, near Hawkestone, Ontario, on August 3-18.

The aims of the summer camp are to provide a base for the continued existence of the Ukrainian community in Canada; to bring up Ukrainian youth in the spirit of keeping Ukrainian language and traditions alive in this country; to give our youth the opportunity to develop their talents and potential within the Ukrainian community; and to give our youth the opportunity to meet other Ukrainians, which will enable them to work with the Ukrainian community in the future, as leaders.

The UNF owes its success to the vision, courage and efforts of its pioneer members, both old and young.

One individual deserves special mention: Dr. Pavlo Macenko, who in the 1940s dedicated his efforts to organizing the first summer courses that were sponsored by the UNF and the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Center.

Without a doubt, these courses were an outstanding success, since virtually all the activities of the UNF are now carried out and led by former participants, such as Dr. Volodymyr Klymkiw, conductor of the Oleksander Koshetz Choir; Olia Mysyk-Rohatyn, director of the Dnipro Ensemble; Anna Mysyk-Wach, editor of the Woman's World magazine; and Mary Howika-Pidkowych, UNF president.

Summer course participants have not only become leading members of the UNF, but also have remained active in various Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian organizations in major North American cities.

Today, the Ukrainian community faces many more problems than it did in the past. The exigencies of modern life have had a marked effect - the higher standard of living we have all enjoyed and the increased tempo of modern life have unfortunately not contributed to the growth of Ukrainian organizations, especially youth organizations.

There is a noticeable lack of youth involvement in our organized activities. Television, the rise of numerous community recreational centers, after-school programs and sports have all drawn away our youth membership.

Born in Canada, many Ukrainians do not concern themselves with Ukrainian issues. Mixed marriages also have created some problems, in that children are not raised to take part in various activities organized by the Ukrainian Canadian community.

We all agree that these problems must be faced and overcome. If the Ukrainian Canadian community is to exist in the future, we must reach out to our youth. Our youth is our future.

It is not only the responsibility of parents, but also of the whole community to do its share in providing leaders for generations to come. Parents and community leaders should consider it their moral duty to assist programs financially that contribute to the upbringing of our youth.

I appeal to all parents: send your children to Ukrainian Teen Camp, so that they may be taught to take part in the Ukrainian community and be instrumental in preserving the heritage our ancestors brought to this country.

Only a nationally conscious youth will have the national pride that is the best assurance for a bright future of the Ukrainian community in Canada.

All teenagers of Ukrainian descent who are 13 years old or who will be entering high school in September are eligible to enroll in the UNF's Summer Teen Camp.

Cost of registration is $350. For more information, please write to Ukrainian National Federation of Canada Inc., 2336 Bloor St. W., P.O. Box 84572, Toronto, Ontario M6S 4Z7; or call (416) 225-9845 or (416) 235-1848.

Mary Pidkowych
Toronto

Canadian Legion support noted

Dear Editor:

Re: "Remembering the once-forgotten soldier" (June 2) by Chris Guly. Without the moral and financial support of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 360 (Konowal Branch) of Toronto, most of the forthcoming commemorative events honoring Ukrainian Canadian Victoria Cross winner, Filip Konowal, would not be happening.

Mr. Guly should have underscored this point in his otherwise welcome column.

Lubomyr Luciuk
Kingston, Ontario

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