ARMENIANS FOR OBAMA & GREEKS FOR OBAMA TO HOST JOINT FUNDRAISER IN NEW YORK CITY
armradio.am
20.10.2008 11:50
With a little more than two weeks to go in the 2008 Presidential
election, Armenian-Americans and Greek-Americans in Manhattan will
show their support of Presidential hopeful Senator Barak Obama by
hosting a fundraiser.
The event, which will take place on October 28 at Lafayette Bar and
Grill in downtown Manhattan, will feature community leaders from
the Armenian and Greek communities, as well as actor Tate Donovan,
an Obama supporter and friend of Peter Balakian.
"This is a great opportunity for Armenians and Greeks to come together
and rally for the Obama-Biden ticket," commented Nicole Vartanian,
Armenians for Obama New York activist. "Both Senators have proven to
have solid support on Armenian and Greek American issues, and come
November 4th, it will be a true victory for all Americans when Obama
wins the Presidency."
In January of 2008 Senator Obama released a statement to the
Armenian-American community expressing his support on key issues
on US-Armenian relations, recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict in-line with
the principles of self-determination and democracy, and working to
end the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockade's of Armenia.
The Senator has also released several recent statements, including
one recognizing Armenia's 17th Independence on September 21st, as well
as a statement calling for an end of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus.
-
Obama-Biden: The Better Team for
Armenians, the Nation, and the World
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
The long and painful tenure of one of the most anti-Armenian U.S.
administrations is finally coming to an end. Armenian-Americans, along withmost Americans and the rest of the world, are fed up with the Bush-Cheney team and their bellicose neo-con agenda.
The list of blunders committed by the Bush administration is very long: the
invasion of Iraq based on false premises, mismanaging the U.S. economy with the national debt reaching ten trillion dollars, and taking deeply offensive positions on key Armenian issues.
After promising to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide during his first
campaign, Pres. Bush failed to keep his word. In fact, when the House of
Representatives was considering a commemorative resolution on the Armenian Genocide, Pres.
Bush personally lobbied members of Congress to block its consideration.
Furthermore, he recalled U.S. Ambassador John Evans from Armenia, simply because he
had the courage to tell the truth about the Armenian Genocide. Despite
repeated requests by Armenian-American organizations to meet and discuss these
serious issues, Pres. Bush refused to receive them even once in eight years!
Armenian-Americans have a clear choice. Do they want more of the same
anti-Armenian policies for the next four or eight years with McCain-Palin or do they
prefer to change the disastrous last eight years by supporting Obama-Biden --
the most pro-Armenian team in the history of U.S. Presidential elections!
Sen. Obama, long before running for the Presidency, was making supportive
statements on Armenian issues. He called for Turkey's acknowledgment of the
Armenian Genocide and criticized the Secretary of State for dismissing Amb.Evans.
Sen. Obama declared: "The Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, a personal
opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely documented fact supported by
an overwhelming body of historical evidence. The facts are undeniable=80¦. As a
senator, I strongly support passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution, and as
President I will recognize the Armenian Genocide=80¦. America deservesa leader
who speaks truthfully about the Armenian Genocide and responds forcefully to
all genocides. I intend to be that President."
Sen. Obama also pledged to seek "an end to the Turkish and Azerbaijani
blockades" of Armenia; to try to bring "a lasting and durable peace settlement of
the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict that is agreeable to all parties, and based upon
America's founding commitment to the principles of democracy and self
determination."; to expand "trade and targeted aid" to Armenia; and to strengthen
"commercial, political, military, developmental, and cultural relationshipsbetween
the U.S. and Armenian governments."
Sen. Biden, who has served in the U.S. Senate since 1972, has an even more
extensive record of support for various Armenian causes. Sen. Biden has
co-sponsored every Armenian Genocide resolution going back to 1984. He is one of the
staunchest supporters of Armenia and Armenians in the Senate.
Sen. McCain, on the other hand, has opposed all congressional resolutions on
the Armenian Genocide over the years and has remained silent on the Artsakh
(Karabagh) conflict, Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades of Armenia, U.S. aidto
Armenia, and U.S.-Armenia relations. In other words, a vote for Sen. McCainis
simply a vote for the continuation of Pres. Bush's anti-Armenian policies.
Even though most Armenian-Americans are justifiably skeptical, given their
many disappointments with promises made by previous presidential candidates,
they can take comfort from the fact that Senators Obama and Biden have repeatedly
acknowledged the Armenian Genocide, while Sen. McCain has consistently and
strongly opposed this critical issue. If statements by presidential candidates
are not politically significant, why are then various Turkish and Azerbaijani
analysts angrily denouncing Senators Obama and Biden, while heaping lavish
praise on Sen. McCain? And why are Greeks and Greek Cypriots pleased with Obama
and Biden and not McCain and Palin?
