LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (01/31/99)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Disappointed in advice of columnist Kuropas

Dear Editor:

I was very disappointed after reading Myron Kuropas' article in The Ukrainian Weekly, dated December 13, 1998, titled "Time to cut bait" criticizing the Ukrainian American Coordinating Council (UACC) and calling for it's dissolution. Since Dr. Kuropas has been the UACC's first vice president it seems that he suddenly "switched horses." In his article he enumerates several details about the division of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) at the 13th convention of the UCCA, but conceals the fact that division has been carefully planned in advance by the political party, which is currently at the helm of the UCCA, without regard for unity or democracy.

Lack of equal and democratic representation was the only reason for the division of Ukrainian community in the United States. It caused 27 Ukrainian American organizations to walk out of the 13th convention of the UCCA, and form alternative representation that eventually became Ukrainian American Coordinating Council.

Yes, Dr. Kuropas, the division of Ukrainian community in the U.S. was caused by the people who put their own ego and the interests of their political party ahead of unity and good for Ukraine. Unfortunately this trend continues as far as unification of our representation in the U.S. Our community does not wish to be under orders and rules of one political party. Its disadvantages have been proven by the present leadership of the UCCA, by the events that happened with United Ukrainian American Relief Committee and others, and most likely may happen under the presently elected slate at the Ukrainian World Congress.

I hope, that you know by now that neither the UCCA or UACC represents the entire Ukrainian community in the U.S. In the meantime such beautiful organizations like the Ukrainian National Women's League of America, the Coordinating Council to Aid Ukraine, the Children of Chornobyl Foundation and many others are working quietly without much fanfare for the good of Ukraine, without intrusion of any political interests or dictatorship.

No, Dr. Kuropas, the UACC did not harm the Ukrainian National Association, the Ukrainian Fraternal Organization or any other organization. The Ukrainian Aid Association was not a member of the UACC, and went out of business. As a person raised in a democratic society, you should be more objective and fair, and pay less attention to vocal but empty demagoguery. Please pay more attention to reality.

As far as Askold Lozynskyj is concerned, I agree with you that he is an aggressive, super vocal and ambitious "young" man, but it takes more to become a true leader. A true leader does not claim to represent all people, especially when his governing body does not represent equally all people. A true leader should be more objective rather than egoistic, and be able to compromise for the benefit of the cause.

During Mr. Lozynskyj's term of office at the helm of the UCCA, he was not able to come to reconciliation with the UACC on a equal basis. A true leader should display more community ethics, should not offend or threaten anybody or an organization if they do not comply with his wishes or orders, and act more like a leader rather than dictator. Unfortunately we all know the results of previous elections in Ukraine when so-called leaders with autocratic traits did not manage to pull the minimum of required votes to be elected. Disunity in Ukraine resulted in communist gains.

Dr. Kuropas, your unsolicited advice does not go along with a truly democratic process. I think that possibly because the UACC is less vocal and does not claim to be representative of the entire community, as does, without justification other umbrella organization, the UACC is not more moribund than the UCCA, the UUARC, the UWC under present leadership, as well as other organizations. Dr. Kuropas, it is not easy for me to respond to your "unsolicited suggestions" and attempts to be a "grave digger" of a fine truly democratic umbrella organization.

I am surprised that you, as a person raised in truly democratic, free society does not see the fact that the vast majority of the younger generation, younger than you and I, with few exceptions, stay away from older generations "politics." They can more likely help more by joining and supporting such organizations like Americans for Democracy in Ukraine; the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, Ukraine 2000, or try to go enter American political life by running for different offices. It is very important that they preserve their ethnic identity by attending Ukrainian schools and be members of Ukrainian Catholic or Orthodox Churches. They are our future, and we should support their endeavors rather that poison their minds with petty boring politics.

Let us set an example that the united efforts of all of us can be the best thing that Ukraine can expect from us.

Zenon Wasylkevych
Warren, Mich.

Congratulations on UWC coverage

Dear Editor:

I am writing to congratulate Andrij Kudla Wynnyckyj on his excellent coverage of the World Congress of Ukrainians in Toronto. The story was written with intelligence and wit, but, most of all, with a probing honesty that stands in sharp contrast to the increasingly Aesopian language to which the press in Ukraine is forced to resort. Mr. Wynnyckyj captured the helter-skelter atmosphere of the congress perfectly. As a long-time reader of The Ukrainian Weekly, I am convinced that the quality of the reporting and writing has never been better than it is today.

Olga Andriewsky
Toronto

Needed: participation by more readers

Dear Editor:

I am a reader of your paper and I like it. However, it could be better if more people participate in the creation of The Weekly. I mean, if more readers would express their thoughts through your paper.

You have almost nothing about the fourth wave of immigrants from Ukraine, and I would like to see more articles about Ukrainians around the world.

Y. Furtak
Clifton, N.J.

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