BRAMA, November 15, 2000, 11:00pm EST

#61623; Washington Post – ‘Get Rid of Shevchenko Monument’

In the opinion section of the Sunday Washington Post newspaper, dated November 12, 2000, an article appeared entitled, "Park Places: Let’s evict the has-beens to elevate the worthy." Within the article, the author, John Matthews, called for the removal of the Shevchenko monument in Washington, D.C. because "Shevchenko was not only an idol of Soviet Communists but an anti-Semite and anti-Polish to boot."

It is imperative that the Ukrainian-American community respond to this demeaning and degrading characterization of Taras Shevchenko, which is an insult to all Ukrainian-Americans. All Ukrainian-Americans and their organizations must respond to this Washington Post article, for, to remain silent, will signal an indifference to the father of the modern Ukrainian nation. A sample letter is provided below for your convenience.
 

Read the Washington Post article online:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64811-2000Nov11.html
 
 

SAMPLE LETTER

Close to Home
The Washington Post Editorial page
1150 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20071

Dear Editor:

I am concerned about a recent article published in The Washington Post on November 12, 2000 entitled "Park Places: Let’s evict the has-beens to elevate the worthy." The facts within the article related to the removal of a monument to the national poet and bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko, are completely unsubstantiated. Claiming that Taras Shevchenko, as a defender of national rights for Ukraine from all its oppressors, is an "idol of Soviet Communists" is completely untrue given the fact that the Soviet Embassy in Washington was in complete protest of the erection of this monument.

Secondly, the author’s bold assertion that Taras Shevchenko was an anti-Semite or anti-Pole demonstrates a total lack of understanding of Shevchenko’s works. At the time of Shevchenko writing (mid 1800’s), he spoke of the liberation of Ukraine from all its foreign oppressors. His hope so simply and at the same time eloquently depicted in his poetry lay in the regeneration of charity, tolerance, and freedom among all humanity. I would advise that The Washington Post editorial board review the material of its writers carefully before making accusations such as in this article.

Sincerely,
(your signature)
 

More BRAMA Press Releases -- Click Here
Comments and observations about this article and other news
may be posted to the BRAMA News & Politics Comment Board