Assuming that Obama-Biden are planning to keep their promises on the Armenian
Genocide, even then, Armenian-Americans must not sit on their hands for the
next six months waiting to see what Pres. Obama will say on April 24. Instead,
they need to immediately start preparing for the inevitable onslaught by the
Turkish government with the help of its highly paid lobbyists in Washington. As
in the past, Turkey is expected to unleash a massive public relations
campaign and a steady barrage of threats against the United States trying to convince
American officials and the public at large that "now is not the right time to
acknowledge the Armenian Genocide!"
To defuse the Turkish threats and make the new administration less
apprehensive about any possible consequences of acknowledging the Armenian Genocide,
Armenian-American organizations should advise the Obama-Biden team that they
would be simply reconfirming what Pres. Ronald Reagan recognized in his
Presidential Proclamation in 1981.
One of the reasons to secure such a repeat statement from the next U.S.
President is to undermine the joint historical commission that has been proposed by
the Turkish government, aiming to impede third parties from acknowledging the
Armenian Genocide.
The victory of the Obama-Biden ticket would obviously have a far-reaching
impact on many national and international issues. The Obama administration would
withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq, concentrate on fighting terrorism in
Afghanistan, and reverse the growing trend of anti-Americanism around the globe by
using a less confrontational approach than Bush or McCain. The tens of billions
of dollars saved by staying out of unnecessary military engagements could be
put to better use by helping create new jobs, reduce taxes, and bring economic
prosperity to America and the world!Leave a comment:
-
Barack Hussein Obama ? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama
Does the middle name Hussein bother the Armenians ? Not at all !
For in the past the Armenians had a venerable friend, a very high muslim whose first name was Hussein : Sherif Al-Husayn Ibn'Ali (1854-1931) of the Hashemite Dinasty, Emir of Hejaz. We remember the film "Lawrence of Arabia" and how he fought the Ottoman Army.
He was the Guardian of the Holy Sites of Mecca and in 1917 he edicted a firman calling protection for the Armenian refugees :
Here is our web page :
Nil
#5747Leave a comment:
-
Not only Senator Obama, but Senator Biden is also a long term supporter of the Armenian genocide and many other Armenian issues.. He also started a resolution honoring Hrant Dink.
Here are some articles on Biden and his support for Armenian issues:
June 19, 2001 Turkish Diplomats Express Fear Over Senator Biden's Chairmanship of Foreign Relations Committee. Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p...es.php?prid=87
August 19, 2001 Senators Biden and Sarbanes Set to Oppose Attack Helicopter Deal with Turkey. Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p...es.php?prid=98
October 15, 2002 ANCA ER Releases Congressional Endorsements for 2002 General Election. Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p...s.php?prid=259
June 10, 2003 Resolution Marking Anniversary of Genocide Convention, Recognizing Armenian Genocide Introduced in U.S. Senate. Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p...s.php?prid=337
April 18, 2005 Record Number of Senators Call on President Bush to Properly Characterize Armenian Genocide. Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p...s.php?prid=742
January 20, 2006 Sen. Joe Biden - Ranking Member on Foreign Relations Committee - Cosponsors Armenian Genocide Resolution. Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p...s.php?prid=882
June 28, 2006 Senate Panel Presses Proposed U.S. Envoy for Clear Explanation of U.S Policy on the Armenian Genocide. Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p...s.php?prid=968
July 24, 2006 State Department Misled Senate on Turkish Communications About Amb. Evans. Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p...s.php?prid=979
August 1, 2006 Sen. Biden Delays Senate Foreign Relations Committee Vote on Hoagland Nomination. Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p...s.php?prid=985
March 2, 2007 Senate Panel to Consider Legislation Condemning Murder of Hrant Dink. Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p....php?prid=1092
March 28, 2007 Senate Panel Adopts Biden Resolution Honoring Hrant Dink. Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p....php?prid=1108
January 2, 2008 ANC-Iowa Endorses Biden In Democratic Caucus. Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p....php?prid=1358
January 23, 2008 Joe Biden Cosponsors Armenian Genocide Resolution. Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p....php?prid=1368
April 28, 2008 His Eminence Oshagan Choloyan Urges Vigilance Against Genocide In Capitol Hill Meetings. Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p....php?prid=1475
July 29, 2008 Senators Biden, Boxer, Menendez Force Bush Administration to Distance U.S. from Turkey's Genocide Denial Policy.Link: http://www.anca.org/press_releases/p....php?prid=1545Leave a comment:
-
I agree
I agree bro, but I it is still just the lesser of two evils, don't get me wrong, I prefer Obama, but if it were up to me I'd say neither, however if I had to choose I would choose Obama.Originally posted by Cthulhu View Post
Plus McCain seems senile, and once again his music is, it gives me the heebie jeebiesLeave a comment:
-
McCain didn't say anything about a resolution or even use the word Genocide. Obama, however, did, and laid out a strategic plan for the resolution.
