Armenian genocide: Letters to the editor, Nov. 27, 2019
Grateful for genocide vote
On Oct. 29 the House of Representatives by an overwhelming vote recognized the genocide of Armenians by the Ottoman Turks starting on April 24, 1915 and continuing to 1923. Some of the survivors came to the Central Valley to escape the killing.
So many Armenians had been waiting for so long to see some sense of justice and recognition of Turkey's barbarism. Turkey's true character was revealed as they attached Kurds in Syria.
Permit me to express my deep appreciation for the staunch support by local congress members — Jim Costa, TJ Cox and Devin Nunes — to enact this resolution. Special thanks goes to congressman Costa for his words on the floor of Congress.
Avo Manoukian, Fresno
Carrying the torch for justice
At last, after over a century, the silenced survivors’ voices of the Armenian 1915 Genocide by the Turks echoed in the House of Representatives’ halls of Washington, D.C.
House Foreign Affairs Committee member Rep. Adam Schiff, who along with Rep. Gus Bilirakis introduced the Armenian Genocide Recognition Resolution — House Resolution 296 — stated that it was morally incumbent upon Congress to recognize the first genocide of the 20th century. He added that the U.S. must never be a party to genocide denial, and not speak the truth, because of alliance with and loyalty to Erdogan.
Fresno’s Rep. Jim Costa, a longtime supporter, called for immediate passage of H. Res. 296, saying, “The road to justice begins with full recognition of the Armenian people’s suffering. Turkey and the U.S. must recognize the Armenian genocide as the European Union has done.”
On Oct. 29, 2019 the Genocide Recognition Resolution, overwhelmingly had passed in the House of Representatives. We anticipate the same in the Senate.
Armenians around the world because of the genocide heartily thank and applaud all those who, with tenacity and integrity, had been the torchbearers for justice.
Nazik Messerlian, Fresno
Society must have lawful policing
Vigilantism vs. lawful policing. The lawful function of a police department is to investigate crime and apprehend suspect(s) that they may be brought to trial, innocent until proven guilty in a court of law before a jury of peers. Societies mores and morals that are codified and the sure knowledge that justice is swift and fair are the primary deterrents to crime, not badges, uniforms and guns worn by cops.
The cop who shot the teenager in the back of the head had other cops, radios, police cars, dogs, even a helicopter available to assist in the apprehension. Instead, what transpired, is an obese, out-of-shape cop who could not run 50 feet without huffing, puffing and collapsing in a heap, using his pistol as judge, jury and executioner. I see vigilantism, not lawful policing.
Earl Barnett, Visalia
Mispronouncing the word “for”
The Nov. 3rd article, “Your political views can predict how you pronounce words,” reminds me of the word “for.” The word “for” is mispronounced by literally each and every person who has anything to say on television. Reporters, political analysts, commentators, and other types of the media who speak on television all say “fir” or “fur” instead of “for.”
I would like to call this error of speech to their attention because it has become a matter of annoyance to hear otherwise intelligent members of the media say “fur” instead of “for.”
Helen Condit, Fresno
This story was originally published November 27, 2019 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Armenian genocide: Letters to the editor, Nov. 27, 2019."