LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (11/03/96)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Bandurists' friends respond to letter

Dear Editor:

The September 8 edition of The Ukrainian Weekly contained a tongue-in-cheek letter from R. L. Chomiak wondering why lottery contributions in self-addressed envelopes were returned to senders, and what is going on with the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus. This letter is a response from "Friends of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus."

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our P. O. Box was closed and all mail returned to senders. We apologize to all contributors and assure you that a situation such as this will not happen again. Those contributors who re-mailed their contributions to chorus members and other individuals will automatically be included in next year's lottery.

The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus is doing just fine. During the last five years, it executed two monumental tours in Ukraine, celebrated its 75th anniversary with a series of anniversary concerts, and in October 1995 concluded a 10-city tour of western Canada. The chorus was also awarded the prestigious Taras Shevchenko prize by Ukraine's government.

After an internal reorganization, the chorus gave its first concert under the artistic leadership of its new conductor, Oleh Mahlay, in London, Ontario, on the occasion of the ODUM convention and the 20th anniversary of the Ukrainian estate Ukraina.

Currently, the bandurists are preparing for a fall 1997 tour of Eastern U. S. and Canadian cities.

We, the "Friends of the Ukrainian Bandurists Chorus," wish to express our most sincere gratitude to Mr. Chomiak and countless other supporters whose continued moral and financial support enables the chorus to continue its work.

For the record, our new address is: Friends of the Ukrainian Bandurists Chorus, P. O. Box 12129, Detroit, MI 48212.

Petro Honcharenko
Detroit

The writer is secretary of Friends of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus.

More on earmarks for aid to Ukraine

Dear Editor:

I read with considerable interest the article and the letter to the editor penned by Eugene Iwanciw in the October 6 issue. Although the report is probably accurate and credit given by Mr. Iwanciw is where credit is probably due, I find that a major caveat within the appropriation bill language later signed into law by the president was not adequately reported on.

As most of us know, and regardless of party affiliation, Congress very rarely earmarks funds for any reason or cause without attaching a string to the appropriation (which they can pull if the intent is not met). In this case, the language of the bill stipulates that the bets are off if Ukraine provides military support to Libya. There are now also factions within the opposition to this appropriation, who are attempting to interpret/expand the constraints beyond those specified in the law. These constraints concern Ukraine's military cooperation with other countries where U.S. has suspended normal relations. In the latter case, the issue revolves around Ukraine's announced sale of modern T-80 Main Battle Tanks (MBT) to Pakistan. (Pakistan is presently in a state of disfavor with the U.S. because of nuclear weapons activities.)

Although the congressional action might be a significant accomplishment for Ukraine and those who worked hard to push the bill through and had it signed into law, I believe that we must take off our "rose-colored" glasses and report the complete story to the readership.

Orest Kaczmarskyj
Centreville, Va.

Museum design reflects The Gap

Dear Editor:

Is art reflecting Ukrainian life in New York City? The museum design has gone from Ukrainian Curio (remember the brick embroidery in the first proposal) to The Gap. Welcome to the melting pot.

The decision to drop the first architect is commendable, but the process is moving in the wrong direction. Why can't The Ukrainian Museum come up with a building design that will '"kick ass"?

Zenko Mazurkevich
Philadelphia

The writer is an architect and planner.

New museum looks like office building

Dear Editor:

It appears from the plans that the museum is building an office building rather than a museum reflecting Ukrainian values, culture and aspirations.

Natalie Lucyk
Tanawanda, N.Y.

About bashing and open doors

Dear Editor:

It is difficult for The Ukrainian Weekly readers in Michigan to understand why Dr. Myron Kuropas and Eugene Iwanciw always write about improving working relationships with politicians in Washington and then turn around to bash and malign the president of this country. I have been voting for presidents since Franklin Delano Roosevelt and I cannot recall any president who has done more for the Ukrainian community than President Bill Clinton. I suggest that our Ukrainian bashers do a comparative accomplishments study. From my point of view, both Dr. Kuropas and Mr. Iwanciw are tied for first-place whiners.

Let me further clue the foregoing gentlemen to some predictions in the Michigan races. The Clinton-Gore ticket will landslide Dole-Kemp. Sen. Carl Levin will obliterate Ronna Romney, Rep. Sander Levin will pepper John Poppageorge, and Rep. David Bonior will knock out hand-picked (by Newt Gingrich and Gov. John Engler) Suzy Heintz.

After November 5, Ukrainian Democrats will have an open door. I don't know about the bashers.

Stephen M. Wichar Sr.
Clinton Township, Mich.

The writer is state advisor for Ukrainians for Clinton-Gore in Michigan.