Conscience Asks…

This is a well reasoned and well written look at the issue. Clearly, there are no easy answers. History show that very rarely is power surrendered voluntarily. All too often it must be taken. It seems taking power at the ballot box in Armenia is not a viable alternative. Those holding power are very comfortable with their lifestyle, even at the expense of the general public, and so have no incentive to initiate meaningful reform.

American history bears witness that unfortunately violence can bring about positive change as in the American Revolution form English oppressors, the American Civil War, the American Civil Rights Movement, ec. It required dramatic action to effect change.

As you expressed it is a question of conscience or do the ends justify the means. I think sometimes the answer is yes after all else is exhausted.

This is without a doubt one of the best columns written by G. Yegparian. It is thoughtful, well articulated and raises valid questions, to which there are no easy and straight forward answers.
It is a complex situation; the solutions cannot come about overnight.
In my opinion there are several influencing factors:
1- The Diaspora is not united. Indeed it is fragmented to such a degree, that the different activities/voices are causing more damage than good.
2- In my opinion, there is a deep rooted apathy in Armenia. It is unclear whether it is because they have accepted the sad reality, are fearful to make waves, or have just given up. They simply want to survive. They are not desperate and hopeless yet. The ones that are
are emigrating.
3- The opposition in Armenia has been ineffective and has had no influence on introducing the reforms necessary to have a just and fair society. They are as fragmented as the Diaspora. They do not seem to agree on anything to form a unified stance on any of the issues/ills that faces the nation.
4- Whether the elections in Armenia were fraudulent/corrupt or not,
The Republican Party has absolute majority in the parliament. Positive changes happen only when there is a strong and unified opposition.
5- Any change in Armenia, including regime change, has to come from within. The Diaspora cannot force a regime change; It can provide support, express opinion, may be take a position ( if a unified position can be agreed upon) but has no vote.
6- Some of the ” comments ” posted in the Armenian Weekly and other publications, are not objective, are unrealistic, and often unachievable. Suddenly we have too many pundits.
7- If and in case it happens, there is a regime change by “violence”,
like it happened in many countries in the world, there is no guarantee that the new regime will be better and really change things.
As of now, based on all indications/signs there is no “leader” .
Sadly, also in the Diaspora there is no apparent leader that can unite us.
8- At the present time, Armenia is facing serious threats from the East and the West. It is a very critical time for a small landlocked country, with limited resources and a hostile worldwide political environment.
It is imperative that we have unity of purpose and objectives.
Vart Adjemian