Verhovayak Lapja, 1943. július-december (26. évfolyam, 26-53. szám)
1943-07-29 / 30. szám
Page 2 The Ferret Se* Verhovayak Lapja STILL AT WHITMORE LAKE Looks as if all the young men contributors are picking on me g] again — what f with Pvt. William Kohut I making vague | accusat ions, I? commenting, “if I one happens H to bob up, TM(m e a n i n g Mrs. Jolán Lucas women) and create a fuss about something that was written is no reason to underwrite that as a general trend throughout the Verhovay”. And there is the Scribe of Kőszeg stating that “he (Pvt. Bill) has an undeniable right to •express 'his opinions”. What’s the matter with the Ferret having an equal “undeniable right” to express her opinions? I may not be as closely connected with the Home Office as Bill, but any time either of you chaps think I’m not in as close a contact with the younger people, ■ you have another think coming! The reason I made an issue of Pvt. Bill’s opinions regarding the coming Convention is because he seems to forget that the war is bound to end — and just because several thousand of our younger members are in the services is no reason to delay the discussions which would mean those improvements he and I and several hundred other young leaders are trying to bring about. The fact that the young men can't represent themselves, does not necessarily mean that there wouldn’t be anyone to fight for the rights of the younger generation. Hence, bringing in my arguments about giving the Women of Verhovay a long-denied opportunity. Pvt. Bill states that I “appeared to argue an issue he had no recollection of bringing up” and that he was “surprised to read some of the arguments presented”. If Bill will stop to con over his impressions, which were so viciously attacked by- me, he will note, after logical reasoning, that I gave several suggestions which could very well cope with the situation — i. e., that of . getting enough capable members to represent the younger generation at the National Convention. There’s John Sabo, who very fairly stated that “there is absolutely no reason why our women cannot play an important part in the shaping of Verhovay affairs”. Sabo further admits that the “loyalty and ability” of Verhovay women should be given a chance. John seemed to have very good suggestions on holding the Convention — they seemed logical, reasonable, ar.f if followed, would have created little stir in these times of war. But does Sabo get attacked, such as I was, by statements made by Bill to the effect that “A place for the women is mighty firre, but the place should be reserved for those women who are qualified and interested”. Very true, Bill, but what makes you so certain that I, and other young women delegates, may not be “qualified or interested”, that I’m just talking “through my hat”, so to speak? If I weren’t Interested, I’d have let your «pinions go hang — If I didn’t feel myself qualified, would be wasting my time trying to prove to you that now is the time to unite, rather than bicker over who says what, why and wherefore? If I didn’t feel myself qualified to take a hand in the government of our organization, would I bother to stir myself out of the comfort of my home and raising a family, to be sufficiently interested in Verhovay life to “stew” about my inability to give a hand? This goes for many other loyal, and sincere Verhovay Women. Received a letter just, yesterday from Margaret Stangret, a loyal leader in Branch 164 affairs — she stated that the entire branch is behind me in my fight for recognition of the rights of the younger generation. She further stated that she felt the “Verhovay Convention is in good hands, be the representatives men or women.” The trouble with Bill is that he feels as many other males, that Verhovay is no place for women. Why not? I still say, we can do as good a job as you men, and maybe better — to repeat myself. Women have been known to be catty, but we do try to give each- other a break, at least in VERHOVAY FRATERNALISM, but you males fight us at every turn. A certain clique of young men get together and are trying to be like their elders — I mean, this little clique get together to decide major issues between themselves, and not giving the little fellow the opportunity to get a word in edgewise. THAT, my dear Bill, is one of the main reasons Verhovay meetings are often unsuccessful — not letting the little guy get in his say-so. Most main decisions are made by a ruling few, and that ruling few is so small and mean about their ideas that no outsider can share in saying “yes” or “no”. Am I right, Bill? Think again, it isn’t so much that we are holding a Convention — we, the younger generation, are actually beginning to get a toe-hold in furthering the progress of our great organization. If we let ourselves be thrown into a fight amongst ourselves, we will not be