Today’s Guest Column
Dear President Obama,
Not so long ago, a weakening yet still viable Turkish empire took upon itself the task of ridding its domain of “undesirables.” Although many ethnicities fell victim to Ottoman treachery, some 1.5 million Armenians were systematically massacred for their unwavering devotion to their faith and reluctance to live in utter subservience.
During your 2008 campaign, you announced “America deserves a leader who speaks truthfully about the Armenian Genocide.” You certainly are correct, but I would also add that America deserves a president who refrains from making empty promises.
Despite former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s recent statement that the events of 1915 are “a matter of historical debate,” the Armenian Genocide is history and, as such, is not subject to negotiation. Its recognition by the U.S. should not be hampered by the lobby of a foreign nation, Turkey, which, despite claiming to be open and truthful about the past, refuses to reflect on history in a full and frank manner. Unfortunately, American policy succumbs to such pressures and continues to defy reality.
Make no mistake, statements that “strongly condemn” or “express profound remorse” are counterproductive; such tactics only reinforce the distaste for political correctness within the Armenian-American community. But as you continue your policy of ignorant bliss with Turkish interests in mind, know you have chosen to build a friendship based on mutual denial of history and over the graves of 1.5 million people. Whatever path you choose to take this year, know that in the end, our responsibilities are subject to a higher moral authority.
This letter should inform you that those who have the power to bring justice and rectify an atrocity but choose not to do so are as guilty as those who pull the trigger. So unless you can find it in your heart to transcend the barriers of political adversity and to weather the criticism that follows the acknowledgment of the truth, consider yourself on the wrong side of history.
You should know the pursuit of justice by Armenians and righteous people everywhere will be relentless and eternal. But at the same time, no other country has the ability to bring about such change, without which the livelihood of the Armenian people will remain forever in a state of arrested development.
It is easy to show courage when facing an enemy, but to do so against an ally is the mark of true divinity. This nation has had a strong and fruitful 66-year friendship with Turkey, but such relations cannot and should not impede realization of the truth. With all due respect, your sentiments are inconsequential; your office is the only medium through which meaningful results can be produced. Nearly 100 years of injustice can be rectified on your initiative; all that’s left is your resolve.
David Oganesyan is a sophomore economics and finance major. He can be reached at davidoga@gmail.com.