You decide which one is best for you, but I choose Obama.Leave a comment:
-
As I see it
Its a question of supporting the lesser of two evils, in the case the lesser evil being Obama, however its interesting to see what has happened with the canididates :
The Democrats choose Obama and Clinton to garner support from African Americans and women, while the Republican's went wth and evangelist and veteran. Am I the only one noticing the way their are trying to entice voters to fall for look at who we have instead of what the parties policies are.
As to Obama, I respect his support for the recognition, but however words are only words and to my knowledge he has not done to much for Armenians, on the other hand McCain has done less (plus his music awful
, its on YouTube all the time).
Anyone know the stance on the smaller parties by chance?Leave a comment:
-
McCain Efforts to Win Over Armenian American Voters Falls Short
September 30, 2008
Washington, D.C. – Clearly concerned about the key role Armenian American voters are set to play in battleground states across the nation on November 4th, Republican nominee John McCain issued an open letter to the community yesterday in the hopes of garnering the support of this key constituency for his floundering presidential campaign.
In only his second attempt to reach out to Armenian-American voters in this more than 20-month election season, Senator McCain failed to coherently outline any solid policy proposals or commitments to the community.
While noting that a “horrific tragedy” befell the Armenian people, Senator McCain did not use the word ‘genocide' when describing the events of 1915, a stance that is not only morally tenuous but also offensive after 8 years of President Bush's refusal to honor his promise to recognize the Armenian Genocide.
“I would rather Senator McCain re-suspend his campaign and try to learn more about the American economy than have him write superficial letters to the community,” stated Areen Ibranossian, Chair of Armenians for Obama.
“For his campaign to utilize the same tactics President Bush has used these past 8 years in reference to the Armenian Genocide is just another example of how Senator McCain will be a 3rd Bush term. It's unfortunate that after 26 years in the Senate, John McCain still abides by Turkey's gag rule on the Armenian Genocide and refuses to honor a historical reality,” added Ibranossian.
Senator McCain's letter comes in the wake of regular criticism by Armenians for Obama and other community members and organizations for John McCain's lack of engagement with Armenian-American voters and on issues important to the community.
His outreach stands in stark contrast with the efforts of Senator Barack Obama's campaign, which has distributed numerous statements along with directly engaging Armenian-American voters. To read Sen. Obama's statements and learn more about the stark differences between the two candidates visit: www.armeniansforobama.com
“The past two presidential elections have been decided by less than 10,000 votes and in states where significant numbers of Armenian-Americans reside. It's not only disrespectful and shameful of the Senator to neglect the Armenian-American community, it's also a strategic error since Armenian-American voters may well prove to be the difference in this election,” concluded Ibranossian.
Armenians for Obama is a nationwide voter registration, education, and mobilization effort dedicated to electing Barack Obama President. Based in Los Angeles, and with chapters and affiliates across the nation, Armenians for Obama will harness the energy and enthusiasm for Barack Obama's candidacy to ensure record high Armenian American turnout in critical battleground states.
# # #
Text of September 29, 2008 McCain campaign open letter
To the Armenian-American Community of the United States
Dear Friends,
The Armenian-American community has contributed richly to the American fabric and has been instrumental in ensuring that a terrible tragedy is never forgotten.
It is fair to say that one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century, the brutal murder of as many as one and a half million Armenians under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, has also been one of the most neglected. The suffering endured by the Armenian people during that period represented the prologue to what has come to be known as humanity's bloodiest century. It is our responsibility to recognize those tragic events and to ensure that our world never experiences the impact of the bloody conflicts that so filled the 20th century.
In light of that history, the rise of the independent Republic of Armenia from such painful experiences is inspirational, as is the vibrancy of the Armenian diaspora. In particular, I deeply admire both Armenia's support of coalition operations in Iraq and NATO peacekeeping efforts in Kosovo. In my visits to Armenia, I have been deeply impressed by the resilient and hard working Armenian people who have made tremendous progress in very difficult circumstances.
