LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (03/04/01)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Wilson book is well-researched

Dear Editor:

I recently read Andrew Wilson's latest scholarly and well-researched work, "The Ukrainians: Unexpected Nation" concurrently with recent articles on Ukraine which appeared in the Economist. In the February 17-23 issue, the Economist referred to Ukraine as a "basket case," while the prior issue of February 10-16 was even less flattering.

Dr. Myron Kuropas is correct in his recent column referring to Prof. Wilson's book as a necessity for any serious student of Ukraine. The candid reference to the disappointing current situation in Ukraine is also significant, particularly coming from someone who has contributed as much as he has to the cause of improving conditions both in Ukraine and in diaspora.

Starting with a description of the various views regarding the origin of Rus' and the historic development of the Ukrainian nation, Prof. Wilson's book accurately describes the almost accidental events leading up to independence. He is direct in discussing what has happened since. Both Prof. Wilson and Dr. Kuropas refer to the "deep pockets" of the incumbent political leaders. According to Prof. Wilson, the series of events which lead up to independence suggest unintended consequences of the Gorbachev policies of glasnost. However, Ukraine seized the moment and a long hopeful diaspora welcomed the result.

What followed appears to lead to disappointment to those diasporans who were militant Cold Warriors. When we read of Russian oligarch purchases of Ukrainian energy resources, there are those among the Cold Warriors who still will not come in from the cold. The warmth appears too artificial, particularly with a former KGB careerist as president of Russia.

Prof. Wilson discusses history, geography, culture, religion and art as he weaves his journal from Volodymyr and "The Lay of Ihor's Host" to the geopolitics of the Kuchma/Putin alliance and Solzhenitsyn's tri-national pan-Slavism.

The book is invigorating to the historian while sobering to those of us who have hope for continued independence and eventual economic revival for Ukriane.

It serves as a warning that the achievement of 1991 is still fragile and the work has just begun.

Paul Thomas Rabchenuk
Salem, Mass.

Opposed to pope's visit to Ukraine

Dear Editor:

I'm writing to let you know that I believe you're doing a marvelous job with your paper. The changes made over the past few years are certainly an improvement that reflect excellent journalism.

My second reason for writing this letter is on the issue of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. A recent article notes that parts of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Moscow Patriarchate are opposed to the upcoming papal visit to Ukraine. I am sad to say that I myself also am opposed to the pope's visit for several reasons.

I'm enclosing the recent clipping from the Bergen Record quoting the Chicago Tribune on the appointment by the pope of five new cardinals, one of which is the Polish archbishop of Lviv. I see no reason for such an appointment regardless of the papal free-hand to do so. Clearly, one sees Polish expansion onto Ukraine's Halychyna for a second time since the 1930s. Your "The Ukrainian Weekly 2000" - Volume I (1933-1969) pages 96-97 clearly describes the abuses to which the Ukrainian Catholics in Poland were subjected in 1946.

The papal announcement of new cardinals cites "concern for the sensitive situation of Catholics in the former Soviet Union" and then goes on about the pontiff's intention to respect the Churches that paid dearly with the lives of Christian men and women, but there is no mention of Ukrainians in Poland.

True, the pope appointed Archbishop Lubomyr Husar a cardinal, but that is not enough. The Ukrainian bishop of Poland was transferred by the Poles to Ukraine in 1946 and then was crucified on the cross by the Soviets. Don't the Ukrainians of Poland also deserve a cardinal? Why shouldn't Ukrainians have a cardinal in North America? Or is it papal authority to slowly kill the Ukrainian soul, replacing it with a Latin Rite authority?

Whoever plans on going to Ukraine for this Polish entertainment, should consider going elsewhere and not waste their time and money for this circus.

My hope is that John Paul II will stay home and let Ukraine wait for a better opportunity or another pope.

Victor Jaworsky, M.D.
Orangeburg, N.Y.

Thanks for focusing on Lithuanian event

Dear Editor:

As a Lithuanian American I would like to commend you for publishing Paul Goble's article in The Ukrainian Weekly (January 21) commemorating the 10th anniversary of the confrontation of Lithuanian citizens with Soviet forces when the troops fired into the crowd surrounding Vilnius television tower, killing 14 demonstrators and threatening to take over the Parliament.

Mr. Goble provides an excellent analysis of the situation. In a thorough, unbiased way he states facts as they were at the time and explains how events in Lithuania influenced the breakup of the Soviet Union. His article reminds the world of a historic situation that some may prefer to forget.

Louis Gudelis
Greenwich, Conn.

The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor and commentaries on a variety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian communities. Opinions expressed by columnists, commentators and letter-writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of either The Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian National Association.

Letters should be typed (double-spaced) and signed; they must be originals, not photocopies. The daytime phone number and address of the letter-writer must be given for verification purposes.

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