The Eighth Hungarian Tribe, 1985 (12. évfolyam, 1-11. szám)
1985-02-01 / 2. szám
Letters Dear Mr. Chomos; Reading your editorial entitled ‘Feed-Back’ I feel encouraged to respond to some of your statements. As an ancient subscriber, who really cares about the future of the magazine, the opinions of several of my friends were sought to achieve more objectivity. While we all agree that to satisfy all the shades and garden-varieties of the Hungarian Americans is practically impossible. We had a consensus that “only a balanced presentation of subjects and opinions can assure further existence of our magazine.” The Eighth Tribe magazine lately has became materialistic and liberal. Whether this change assures increased circulation or interest, it is to be seen; so far we have no figures, and crucial times looms ahead, when the renewal of the subscription comes. What worries me, that most of the letters to the editors published are complimentary in a varried simplistic way, without dialogue representing pros-and-cons. Are we, Hungarian Americans, so poor in expressing opinions, or vulgar in style, that they cannot break through the editor’swastebasket-barrier? We should not have objection reading travel accounts to presentday Hungary. The accomplishments in preservation of historical sites is impressive. So are the improvements in living standards compared to neighboring states. But those who travel with open eyes also notice decreased standard in politeness, vulgar speech, rampant alcoholism. There is also a very high rate of suicides (confirmed by world statistics). Is all that contentment and satisfaction in the present-day-of-life in our old country is only skin deep or just of way of present living of a sleeping giant? Without objectivity, we are bound to pay lip-service to the present system. Being a Transylvanian in origin the demise of the Transylvanian Quarterly saddened me deeply. Justification in trusting the present government of Hungary in protecting Hungarian minorities in Transylvania is not supported by facts. If any one thinks of “Quiet Diplomacy”, the results indicate that this diplomacy is rather dead, than quiet. What success can you hope for, when Hungary could not even stand-up co attend the Olympic Games? Courage seems to be a vanishing commodity today in spite of values that cannot be traded-i)i through political maneuvering. Who will speak-up for our cousins and childhood friends if we are afraid to do so even here, in the United States. Whatever was taken away, we can claim it back, but not if we give up our basic fundamental right voluntarily. Patriotism is on the rise worldwide and we read about statesmen admitting that the Yalta Conference assigning countries to power blocks was immoral. Are we not permitted even to dream about ‘Freedom’ for an independent Hungary, that her people not forced to grovel and take orders in the anteroom of a foreign government? Page 2 My friends, who read this letter, assured me it surely will end-up in the wastebasket as it crosses the editor's desk. I do not believe that. Only I would like to try the editors to understand how deep is the feeling of those who lived in Transylvania. My memories carry me from the warm cuddle of my mother; to watch the fish swimming in the dark waters of the Szamos river; walking to visit Grandma in Fellegvár. Remember the school where I learned to read and write; the big black links of chain on the pedastal of the statue of King Mathias (Matyas). The headstones of our ancestors and grandparents might have disappeared from the cemeteries, but our memories are indelible, and I am sure many readers of this magazine believe with me in values, that cannot be converted into dollars. This magazine — to my belief — has to represent the multifaced Hungarian community, otherwise it will turn into a soap-bubble: sparkling outsides — empty inside. Let us hope this never happens. Living in the United States gave many of us affluence in our lives, but what I received and treasure above all is “Freedom”. We would like to preserve and share this treasure against the voices of cynical pragmatism, whereever they come from. Power vanishes in a century, but influence survives for millennium. What today may be a cry in the wilderness, may return as a powerful echo; only faith in ourselves will assure our future as a nation. I, as a Transylvanian, respectfully request the publisher to reconsider the inclusion of the Transylvanian Quarterly in the Eighth Tribe magazine, not just a political voice, but above all to preserve the Heritage of Transylvania- Erdely, which is so dear to many. We, Transylvanians, should financially support this project, it should not be accepted that the magazine alone carry the burden. Dr. Stephen A. Hegedűs Spokane. Washington We are listening and are open to suggestions and discussions by responsible people. We were reluctant to discontinue printing the Transylvanian Quarterly. The Eighth Tribe; Recently, I noted indications of dissension from your readership. How tragic that the Magyar seems to be typified (often true) as being his own worst enemy. Critical as possible of others, while simultaneously being ultra-sensative about self. Invariably this leads sooner or later to the destruction of group activities and the inability to carry-off a sustained organized effort. The world is filled with the scattered remnants of Hungarian Clubs that have self-destructed. Is there a lovehate relationship within the Magyar toward his countryman? Is this why Hungary is only a remnant of its formal self? Pity any country, if its citizens’ feelings toward it are only as temporal as any particular government regime happens to stay in power. Pity the U.S. if its citizens were to turn its back upon its 200 years of history, because an opposing party came to power. When any nationality flees its homeland generation after generation and then turns upon itself, its only future is absorption by other more-cohesive and better organized societies! Is this the fate of the Magyars, who have left their homeland? Is this the fate of their homeland itself? Is this the cruel trick inflicted by fate?, the inheritance of centuries of passive resistance and dissension against external powers that have subjugated and abused it?, the inheritance of being unable to relearn how to controlself and sustain cooperation? Steve Soley Toledo, Ohio Dear Sir: Hungary has one of the lowest birthrates in the world and also wide spread abortion. After the disastrous post war period, the low birthrate was understandable, lack of food, housing all a contributing factor. The failure of the 1956 uprising plunged the country into despair again. Looking at other Eastern European countries we must give credit to the resilience and fortitude of the Hungarian people. Taking into consideration the relative prosperity of the country we do not understand the continuous low birthrate and the flood of abortions. The Hungarian government made some attempt to reduce abortion and encourage couples to have children. They have introduced some beneficial elements in housing and benefits for working mothers, etc. The birthrate in the neighboring countries are much higher, especially in Rumania, where the government is actively engaged in proding couples to have more children. Unless drastic action will not come soon, looking at Hungary’s aging population, the oulook is quite grim pertaining to Hungary’s role in the Danubian Basin. The lack of more positive movement by the social and RELIGIOUS leaders of that country for ‘pro-life’ agitation is disappointing. Decades have passed by with countless of unborn Hungarian children being murdered. The Catholic and Protestant hierarchy is either condoning this self imposed genocide or have lost their ability to lead. A grass-root ‘pro-life’ activity is necessary to convince the younger Hungarians that a second or third child is more important than a new automobile. More childcare centers and other financial inducements are needed with education and spotlight on the problem. Would the Eighth Tribe with it’s wide leadership publicize the issue in the United States? Ron Chathlos New Castle, PA IVe have done so several times, editor. continued on i>age 5 The Eighth Hungarian Tribe with subscribers in every State of the Union and Canada. Eighth Hungarian Tribe