Our country is greatly enriched by the descendents of the victims and survivors of the horrific tragedy that befell the Armenian people. Today Armenian-Americans represent that indestructible spirit of a people and embody the principles of freedom and democracy that all Americans prize above all else. I am grateful for all of the contributions that Armenian-Americans have made to our wonderful country and I greatly value the opportunity to stand with the Armenian-American community in my campaign and as the next President of the United States.
Sincerely,
[signed]
John McCain
LinkLeave a comment:
-
E-Mail | Print | Request Reprints | E-Mail Newsletters | RSS
Contributors
Obama, Turkey And The G-Resolution
Asli Aydintasbas 09.29.08, 4:00 PM ET
There is no doubt that much of the Muslim world is rooting for Barack Obama in the U.S. presidential race. The 47-year-old Illinois senator is a favorite son to many in the Middle East who are enamored of his middle name "Hussein" or even harbor the belief that the senator is a closet Muslim having to hide his true colors to get a place in the American political establishment. Still others welcome the idea of an Obama presidency as a shift from the unpopular Middle East policies of the Bush administration.
But here in Turkey, the Obamania in the rest of the Muslim world was quick to fade early in the race. Once intrigued by the young senator and his life story, much of the Ankara establishment and the Turkish elite now say they prefer John McCain to snatch the presidential seat.
And all this has little to do with Barack Obama himself.
Modern Turkey is a nation still sorting through the cultural and political clashes that have emerged with the foundation of a secular modern republic from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire in 1923. It is a nation accustomed to both domestic and foreign conflict and obsessed with the idea of its loneliness on the world stage. So it is no surprise that, on any given subject under the sun, most Turks would ask, "But is it good for Turkey?"
In this case, the political establishment in Ankara and Turkey's secular elite seem to think that Barack Obama is not good for Turkey.
"It all has to do with the Armenian issue," a senior Turkish politician tells me, referring to what is essentially a semantic problem, but one with ripple effects far beyond the confines of this region. Turks and Armenians have long disagreed on what to call the tragic events that took place in the eastern provinces of the Ottoman Empire in 1915. Turks say the forced deportations and massacres of Christian Armenians took place in the context of a civil war and do not amount to "genocide." For Armenians in the neighboring Armenia or spread around the world in a large diaspora, this is the first genocide of modern times and as such deserves a universal recognition.
What does all this have to do with Barack Obama? With almost no direct contact, Turks and Armenians have long been fighting the issue out in distant national forums--most notably in the U.S. Congress. Almost every year, the powerful Armenian-American lobby attempts to pass a resolution from Congress marking the events of 1915 as "genocide." The government of Turkey has its own lobbying effort in Washington, almost solely dedicated to the "Armenian issue," and prevents the bill at the expense of threatening to sever strategic ties with the United States. (Having seen Turkey significantly reduce economic and military relations with France when the French Senate passed a similar bill, Washington knows the issue goes far beyond a semantic exercise.)
Successive American presidents have intervened in the 11th hour to kill off the g-resolution in order not to damage relations with a key ally and next door neighbor of Iraq's. Last year, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other congressional supporters had to drop the resolution at the last minute when the White House warned it would cripple ties with Turkey and impact the war effort in Iraq.
Yet Barack Obama has pledged he would support a genocide resolution. Worse for Ankara, his running mate Senator Joe Biden has long been an ally of Greek and Armenian lobbies in Washington and sponsored bills questioning Turkish policies on Cyprus and Armenia.
"John McCain on the other hand knows Turkey well and can understand our strategic value," the same Turkish politician tells me. Ankara essentially prefers a man who would have a nostalgic appreciation of Turkey's role in the Cold War and in containing Saddam Hussein, and not push for a "paradigm change" in that equation.
"There is also the Clinton factor," a western diplomat notes. Most Turks were enamored of Bill Clinton when he visited Turkey in the wake of a major earthquake in 1999 and pushed for policies that elevated the Turkish-U.S. relationship to a strategic partnership on energy and regional issues. Bill and Hillary Clinton have since visited Turkey and maintain ties with the Turkish government. (Turkey's prime minister, Tayyip Erdogan, makes a point of seeing the former president or his wife on nearly all his U.S. trips.)
"Obama defeating Hillary did not go down well here," says the diplomat.
When Turks watch the results of U.S. elections in November, they will do with an eye toward April 16, the day Armenians commemorate what Turkish officials call "the so-called genocide," and hope Obama will not win.
Asli Aydintasbas is an Istanbul-based journalist and former Ankara bureau chief of the newspaper Sabah .Leave a comment:
Leave a comment: