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06/17/2005
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) House Subcommittee Proposes $67.5 Million for Armenia; up to $5 Million for Karabagh 2) Entire European Council Receives European Declaration on Armenian genocide 3)Worldwide Campaign Protesting Time-Europe's Ad Denying Armenian Genocide 4) Erdogan Condemns Germany for Adoption of Armenian Resolution 5) Prelacy Armenian Schools Honor Longtime Educators 6) Over 350 Gather at Annual AYF-YOARF Junior Seminar 7) AYF Grants ~QNanor Krikorian~R Scholarship to Seven Students 8) Armenia Travel Guide Earns Independent Publisher Award 9) Armenia~Rs Endangered Architectural Heritage to be Featured at UCLA 10) Homenetmen Represented at Boy Scouts of America Meetings 11) OPINIION: Now I'm Surer 1) House Subcommittee Proposes $67.5 Million for Armenia; up to $5 Million for Karabagh Maintains military aid parity between Armenia And Azerbaijan WASHINGTON, DCThe House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations today voted to allocate $67.5 million in US aid for Armenia for fiscal year 2006, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). The amount represents a $12.5 million increase over President Bush's budget request, but is lower than last year's appropriation of $75 million. The panel also agreed to maintain parity in US military assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan, at the level of $5.75 million to each country. The appropriators allotted $5 million in humanitarian assistance to Mountainous Karabagh. "We want to express our appreciation to Congressman Joe Knollenberg for his advocacy within the Subcommittee, to thank Chairman Jim Kolbe and Ranking Member Nita Lowey for their leadership, and to share our gratitude for the support of Steve Rothman, John Sweeney, Mark Kirk, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Carolyn Kilpatrick, Chaka Fattah, and our other friends on this vitally important panel," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. "We were, of course, especially pleased to see that, consistent with the President's budget request, the Subcommittee contributed to the continued stability of the Caucasus by appropriating aid directly to Mountainous Karabagh, and maintaining parity in military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan. We also appreciate the efforts of our friends, in the face of overall reductions in aid to the region, to increase Armenia's assistance above the level proposed by the President, and look forward to action by the Senate - and later in conference committee - to bring this figure to at least last year's figure of $75 million," added Hamparian. On April 18th of this year, Representative George Radanovich (R-CA) and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) sent a letter to the leadership of the Subcommittee, cosigned by 43 of their House colleagues, calling for an earmark of at least $75 million for Armenia; maintaining the President's request for equal levels of military aid for Armenia and Azerbaijan; an additional $5 million in direct aid to Mountainous Karabagh for fiscal year 2006, and; keeping in place the Section 907 restriction on aid to Azerbaijan. The names of the forty-five signatories are as follows: Gary L. Ackerman (D-NY), Thomas H. Allen (D-ME), Robert E. Andrews (D-NJ), Xavier Beccerra (D-CA), Howard L. Berman (D-CA), Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Eric Cantor (R-VA), Michael E. Capuano (D-CA), Dennis A. Cardoza (D-CA), John Conyers Jr. (D-MI), Jim Costa (D-CA), Jerry F. Costello (D-IL), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), David Dreier (R-CA), Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), Barney Frank (D-MA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Rush D. Holt (D-NJ), Michael M. Honda (D-CA), Steve Israel (D-NY), Darrell E. Issa (R-CA), James R. Langevin (D-RI), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Michael R. McNulty (D-NY), Martin Meehan (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Collin C. Peterson (D-MN), Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA), Adam B. Schiff (D-CA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), Clay E. Shaw, Jr. (R-FL), John Shimkus (R-IL), Mark E. Souder (R-IN), George Radanovich (R-CA), Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH), Diane E. Watson (D-CA), Henry Waxman (D-CA), and Jerry Weller (R-IL). In making the case for increased levels of US assistance to Armenia, the ANCA has stressed the following points: 1) The impact of the dual Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades: The World Bank estimates that these blockades are costing Armenia $720 million a year. Despite US pressure, these blockades have remained in place for more than a decade. Armenia is making tremendous progress toward a modern, market-based democracy, but needs continued US help to offset the efforts of Turkey and Azerbaijan to strangle its economy by blockading its eastern and western borders. 2) The effectiveness of US foreign aid: US Ambassador John Evans, in the fall of 2004, stressed that, "Since arriving in Armenia, I have been deeply impressed by not only the breadth and depth of our assistance programs, but by their high quality and the exacting standards of the US Government staff and implementing partners who help design, execute and evaluate these activities." 3) Armenia's progress on economic and democratic reforms: According to the Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom, Armenia is the only former Soviet republic, which is rated "mostly free." In fact, Armenia is ranked 42nd overall and the closest former Soviet republic is the Ukraine, which is ranked 88th. Armenia is one of only 16 countries to have qualified for the Millennium Challenge Account and has already submitted its application. Armenia is clearly on the right path, and it needs United States assistance to continue on this path and withstand the devastating impact of the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades. 2) Entire European Council Receives European Declaration on Armenian genocide BRUSSELS--The European Armenian Federation on Thursday forwarded a Europe-wide public declaration, launched on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, to the heads of the 25 members States of the European Union gathered at the Brussels Summit June 16 and 17. Hundreds of European associations, organizations, and institutions have already signed the declaration, which calls on the European Council and the European Commission to establish, as a formal requirement within the negotiations framework for Turkey's potential membership in the European Union, the necessity that Turkey abide by resolutions adopted by the European Parliament since 2000 demanding its acknowledgment of the Armenian genocide. "While seeking to maintain the image of a state committed to accepting its responsibilities," wrote the Federation in a letter accompanying the declaration, "Turkey, in practice, continues to escalate its aggressive denial campaign and to pressure the European Union to avoid this issue altogether." In light of Turkey's stark hypocrisy, "only a clear and decisive approach on the part of the European Union will lead to any meaningful progress in this area," said Hilda Tchoboian, chairperson of the European Armenian Federation. "The European citizens represented in this declaration hold that the democratically expressed views of the people of Europe, as expressed European Parliament, must be reflected in the actual decision-making concerning Europe's future," concluded Tchoboian. 3) Worldwide Campaign Protesting Time-Europe's Ad Denying Armenian Genocide BRUSSELSThe Armenian National Committee of FRANCE (CDCA-France), European Armenian Federation (EAFJD) and the Armenian National Committee (ANCA) launched a worldwide campaign this week protesting TIME-Europe~Rs recent decision to disseminate a DVD advertisement which grossly mischaracterizes the Armenian Genocide. The advertisement, paid for by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, is valued at $1 million. The DVD, with content available in seven languages, was packaged as part of TIME-Europe~Rs June 6 issue, which included Turkish denial of the Armenian genocide, under pretense of tourism advertisement. The magazine was distributed to 485,000 households and businesses. The European Armenian Federation, CDCA France and ANCA have urged people of good conscience around the world to send James Geary, Senior Editor at Time-Europe a free ANCA WebFax by visiting the EAFJD website:, or going directly to the following link: <; /mail/compose/?mailid=7722236. On Thursday, the European Armenian Federation requested a meeting with TIME-Europe publishers to discuss the issue. In the request letter, the European Armenian Federation noted that the dissemination of ~Sthis State propaganda is just as unacceptable as having relayed a pro-Nazi or pro-apartheid advertisement.~T The letter stressed, that ~Sgenocide denial has nothing to do with freedom of speech~T but is a ~Sharsh attack on human dignity.~T The Federation stated that that this act calls to ~Squestion both TIME~Rs credibility and the ethical principles which underlie its editorial line.~T 4) Erdogan Condemns Germany for Adoption of Armenian Resolution ISTANBUL (AFP)--A German parliamentary resolution adopted Thursday to mark the killings of Armenians during World War is "ugly," Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, while other Turkish officials warned the move could cloud bilateral ties. "I find it politically wrong and furthermore ugly that the German parliament sacrificed the issue without debate to petty [Armenian] lobbying," Erdogan told reporters here late Thursday on his return from a visit to Lebanon. He chided German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder--whom he said was against the resolution--for not pulling his weight before the vote to persuade his lawmakers to reject the motion. In a move that has angered Turkey, the Bundestag lower house on Thursday adopted a resolution commemorating the 1915-1917 massacres of Armenians under the Ottoman Empire, but stopped short of condemning it as genocide. ~SThe lower house of parliament regrets that an extensive discussion of events in the then Ottoman Empire still is not possible and that academics and writers who want to look into this part of Turkish history are being prosecuted and defamed,~T the motion said. The resolution called on the German government "to help Turks and Armenians resolve their differences by reviewing, reconciling, and forgiving historical guilt." The motion also expressed regret that the German government of the time didn't act to prevent the killings even though it was aware of what was happening. The Turkish foreign ministry condemned the resolution and warned that the move could have repercussions on bilateral ties. The issue has taken on increased importance as some European politicians have pressed Turkey to address the Armenian genocide in what Ankara sees a politically-motivated campaign to impede its bid to become a member of the European Union. 5) Prelacy Armenian Schools Honor Longtime Educators --Board of Regents to establish Endowment Fund for Educational Activities ENCINO--The Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools held its first Annual BanquetAwards night, on Friday, May 6, at Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School's Avedissian Hall. More than 450 community members attended the banquet to support the Board of Regents' efforts in honoring individuals with extensive service to their local Prelacy schools, and to assist the Board of Regents in the establishment of an Endowment Fund to provide for additional educational activities. The success of the evening was largely due to the hard work of co-chairs Nova Hindoyan and Yeznik Kazanjian and the organizing committee, who--along with the Board of Regents members-- worked diligently to organize an evening full of excitement and appreciation. Hindoyan thanked the committee and the guests for their sincere support. The master of ceremonies for the evening, Patyl AposhianKasparian, presented the structure of Prelacy Armenian Schools and its activities. The program began after Father Razmig Khachadrian of Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church performed the invocation. "Educational Reflections," the official publication of the Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools, was distributed to the guests as they appreciated its attractive cover, rich content, and colorful pictures. Hovan Tashjian was extended sincere appreciation for his contributions to the publication's content and layout. Throughout the evening, several sections and articles from this publication were highlighted by various speakers, as the publication provided detailed information regarding the goals and activities of the Board of Regents and facts about the Prelacy Schools. The "Educational Reflections" will be published on a regular basis to inform the community about the forthcoming educational activities and goals of Prelacy Armenian Schools. Dr. Rubina Peroomian, Chairperson of the Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools, conveyed the Board~Rs message as she thanked all the individuals and organizations who had dedicated their time and talent, over the years, to the educational and financial success of Prelacy Armenian Schools. Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and the other Board of Regents' members joined Dr. Peroomian on stage in bestowing the prestigious awards. Benefactors, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and Savey Tufenkian, were honored by the Board of Regents, for Tufenkian's continued support of the Tufenkian Preschool. Their generous donations in the past, and their most recent donation, have assisted in the establishment and expansion of Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool. The Tufenkians have adopted and shared the concerns and challenges that our schools face, thus, bringing their financial and moral support to the betterment of education of the Armenian children. Dr. Armine Hacopian, Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools, presented the biographies of the honorees and extended the Board of Regents' most sincere appreciation for the many years of service to their respective schools and communities. Each honoree was invited to the stage and received his/her award. Stepan Kabadaian was presented with the Board of Regents' "Oshagan Lifetime Achievement Award," for his dedicated services in establishing the Saint Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, and Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool. Kabadaian received a standing ovation as he approached the podium to receive his award. The Board of Regents "Khatchadour Abovian Lifelong Teacher Award" was presented to dedicated and long-serving retired educators Marilyn Arshagouni of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School; Marie Ohanessian, Rubina Pakradouni, and Khatoun Pakradouni of Armenian Mesrobian School; and Haigaz Terterian of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School. The "Daniel Varoujan Lifelong Teacher Award" was presented to dedicated and long-serving current educators Garo Bedrossian and Alfred Mardoyan of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School; Marie Essayan of Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool; Garbis Shekerdemian and Dr. Hasmig Tashjian of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School; and Alvart Hounanian of Mary Postoian Armenian Preschool. The "Nareg Lifelong Service Award" was presented to Arpi Ananian, as one of the longest serving staff members at Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian offered his blessings and words of appreciation and encouragement to the honorees, and to all those who participated in organizing this successful event. He encouraged community members to take part in the establishment of this worthwhile Endowment Fund in order for the Board of Regents to be able to provide much needed educational activities and staff development within the Prelacy Armenian Schools. Throughout the evening, contributions and pledges were made towards the establishment of the Endowment Fund and the evening culminated in a performance of creative arrangements of traditional Armenian music performed by vocalists Saro Koujakian and Gars Sherbetdjian, and guitarist Ara Dabandjian. The Board of Regents is accepting contributions to its Endowment Fund. Please contact (818) 500-0822 or email BoardofRegents@aol.com to send your contribution or to receive the Board's official publication; the Educational Reflections. 6) Over 350 Gather at Annual AYF-YOARF Junior Seminar WATERTOWN, MA--Over 350 junior and senior members of the Armenian Youth Federation-Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (AYF-YOARF) Eastern Region gathered in Prospect, Penn. from May 27-30, to attend the 34th annual National Junior Seminar. The theme for this year's event, ~SStepping in to the Future: A Journey through Armenia's Past,~T aimed at bridging Armenia's history and today's efforts of cultural preservation, Genocide recognition and reparations, and a deeper understanding of Western Armenian lands. Welcoming remarks were given by the 2005 Junior Seminar committee, and members of the AYF-YOARF Central Executive and Central Junior Council were introduced. A slide show was presented by Greater Boston AYF chapter member Sossi Essajanian on the AYF Pan-American Seminar and the contributions of the eight AYF-YOARF delegates to the seminar. Central Executive member Aram Hovagimian showed a PowerPoint of his recent trip to Turkey, with comparative photographs from the region of sites before the Genocide and today. During the event, members attended lectures various topics including activism and Hai Tahd issues, genocide denial, and Armenia's independence and progress. Lecturers included Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Western Region Board of Directors member Raffi Hamparian, who discussed the activities of the organization and each individual~Rs contribution to the cause; Dr. Lucy Der Manuelian, who presented a slide show of Armenian monuments and manuscripts; and Dr. Dikran Kaligian, who discussed the modern history of Artsakh. This year, the seminar also featured four lectures by Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan and Rev. Father Anoushavan Tanielian, who discussed the challenges facing the Armenian Church and Christianity as part of Armenia's history. According to the Prelacy Crossroads E-Newsletter, the Archbishop noted that he was particularly impressed with the questions that were posed by the young participants, showing maturity and knowledge, he said. Addressing attendees this year was ARF Eastern Region Central Committee chairman Hayg Oshagan, who spoke to the older juniors and senior members about the ARF, its goals and work in the Eastern US and abroad. Oshagan answered many questions from the large group, ranging from his work as chairman to the structure of the organization. Evening entertainment was provided by singer Avo Ashjian from California, as well as Antranig Kzirian on oud, Aram Hovagimian on keyboard, Jimmy Kzirian on dumbeg and vocals, and on the final night, Armen Sevag on violin and vocals. The group energized junior and senior members alike by leading AYFers in singing patriotic songs, as well as popular Armenian songs. Various chapters also presented skits during a talent show with performances commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, and remembering the founding of Armenia's first independent republic in 1918. Acts included a solemn skit depicting the many fedayees that fought in the battle of Sardarabad, as well as a moving presentation of Western Armenian villages and the total number of people lost in each. The following evening, the Central Junior Council announced the winners of its annual programs and contests. The first award given was for the Junior Page contest, where chapters submit articles for the Armenian Weekly newspaper's AYF Page. Taking first place was the Greater Boston chapter, followed by the Chicago and Providence chapters. The honor of Best Article was awarded to Sahag Zakarian, while a Camp Haiastan Campership was gifted to Araxi Karafian of the Greater Boston chapter. Finally, Outstanding Junior Member awards were given out to one person from each of the region's 18 chapters. In an attempt to link the past, present and future, members also filled a time capsules with letters and keepsakes from the weekend, to be opened by the committee in five years. "As a parent and as a lecturer, I was very impressed by how well Junior Seminar was run. Any event that can gather 60 percent of an organization's membership is astounding. In this age of video games and youth sports, it is to the great credit of the AYF that so many of its members are dedicated enough to travel hundreds of miles for an educational, as well as social, weekend," said lecturer George Aghjayan. "The whole weekend is energizing. I only wish the entire Armenian community could witness junior seminar, where our kids shine; intellectually, athletically and socially," he said. Junior members were also enthusiastic about the event. "I thought this year's seminar was a great success. The lectures covered a lot of topics including the AYF history, Armenian dynasties, and Armenian architecture. I especially liked the way the lecturers presented the information; by using PowerPoint, maps, videos, slide shows, and through group activities. It was also fun reuniting with of all of my Armenian friends. Nothing makes me happier than seeing over 300 people Armenian line-dancing; this is a way of keeping our Armenian culture alive," said Providence junior member Ani Anto Megerdichian. Since 1971, Junior Seminar has grown to become the largest AYF junior event with more than 350 junior participants from throughout the United States and Canada each Memorial Day weekend. The event is an opportunity for juniors to meet and take part in a thorough educational program, which consists of a set of eight lectures geared to the participants~R age groups to relay information and to encourage discussion and independent thinking. The seminar is supervised by a staff of more than 50 AYF senior members from various local chapters who accompany the junior participants to activities and supervise them throughout the weekend. 7) AYF Grants ~QNanor Krikorian~R Scholarship to Seven Students GLENDALEThe Armenian Youth Federation on Friday announced the names of the seven recipients of the ~SNanor Krikorian~T Scholarship, after reviewing 30 prospective applicants. The AYF will provide a total of $3500 in scholarship funds to Maral DerSarkissian and Rubina Ghazarian of Crescenta Valley High School, Edgar Mkrtchian of La Canada High School, Shaunte Baboumian of Townsend Harris High School, Ara Thomassian of Alex Pilibos High School, Justine Karanian of Avon High School, Katie Kavorkian of Shepherd Hill Regional High School. Each of the seven scholarship recipients has not only displayed commendable academic achievements, but has also been actively involved in the Armenian community, displaying exemplary involvement in cultural, political, and community activities. According to scholarship coordinator Ani Garibyan, the goal is to encourage youth to be both academically successful and promote the interests of their community.~T We are proud of the recipients and know that they will undoubtedly serve Armenia generously in the future.~T Now in its third year, the Nanor Krikorian Scholarship has awarded 23 graduating high school seniors of Armenian descent a total of $9600. The scholarship is named after a young AYF activist, Nanor Krikorian, whose life was cut short by cancer. Those interested in contributing to the expansion of the scholarship can mail donations payable to AYF to 104 N. Belmont St. #206 Glendale, CA 91206. The Armenian Youth Federation Western United States serves Armenian American communities west of the Mississippi through education, athletics, political activism, cultural activities and social settings. To learn more about the AYF please log on to <; 8) Armenia Travel Guide Earns Independent Publisher Award (LOS ANGELES)--The Independent Book Publishers Association awarded the Armenia travel guidebook, ~SThe Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh, as finalist in the category of best travel guide book published in 2004. The award, known in the industry as an ~SIPPY,~T recognizes independently published books in categories that include Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance, Poetry, Art, Photography, and Travel Guide, among others. The winning Armenia guide book competed with more than 1,500 entries from the US, Canada, and 18 foreign countries. Bedros Safarian, a spokesman for Stone Garden Productions and the publisher of the Armenia book, said he was thrilled with the award. ~SAs far as I know, this is the first time an Armenia-themed book has received such an award,~T he said. The Armenia book shared its finalist status in the travel guide category with ~SMichelin Must Sees: New Orleans,~T which was published by Michelin Travel Publications. The overall winner in the travel category was a guide to the Grand Canyon, published by Destination Press. Jim Barnes, the Managing Editor for the Independent Publisher~Rs Association, praised all of the winning books for their quality and diversity. Independently published books such as the Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh, he said, ~Sare changing the world, one book at a time.~T Complete award results are available at Sample pages from ~SThe Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh~T can be viewed at The book is sold online at and at independent retail bookstores such as Abril Books and Sardarabad Books, both in Glendale. The authors, Robert Kurkjian and Matthew Karanian, are currently working on other projects overseas and were not available for comment. The travel guide has been the best-selling English language book in Yerevan since its publication in September 2004. In the US last year, The Stone Garden Guide to Armenia was the best-selling independently published book about Armenia, based on reports from booksellers. 9) Armenia~Rs Endangered Architectural Heritage to be Featured at UCLA LOS ANGELES--The Research on Armenian Architecture (RAA/USA) organization will present ~SArmenian Architectural Heritage Endangered,~T from June 20 through July 31 at UCLA. With fifty images of twenty-five sites of historic architectural and cultural interest in the traditional Armenian homeland--now governed by the Republic of Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and the autonomous region of Nakhichevan in the Republic of Azerbaijan--the exhibit traces the background of the sites, including their construction and function, cultural significance, and issues of preservation to ensure that the sites can be appreciated and investigated by future generations. Co-sponsored by the UCLA College Library, and the UCLA Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures Armenian Studies Program, the exhibit~Rs opening reception will take place on Monday, June 20, 8:00 p.m. at UCLA Powell Library Building, 2nd Floor Rotunda. Featured speakers include S. Peter Cowe, Narekatsi Professor of Armenian Studies, Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, and Jora Manoucherian, Vice President of Research on Armenian Architecture, USA, as well as ethnic music and light refreshments. Admission is free. 10) Homenetmen Represented at Boy Scouts of America Meetings By Berdj Djamdjian Two members from the National Armenian Committee on Scouting (NACS), Berdj Djamdjian and Taleen Hindoyan representing Homenetmen~Rs Scouting Council, participated in the Boy Scouts of America National Committee meetings held in Grapevine, Texas, May 25-27. As the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Boy Scouts of America (BSA) encourages all religions and cultures to participate and flourish. As members of BSA~Rs Religious Relationship Sub-Committee, a variety of topics were reviewed and discussed at the meetings including Literature Review, Philmont Training Center, High Adventure, Jamboree Services, Conferences/Seminars/Special Events, and Awards/Emblems. The NACS members discussed problem areas in management of Scouting activities, where ideas were exchanged. The members also visited the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Texas where they metMr. Joseph Csatari--the artist, illustrator, and art director of Boys' Life magazine who followed his predecessor Norman Rockwell, the famous Saturday Evening Post illustrator. One of Homenetmen~Rs (Western US) religious programs which teaches the religious faith and experience of the Armenian Apostolic Church is the St. Mesrob Emblem program. Approved in 1988 by the Boy Scouts of America, and in conjunction with the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, it is among the official badges a Boy or Girl Scout of America can earn after fulfilling the program requirements. The program is managed by the National Armenian Committee on Scouting for Armenian boy and girl scouts that want to learn about the Armenian Apostolic Church history and faith. The sponsors of this program--the Armenian Apostolic Church of America Western Prelacy, Homenetmen Scouting of Western Region, and Boy Scouts of America--all believe in spiritual growth, Duty to God and Country. Homenetmen is an athletic and scouting organization with regions and chapters thought the world that provide athletic activities for youth to reach their highest goals, as well as a place to meet and express their faith, cultural and experience adventures in scouting. 11) OPINIION: Now I'm Surer By Garen Yegparian I used to wonder if the rabid conservatives could really be as petty, miserly, and cowardly as they seemed. It just didn't seem humanly possible. But a recent passing interaction in the snack shop at work makes it seem more probable that there truly can exist human beings who are so small of spirit. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Here's what happened. As I was buying a muffin, I noticed the young employee had taped a small US flag to his shirt. When asked why it was on upside-down, he said it just happened that way. I remarked that he was likely to get hassled by some people over that inversion, whereupon another customer chimed in with something to the effect of the impropriety of inverting the flag. Then the same guy added, "He probably also voted for Kerry." Of course, I told him, I had too and we exchanged words. But it wasn't substantive, just accusatory, not much more than derogatory name calling. As I walked back to my desk, it struck me. This skinny, weaselly looking guy had been in the snack shop before me, seen the inverted flag, but was afraid to say anything until he thought he had an all--me--who would back him up. He hadn't the courage to speak up until he was part of a perceived majority, the typical approach of bullies and Turks everywhere. They're ferocious tigers when outnumbering or obviously better situated than their foes. But the minute their opponents show resistance, they run off like frightened, skittish kittens. This accounts for the policies and politics of the Bush regime's cabal of wannabe tyrants. Every heartless, ill-conceived, and societally destructive proposal emanating from these people has a small constituency of mean people who have been assembled by extraordinarily gifted organizers. All these small groups, from hate-spewers to the super-rich to the narrow-minded-religious-fanatics to the chest-thumping-war-mongers, would never have dared be as bold and brazen as they now are in advocating restoration and implementation of approaches, mindsets, and policies that demonstrated their ineffectiveness and abject failure in the 19th century! Let's work on providing the ego support these pathetic creatures need so they don't feel compelled to go about destroying everyone's quality of life. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.