Itt-Ott, 1974 (7. évfolyam, 1-6. szám)
1974 / 4. szám
ration .... /"Among the issues stirring to unity and action/? Exploitation of the nationality groups by both political parties? praise, flattery before elections, neglect, scorn, broken promises afterward. Taxation without representation? The nationality groups have practically no representation in the policy making bodies of government and the higher courts. Paying taxes to keep the government in business and serving in the armed forces to protect our country is not enough. Good citizenship also means sharing the responsibility of running the government by helping to formulate its policies and to interpret its laws .... All that was written 17 years ago. The situation since has not changed substantially, except in one, all-important respect? the awakening of ethnic America has become a. growing phenomenon. Interestingly, this development was partly inspired by the success of the Negro renaissance. If "black is beautiful" and why not? — then "ethnic" can also be beautiful. In this development Cleveland drew national attention with the election of Mayor Perk. Thus this city has become the symbol of ethnic unity under the motto "e pluribus unum," as the newspaper Catholic Hungarian Sunday, a Magyar pioneer of the movement, so eloquently pointed out. The election of Ralph Perk was neither a victory for the Republicans nor a defeat for the Democrats, but rather a triumph for ethnics. The same goes for the mayoral elections held in Buffalo and in Miami. Their example should spread like wildfire, illuminating the way for further action. For an Ethnic Union of America The ad hoc character of our coalitions should be transformed into permanent unity. What was started in Cleveland should be expanded into a nationwide movement from which an Ethnic Union of A- merica shall arise. The necessity and timeliness of such a Union is beyond argument. It seems advisable to state a few principles to be adhered to in creating such an organization? 1) Its members would be made up of ethnic organizations rather than individuals. 2) It would be independent of any party, supporting only deserving individuals. 3) It would deal only with those questions on which there is common agreement while excluding those problems which could cause internal disagreement. (A common goal could be promoting the neutralization of East Central Europe and the withdrawal of Soviet troops from that area.) 4) Mo member would have preponderance over the others. 5) The Union's activities would encompass both political and cultural goals; it would also battle the demoralization of American society. 6) It would particularly promote friendship among ethnic groups. 29
