LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (09/28/03)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thank you for efforts to save Soyuzivka

Dear Editor:

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone at the Ukrainian National Association who has dedicated so much of their time and efforts towards saving Soyuzivka.

I stayed at Soyuzivka for Labor Day week and was so impressed with the incredible amount of work that has been put into the resort. The renovations/new additions were visible, the rooms were clean, the front desk and wait staff were awesome (it was so nice that they spoke Ukrainian), the events during the week were amazingly fun to see and take part in, the bar staff worked non-stop trying to accommodate all of us "crazy kids," and I simply loved seeing Nestor Paslawsky, the general manager, serving pyrohy on Hutsul Night.

It really just seemed as though everyone cared, and that is what makes me want to help, in whatever little way I can.

Special thanks to Roma Lisovich and Yura Pylyp, who gave us the opportunity to become involved and to speak about our beloved "Q" at the focus group.

Thank you for all your hard work, and please continue letting us know how we can help!

Maya Lew
Oakton, Va.

Chernomyrdin and Russian psyche

Dear Editor:

In his comments (September 7) regarding an apology for the Famine in Ukraine, Viktor Chernomyrdin displays the typically Russian psyche: to always blame someone else for all of Russia's seemingly perpetual troubles and crimes - Chechen separatists, Ukrainian nationalists, Zionists, etc.

Mr. Chernomyrdin ignores the fact that throughout history, all these crimes were committed in the name of Russia. Regarding Stalin-era crimes he slyly suggests this is Georgia's responsibility!

Russia and Mr. Chernomyrdin, I am convinced, would do better to follow the advice of Alexander Yakovlev. In his book "Maelstrom of Memory" (Moscow, Vahrius, 2001) he says: " The 20th century that just ended, for Russia was the most horrific and bloody, filled with hatred and bigotry ... time has come, it seems, to think it over and repent, to pray for millions of executed and starved, and to apologize to the survivors" (translated from Russian by I.D.).

Sooner or later Russia will have to follow Mr. Yakovlev's advice.

Ivan J. Danylenko
Somerdale, N.J.

Independence Day in Kyiv: magnificent

Dear Editor:

August 24 was the 12th anniversary of the independence of Ukraine. Kyiv was in great spirits.

The military parade on the fabulous Khreschatyk in Kyiv, was magnificent, and no other East European country for which APON produces video can match the Ukrainian know-how with regard to military discipline.

The festive concert staged on the evening of August 23 in the famous Ukrainian Palace of Culture in Kyiv was the most beautiful one could imagine: beautiful faces, dances, singing, costumes and stage sets, and hundreds of performers. Again, only Ukraine can produce such great talent!

Mnohaya Lita Vam!

Andrew M. Poncicz, Ph.D.
Long Island City, N.Y.

The letter writer is affiliated with the APON Record Co. Inc., based in Long Island City, N.Y.

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.

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