Opinion
Astarjian: Non Illegitimi Carborundum
By Henry D. Astarjian
That is as far as my Latin goes. Non Illegitimi Carborundum: Don’t let the bastards get to you!
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If Mr Astarjian or anyone else in the diaspora want to influence events in Armenia, let them give up their agreeable lifestyles in America, move to Armenia, invest their time, skill and resources into the homeland, become citizens, vote and gain a voice. Otherwise, keep quiet and let those of us living in Armenia get on with doing what is best for this country. I doubt Mr Obama would consult an expat American living in Armenia before taking a foreign policy decision; why should Pres Sarkissian consult Mr. Astarjian?
Far better that Armenia evolves into a successful country standing on its own feet, even if this means growing up and talking with the neighbours, rather than begging on its knees as some backward folkloric Disneyworld for those who talk much but do less.
To John: Do what its best for your country. Don’t mess with my rights. Give away something that’s yours. Living in Armenia (that is, a small part of Eastern Armenia) does not give you the right to decide for the legitimate heirs and survivors of Western Armenia. So, forget about us and let us pursue our issues or otherwise die out honorably and in relative peace (“relative” being a reference to being haunted just by Turks, and not also by our brothers, or should we already say “cousins” who “live in” Armenia). “Living in” is an expression that denotes an increasing trend by Armenia dwellers to consider themselves a territorial-geographic nation, far removed from the “cultural nation” notion, practically advanced since the times of Mesrop Mastoc and company.
Heir; The cultural nation concept is much more agreeable if you are living comfortably in Watertown than say Gyumri or Kapan. No-one’s trampling on your rights; however it would be nice if the same rights could be made available to those of us over here in the Caucasus. This far sighted and innovative rapprochement may just help allow this to happen.
At what point did you get a monopoly on victimhood? In 1900 there were 30,000 people living in Yerevan; there are now 1.6m. Why do you think that might be? Possibly because they to were chased out by the Turks, but crossed a mountain rather than a sea.
You seem to be indicate that by talking with the neibours we are in some way betraying your personal heritage.
Perhaps we are just evolving into a proper, functioning nation, but maybe that doesn’t fit your idea of how Armenians here should behave?