1986_04 Hye Sharzhoom Newspaper April 1986

              Page 2
Hye Sharzhoom
Aoril, 1986
Balakian, Baloian present
By Karen DeOrian
Assistant Editor
Two of Armenian literature's most noted
figures appeared in Fresno in conjunction
with the California exhibit of "Weavers,
Merchants, and Kings: The Inscribed
Rugs of Armenia."
Professor Balakian and poet James
Baloian spoke at the Fresno Metropolitan
Museum Sunday, March 9, 1986. The
American-Armenian poets read select
poems from a collection of their own'
works.
Although both are poets who write on
various subjects, they concentrated their
readings on Armenians and Armenia for
this event.
Baloian, a native Fresnan, began the
evening with a series of poems about the
Central Valley, highlighting the Armenian
community in Yettem, CA^ He also
shared part of his personal work dealing
with the exile of his grandfather from his
homeland. "For me, Armenia is a spiritual
thing," said Baloian.
Balakian, a native of New Jersey and
currently a lecturer at Colgate University
in New York, read a collection of his
poems dealing with the events of the
Armenian Genocide as seen through the
eyes of his maternal grandmother who
survived the tragedy. Balakian, tormented
by the events of 1915, feels compelled to
write about Armenians. When asked
whether Armenian poets will endure 6-7
more generations, he responded, "just as
the Civil War haunts southern writers, the
1915 Genocide will haunt Armenians.
In a recent interview with the poets,
Baloian said, "I feel as though I am an
extension of something that's been going
on for 2500 years." Balakian stated that
"a (Armenian) poet after 1915 is a witness
to history."
Balakian is the author of two books,
Father Fisheye and Sad Days Light. His
poems have been published widely in
magazines and journals such as Poetry,
Nation, Virginia Quarterly Review, and
New Directions.   His recent collection of
poems were favorably reviewed by
New York Times. He is currently working
on this third book of poetry.
Baloian is the co-editor of Down at the
Santa Fe Depot, and the author of The
Ararat Papers. His poetry has been
published in a variety of periodicals
including Hye Sharzhoom. Baloian is
currently working on his second book of
poetry, entitled The Story of a Lucky
Man.
This extraordinary event was sponsored
by the Armenian Students Organization
of CSUF and the Fresno Metropolitan
Museum. The Museum will display over
sixty antique Armenian rugs through April
13,1986.
Letters to the Editor
Editor:
The Armenian community in the diaspora is a dead horse. I sincerely believe
that all activities in the Armenian diaspora
are futile except for one—that of providing
the Armenian S.S.R. relative freedom
within the Soviet superstructure. That is
to say, because of the existence of a
diaspora and pressure therefrom, Armenians in Soviet Armenia are allowed
considerable national self-expression.
However, all other declared functions
of the worldwide Armenian community
are inconsequential. Supposedly we are
keeping alive Armenian culture and
struggling for the Armenian Cause. But
let's face it, everything we do, from holding
dances to printing newpapers to lobbying
in the U.S. Government, has absolutely
no impact whatsoever on the collective
goal of the Armenian people.
I challenge any individual or institution
in the Armenian diaspora to say that
his/ her or its actions of today will serve to
materialize a free Armenia. What we do
today is forgotten tomorrow, lost in its
minuteness against overwhelming odds.
We are facing geographic, social, and
political obstacles of such monumental
proportions that in our present state—for
that matter past and future states—the
realization of our goal is next to impossible.
We are scattered about on the face of the
globe far from our homeland with no
unity to speak of(symbolically perhaps,
but not functionally). We are subjected to
white massacre, the number of "Armenians" decreasing with the passing of each
each successive generation and even within
generations. Finally, the Armenian people
are void of any type of political clout in
this world of power politics—zero.
1 therefore come to the conclusion of
two possible solutions. Armenians can
move to Soviet Armenia and live out their
lives there and accept their fate and their
subjugated place in the world. At least
they will be living as Armenians amid
their own people, on their own land, and
not living out some fantasy or farce.
The alternative is to stage, direct, or
cause a military coup against Turkey. The
Armenian Question cannot and will not
be resolved on foreign lands; the only
possible way to regain our ancestral lands
is to take it by force as it was taken from
us. Diplomacy and political niceties will
get us nowhere. History has shown us
that.
Sincerely,
Saretzi
Fellow Armenians:
You, our young men and women, are
today's Armenia in America. As the Bible
guides us wisely, a time to laugh and a
time to cry, a time to sow and a time to
reap—in your days, please sow, reap, and
laugh. Recall our dead, but do not cry.
Muster your courage in time of adversity
and educate, by all means. Get the word
to modern Turks of your peer groups of
the truth—not to shame them, but to
make them resolve NEVER AGAIN.
In all sincerity and affection,
D. Alexanian-Remy
Tucson Arizona
Dear Professor Der Mugrdechian:
•Received the Hye Sharzhoom and
enjoyed reading an informational newspaper. I am impressed with the way our
Armenian youth are taking interest in
Armenian problems and in our most
important unity problem.
We should begin at home. I am a
Protestant, but still have pride in my
ancestors. I am neutral when it come to
politics.
Just recently a member of the ANC told
me about the dismal turnout at the
Genocide commemoration meetings. To
me this is an embarrassing situation for
our people. When this happens the Turks
rejoice because we play into their hands.
If the old heads are tough, it is up to you
youngsters to take the problem at hand.
Please accept this small donation for
the good work.
Sincerely,
Robert Manselian
Fresno, CA
A13.3 eUPd-flMT
Editor:
Contributors:
Randy Baloian
Mark E. Agabashian
Nancv A rakeHan
Assistant Editor:
David Barsamian
Karen DeOrian
Mark Benjamin
Armen Devejian
Staff:
Jack Karapetian
Greg Eritzian
Beth Najarian
Vince Gambero
Roberta Peters Shekerjian
Jim Malkasian
Norayr Minassian
Yvonne Sahagian
Advisors:
Robert Vartabedian
Barlow Der Mugrdechian
Lynette Zerounian
Vahe Messerlian
Hye Sharzhoom is the
official publication of the
Hye Sharzhoom welcomes prose, poetry, articles,
CSUF Armenian Students Organization and the
manuscripts, and other material from its readers.
Armenian Studies Program, and is funded by the
For further information concerning the newspaper
Associated Students.    Articles may be reprinted
or the Armenian Studies Program, contact the
provided that Hye Sharzhoom is acknowledged.
Armenian Studies Office (209)294-2669 or the Eth
nic Studies Office (209) 294-2832.
Armenian Studies Program
Fresno CA 93740
Editor:
Please accept the enclosed contribution
to be used for the continuation of Hye
Sharzhoom. The efforts of the Armenian
Students Organization of CS U F is greatly
appreciated.
Sincerely,
Grace Margossian
Fresno, CA
Editor's note—The following-letter,
which appeared in the February issue of
Hye Sharzhoom, has been reprinted due
to a printer's error.
Dear Editor:
Words cannot express how much I am
enjoying your newspaper Hye Sharzhoom;
with each issue I am learning more about
my Armenian heritage: your history,
feelings, and aspirations for the future.
While an understanding of history is vital,
we must live in the present and continuously prepare for our future. I sense
from reading your .paper that some older
Armenians fear assimilation and apathy
among the third generation grandchildren
of immigrants.
Because I was not raised by my natural
parents, my adoptive family's ancestry
was quite different from my true heritage.
Only 16 months ago did I learn of my
precious Armenian blood; 1 had gone 39
years without knowing! Currently, I am
working with much energy and determination to gain as much knowledge as
possible about Armenian religion, history,
and, especially, my personal genealogy.
In a sense, I was a victim of a different type
of assimilation—namely, the adoption
process. Nearly all adult adoptees have no
knowledge of their real ancestry; a sense
of the past is but a mere shadow, almost
invisible at that. Open adoption records
for adult adoptees exist in fewer that ten
states. I believe this condition denies
adult adoptees our basic constitutional
rights and, more profoundly, our human
rights. My "search" is fascinating; each
week I learn more. Your publication has
been an inspiration to me. Never take
your heritage for granted. Cherish it;
share it.
Strangely, several of the surnames in
my family tree appear on Mr. Elish
Shekoyan's map of Fresno. My ancestors
came to Chicago from Harput in 1913. I
shall be interested in corresponding with
persons in your area who may share the
same surnames—Sarkissian. (Another
has a slightly altered spelling, therefore it
probably is not the same name). Also, if
anyone there is majoring in psychology,
and needs my insight into the effects of the
adoption process on one's sense of self-
esteem or identity, I would be glad to
assist.
Sincerely,
Mary L. Foess
Central Elementary School
Division St. Room 3
Vassar, MI 48768
Editor's note— The following letter from
Judge Avakian was written to Senator
Alan Cranston in response to an editorial
which appeared in the February issue of
Hye Sharzhoom. The article, A little
game written by Randy Baloian, recounted
Baloian's difficulty in eliding an answer
to his several letters concerning the
imprisonment of Reverend Manuel Yer-
gatian.
Yergatian, who is serving a fourteen
year jail term for alleged treasonous acts,
was incarcerated by Turkish officials for
possession of a map of Armenia and an
April 24th lecture given to his students in
Jerusalem.
For six months, Baloian's attempts to
call this matter to the attention of Senator
Cranston and Senator Pete Wilson were
ignored. It was only after Sen. Cranston
(who is currently campaigning for reelection) received this letter and a copy of the
February issue of Hye Sharzhoom that he
finally answered Baloian's initial letter.
Cranston's response included a memo
from the U.S. State Department indicating
that Yergatian's health was reasonably
good, although he suffers from a skin
disease and an ulcer. In addition, the
memo makes curious reference to Armenian terrorist groups as if to associate
Yergatian with these organizations. Also
included in Cranston's response was a State
Department report on the status of human
rights in Turkey.
To date Senator Wilson has not sent a
reply addressing Yergatian's case.
Dear Senator Cranston:
I am enclosing an article by the Editor
of the Armenian Students Organization
newspaper at California State University,
Fresno, which is self-explanatory.
Knowing your views about the Turkish
persecution of the Armenians, and your
disagreement with the State Department's
continued insistence that what occurred in
1915 wasonlyan"alleged"genocide, lam
sure that the failure of your office to
respond to Mr. Baloian's letters was not
due to any desire to duck the issue or any
lack of understanding of a matter which is
of grave concern to our citizens of
Armenian heritage.
I know nothing of the specific case (re
Fr. Yergatian) of which Mr. Baloian writes
beyond what is in the enclosed article, but
from what he says I believe an inquiry
from you to the State Department expressing the concerns of Armenian-Americans in this country might be helpful.
This is, of course, the year of the six-
year itch, and I know that you are extremely busy with activities far beyond
your usual heavy responsibilities in the
Senate. Any consideration you can give
to this matter will be greatly appreciated.
With best wishes,
.  Spurgeon Avakian
Judge of the Superior Court (retired)
Santa Cruz, CA