LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (09/15/02)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A Canadian-American reflects on September 11

Dear Editor:

As the names of those who perished a year ago today (September 11) at the World Trade Center were read off, I was seized by a desire to write to my former colleagues at The Ukrainian Weekly and Svoboda, as well as the folks at the UNA.

I'm writing to express my thanks for the opportunity to work with everyone at the former UNA building in Jersey City, across the river from the two towers that are now, unbelievably, gone. Thanks to this work, the WTC and its concourse became an indelible part of my life and experience, and its loss and the loss of the lives of those who worked there I feel as a personal loss, since I lived with many of them, passing through there on my way to The Weekly's editorial offices, and on the way back to a place that I called home for three years, in the greatest city on earth, New York City.

I grieve with the survivors and with you, and offer my condolences to you and my solidarity with you.

I do so because since the early 1980s I've considered myself a New Yorker, and also since the mid-1980s I have been a U.S. citizen, and these two identities pulse through me with considerable strength today, in fact, catching me by surprise.

Andrij Kudla Wynnyckyj
Toronto

Why wasn't the media at Drumthwacket event?

Dear Editor:

Immediately after 1,300 Ukrainian Americans gathered at the New Jersey governor's mansion for a celebration of Ukrainian Independence Day, I looked for a story in the American press. With no press coverage, I was frustrated that, once again, Ukrainians were being ignored by the press. I contacted The Star-Ledger and was told that they would look into it. I was surprised that the editor of The Star-Ledger, Jim Willse, called back personally. I was shocked when he informed me that the newspaper knew nothing of the event either before or after it took place. He went on to point out that his newspaper had not received any press advisory or release from either the governor's office or any Ukrainian American organization.

I am a bit confused about the purpose of spending time and money for organizing 1,300 Ukrainian Americans and Ukrainian officials for such an event. Do we really need to preach to the choir and pat ourselves on the back? Or should such events be used to educate our fellow New Jersey citizens about Ukraine and Ukrainians?

It seems that The Star-Ledger, New Jersey's largest newspaper, would have covered the event, including the words of support for Ukraine voiced by Gov. McGreevey had they been made aware of the gathering. Gov. McGreevey's words were import to report in the state's newspapers - not only for New Jersey citizens to hear but, more importantly, to be heard by the state's U.S. senators and representatives, who actually vote on issues affecting Ukraine, including foreign assistance, trade relations and sanctions, treaties and bilateral agreements.

We often, justifiably, complain that Ukraine receives either no coverage or negative reporting in the media yet, when we had a chance for positive coverage, nothing was done. Was this lack of media coverage part of the agreement with the governor for the event or was it an oversight? I find it hard to believe that the governor's office and our own leadership somehow forgot to inform the media; politicians are just too eager for press coverage.

I can only conclude that the event was staged for 74,000 Ukrainian Americans in New Jersey and not for the general public, which reduces our community to little more than a political prop. I had hoped we were beyond that.

Anna H. Iwanciw
Chatham Township, N.J.

Re: director's attack on reviewer of his film

Dear Editor:

Director John Paskievich, in his response to Orysia Tracz's August 18 review of his film, "My Mother's Village," is doing exactly what he accuses her of doing - trying to silence a differing opinion.

I was disappointed in his personal attack against her. It was very unprofessional and mean-spirited. His is not the first film to get an unfavourable review, in fact many have received much harsher treatment in the press. When one puts out something as public as a film, one has to appreciate, if not expect that, for whatever reason, some people may not like it, and that such people have a right to say so publicly or privately. That comes with the turf. A professional should realize that and accept it graciously without taking it personally.

While I enjoyed the film, and don't necessarily share Ms. Tracz's opinion of it, I nevertheless respect her right to express it and welcome the opportunity to dialogue. So should Mr. Paskievich.

Paulette MacQuarrie
Coquitlam, British Columbia

Non-traditional sports features were delightful

Dear Editors:

It was with delight and great interest that I read the recent articles featured in The Weekly about the Scuba Club at Soyuzivka (July 21), and also the mountain climbing excursion at Denali (September 1).

My husband and I are avid scuba divers, traveling the world for unique dive experiences. We wish to congratulate and say "Welcome" to the newest members of the Ukrainian diving community! And, what an innovative way to maximize "pool time" at Soyuzivka.

Thank you for including these "non-traditional" sports activities in your newspaper.

We will be looking for those tryzub decals underwater on our future dive trips!!

Renata (née Wynnyk) Ockerby
Arlington, Mass.

The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor. 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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