The Eighth Hungarian Tribe, 1983 (10. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1983-11-01 / 11. szám
Page 4 THE EIGHTH HUNGARIAN TRIBE November, 1983 but in attempting to reason and to ask for the help of the entire free world. We have only one weapon left to convey our belief and that is the pen. If we use our pens intelligently in forming and expressing our ideas in calling the world’s opinion, perhaps injustices committed can be corrected without war and give hope to people living under unbelieveable terror, depriving them from their fundamental human rights. The freedom of press in North America permits us to be a sentinel and perhaps a beacon, that could signal for our people at home and elsewhere; no matter how bleak it may be, changes are occurring slowly, sometimes unexpectedly, and as long as we remain faithful to our national heritage, Hungarians will endure and survive. This publication is part of our heritage and we have to support it with our consciousness and affection. The title itself “The Eighth Hungarian Tribe” symbolizes the continuity of our historical national existence even if it is displaced in the counrty of a most generous host, the strongest bastion of freedom in the world. The title also indicates hope that through our Tribe the Hungarian Nation will not submerge in the murderous whirlpool of the European history leaving no trace behind. Whenever changes are considered in the future of a publication with such importance, to my belief, the changes cannot affect the direction, only the means, of rendering a larger readership, otherwise our infant will be thrown out with the bathwater. The idea of organizing the Hungarian Exhibit at the American Museum of Immigration is a most commendable endevour and I would suggest as base: displaying the maps of Hungary at different stages of more than thousand years of existence and Statehood with the central theme of migration for freedom towards the West. As far as drawing larger readership, we have to bear in mind, that other nationalities (such as Italians) have a larger base than ours, and, unfortunately, our people are more divided and less affluent on account of shorter time to develop more resources. Whether the publication should remain bilingual (yes) and monthly (yes), also deserves thoughtful consideration. Our older readers and those with little formal education will appreciate this courtesy, just as much as readers in Libraries in different countries, and even in the old country, if only a handful. In a monthly publication it is easier to maintain a high standard and mobolize sufficient number of writers, and scientists to participate. The response I experienced in our area to Dr. Baráth’s MEMBERSHIP IS EVERYONE’S JOB ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL............... EVERY MEMBER GET A MEMBER. We are counting on you to help us book “History of the Early Hungarians” indicated, that we are not completely “apathetic and milked out”, and if we try really hard interest can be generated in spite of keen competition for donations and subscriptions. New directions in linguistic research are astonishing the World and starting to place in the background the physical anthropology. In this respect we have a common field of interest with the Russians, whose research in the (pre- Babel) “Boreal” language touches the research of our Hungarian Scientists.. Perhaps a third generation Hungarian, who is now a child will have his interest stimulated to solve the relationship in the ancient languages with the computer’s aid available in this country. This brings us to the recommendation for different sections/categories in the magazine. The main articles could cover scientific areas: history, languages, arts, music, ecconomics, folklore pertaining to our heritage, of interest to our readers, Letters to the Editor, People, achievements, social news, etc. Politics? They will create even more division than religion. The plight of Hungarian minorities in Transylvania and in other countries could not ever be left out. Commercialism of the paper could be put aside for a Section, but not for the aim of the publication. Naturally authors could use pen names if desired. With an ambitious program the Editorial work could not be one man’s job and to assure a reasonable standard an Editorial Board could be established representing the Hungarian population of the United States and Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific. I intentionally avoided the discussion of the Foundation and local ramification for lack of knowledge, but, generally speaking expansion beyond local interest would be desirable. Out of courtesy for their devoted work through many years the Chomoses certainly deserve a continued role in the future of the magazine, whatever the future holds for it. To aid the survival of our magazine I would like to appeal for help from the retired Hungarian Americans (myself one of them) in propagating readership. This would be a satisfying project, after all we must not forget, that for who we are and what we do have, we can thank our forefathers. By fostering unity among ourselves we still could allow expression of differences in opinion (that are probably aplenty) and we should refrain from radical charges against each other. For my part I would like to see more opinions, particularly from young people, more letters and more donations; we need them more than ever. Respectfully, Dr. Stephen A. Hegedűs Spokane, Washington BE A MEMBER OF THE HUNGARIAN EIGHTH TRIBE FOUNDATION!