strong enough to fight those elements we are trying so hard to weed out — and Bill, above all people, should know who, and what, I mean. As for the Scribe of Kőszeg, he may be a friend of Bill’s, but so am I. What I’m fighting is not Bill — but some of his opinions. If Bill has an “undeniable right” and the “privilege to express what he thinks”, why can’t the Scribe be big enough to admit that so has the Ferret? I didn’t attack Bill because I felt I was better equipped, but why should the Scribe insinuate that Bill was any better equipped, because he lives near the Home Office? I, too, am in contact with the young generation; should be after being secretary of a branch for eight years. I’ve heard Verhovay, ate and drank and slept Verhovay ever since I was a kid in pig-tails. My dad organized two branches — was officer in one of them. When he organized 429, he decided it was time for him to step into the background and let the youngsters try their hand at organization. We youngsters don’t want to take jobs away from the older members — we all have to be trained by them before we can take full reign. Now that we are beginnings to be conscious of the more important issues to be decided, is not the time for us to fight amongst ourselves. I feel we should stick together and hope that the Convention does pull off some of those improvements we have been fighting for. Little by little the youngsters in Detroit are getting over the brush-off given us by the older members in the various branches in and around Detroit. Little by little, we are trying our wings in this fight to take over at least a small part in the government of our organization. I’m merely the outlet for the opinions and impressions which the younger generation here in Detroit feel should be made by someone. The fact that I’m a woman shouldn’t be sneered at by you male leaders — I’m not only fighting for the young generation, I’m also fighting to see that the VERHOVAY WOMEN are given an opportunity to join in the legislative discussions you men deem belong only to you. I can assure you, Bill, that you’d be surprised at the number of women who are not only “qualified and interested”, as you so neatly put it, but they are more than eager to do their share.' The fact that I’m not working in a war plant, due to two small school-age youngsters, does not necessarily mean that I’m not as interested as the factory workers and Red Cross workers in seeing that the main job ahead of us is winning the war; I’m two jumps ahead of you — I’m trying to build for a post-war interest in our organization. Not only that, my dear Bill, but let me enlighten you on one of the most important resolutions to come from at least one district meeting composed entirely of English speaking branches, which of course, represents the greatest number of the young generation we both think so highly of. District 34 delegates, of which 429 is one, have proposed the following resolution, which I feel should be taken up by all English speaking branches. It should also be pointed out to all readers of my very feminine column, which is so demoralizing to you male contributors, that in spite of the fact that the Convention be held in this year of war, in the midst of war work, and traveling facilities so limited — we are going to try to cut the Convention short; in fact, to the point of leaving only sufficient time to discuss business matters only, and letting that “group of older men” discuss their old times together, after the Convention and on their own time. Read, Bill and Scribe, and see that with a little co-operation from all English speaking branches, and young leaders like you two, and John Sabo, and Marge Strangret, and Zoltán Vincent and Oscar Petoskey and Paul Szegő, and Charlie Young out Buffalo way, and lots more, even myself, we can hold our Convention, aspire to our ideals of a Verhovay organization ruled briskly and efficiently by young members, and even cut the cost to a thin dime; and the time away from war work, to a mere minimum. RESOLUTION Be it resolved that the delegates of district thirty-four (34) at the meeting held July II, 1943 at Toledo, Ohio, desire that the Verhovay Fraternal Insurance Association Convention to be held September 13, 1943 in Pittsburgh, Pa. conform to the following principles: t— 1. ) That the Convention be limited to three (3) days. 2. ) That only matters of importance be discussed and acted upon. We, the English speaking branches, realize the grave condition of the world, and the seriousness of our war effort. We desire that, as Americans, we should not falter. We wish to prove to our Country, that we are one hundred percent (100%) in our war effort. We realize also that Verhovay must progress, and all this must be accomplished in the shortest possible time. It is our sincere hope that the members of the Verhovay Convention will not falter in this critical moment, but will do their utmost to prove: — That we American Hungarians are united in the common effort. This resolution was approved and passed by the delegates of District thirty-four - (34) July 11, 1943 at Toledo, Ohio. Signed: Jos. H. Prince, M. D., President, Jolán Lucas, Recording Secretary, Alex Kochmar, Rose Feyes, John Kremple, John Bokor, Jr.” Come on, Bill and Scribe, give a mere woman the opportunity of giving you a mental pat on the back for all sticking together on your precious ideals. Ignore the fact that I’m a woman, if necessary, and let us “leaders” stick together and show our elders that we are much too interested in Verhovay Fraternalism as a whole, to analyze petty disagreements. As I write this, I’m thinking to myself, “Ye gods and little fishes, can it be that some of our youngsters are going to be small and mean enough to rate personal ambitions for a place in Verhovay governing, MORE IMPORTANT, than the enormous task of solving all those problems which have been created by these self-same selfish desires?” Why not admit, that the task ahead of us, that of creating a life-long interest in Verhovay Fraternalism by our young generation, is of much more importance than whether we hold a Convention in a year of war? Of course, I admit the possibility of the government clamping down on holding the Convention in September, but the majority of national delegates have been chosen for their ability and qualifications and sincere interest in Verhovay life, and also considerations were made regarding their war work. About one-hundred twenty or so delegates coming from about as many cities will not necessarily crowd the rails, or busses; if hotel space is scare, the Verhovay members around the Pittsburgh area can prove, without a doubt, that we are an organization noted for “brotherly love”, and can share their homes with the national delegates — and also their food, in an emergency. If an idea is important enough, the wherewithal can very easily be solved. (Continued on Page 3) July 29, 1943 THE MAIL-BOX Somewhere in North Africa July 6, 1943 Dear Verhovay Readers: It was a happy occasion when Dirk and I met here last month, as we had not known each other personally, only through our Journal. We used to correspond, through the Journal, to the amusement of the readers. Speaking of meeting someone here, overseas, I had the good fortune to see my brother, Steve, at his location, on Sunday, the 4th of July. I gave him a pleasant surprise in visiting him. We spent about four hours together at his camp, and I regretted that I couldn’t stay longer, but I had to get back to my Base before night fell, as it was a long drive back in the Jeep. I had him promise me that he would try to get a pass so he could come over and visit me at my camp. I am waiting and hoping. It really was good to see him, after not seeing him for a year. I have already written to my Dad in Lorain, and Ann; and my mother and sister, who are now in California, about meeting my brother here. I’m sorrry to hear A1 Jozik is ill and hope he will soon be wtll again. My brother, Pete, is supposed to be coming across soon, as the folks gave me his new APO address. If he comes here to North Africa, I hope that we two may see each other, for tfie last time we were together was Jan, 7th, 1942, when he left to be inducted into the Army. He is in the same kind of outfit that John Phillips is in. John wrote me several interesting letters about two weeks ago, and he wrote me that he was on a three day pass in some town here in North Africa. He met three boys from my Group and asked them if they knew me. They said they had heard my name several times, and John asked them to convey his best regards to me. The boys told John how to reach my location. I had a friend in Lorain, who was stationed at Barksdale Field, who suffered from ulcers of the stomach. He was transferred out of the group before we came across for overseas duty. The last I heard of him, he had been given a Physical Disability Discharge and is back at home. I’ve written him since I have come overseas, but .as yet have received no reply. I received another copy of the Journal today. I am looking forward to the Journal that carries Dirk's article. I’m sure the readers enjoy his articles as much as 1 do, for they always contain much wit and good humor. I just saw the write-up the Stars and Stripes had in this week’s issue. The Staff Writer who interviewed me, really wrote a good brief article, even adding some humor to it, concerning my work overseas. I shall try and secure as many copies as I can, and send them to my friends and relatives. I must close now. Am sending my best wishes and regards to the readers of our Journal, and also to the Home Office Staff in Pittsburgh. j Sincerely and Fraternally, S Sgt. John V. Jerkovlcte.
