Comments on: Obama Alienates Armenian Americans

By: Vahé M.

Vahé M. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:28:41 +0000

Yes, Jason did make some grammatical errors which makes me think he is not a native speaker of English. They are not glaringly obvious, but they are there nonetheless.

I am an Armenian who voted for Obama, and I felt like my concerns got thrown in the trash.

By: Hagop

Hagop — Fri, 22 May 2009 05:48:59 +0000

Jason’s first out-and-out lie (or exaggeration) has got nothing to do with Armenians: “he is already involved broadly with all the issues relating to peace process worldwide, without taking sides unlike his precedents, including the Palestinian and Israeli issues.”

The latter part of his rant is so racist that yes — he should be glad it was actually allowed to be published here (and I think I know why).

Jason, please continue your “few minute researches,” and report back A.S.A.P.! We would love to hear what you have learned!

By: Jason Sounds Good To Me

Jason Sounds Good To Me — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:50:58 +0000

Finally a decent comment on this website that is objective. Jason, a Turk or not, definitely gets my congratulations on his brave comment. He might have changed his name to write on this website probably because nobody wants the slight possibility of ever getting harassed by the Armenian diaspora. It is scary to even bring up a remotely controversial topic on the table of such a “subjective” audience. The funny thing is that the only follow up comment that Jason received after his, is the one by an individual who critiques Jason’s grammatical errors (??!!??) thus claiming that he might be a Turk. And what if he is? Who gives a heck? He still makes a lot of sense to me.

By: Eric the Red

Eric the Red — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:34:31 +0000

Dear Jason,
Many of your grammatical errors are similar to those made by Turks and Turkish Americans. If you are not a member of one of these two groups and don’t want to be mistaken for one, perhaps you should have someone proof read your comments.

And, if you “refuse to sit here and read Armenian Media….” all the better. No one is waiting to read your nonsense anyway.

By: Jason Kopeczki

Jason Kopeczki — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:05:25 +0000

As an American I love Obama and everything he stands for. First few months of his presidency he is already involved broadly with all the issues relating to peace process worldwide, without taking sides unlike his precedents, including the Palestinian and Israeli issues. I am going to have to agree with his stand about the Armenian issue relating to genocide and the financial aid cut economically and militarily to Armenia.
Did it ever occur to you maybe during his visit to Turkey, he was presented with evidence and facts in regards to the Armenian genocide that might have changed his views, and later he regretted making comments in regards to the genocide during his campaign without researching it in details. Maybe he really wants to wait and see the results of the joint study being established between Armenia and Turkey.
As far as the financial and military aid cuts go, I certainly would understand why. We all know lately things between the US and Russia haven’t been that well. We are on a head on collision course with Russia in regards to many foreign policies. Knowing the fact that Armenia and Russia are the closest ally in the region, it would not be a smart thing for us to help Armenia at this point. The fact is Yerevan doesn’t rule Armenia, Moscow does. Of course Azerbaijan rightfully will be getting the bigger piece of the pie, since they are our only ally in the region and they want to help and support our interest in the region. If you ask me they should get four times the amount they are getting in terms of the financial and the military aid.
Second most important thing is occupation of Nagorno-Karabach. Armenia is the aggressor and occupier of the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Just because ethnically Armenian 140,000 people want to self govern themselves within Azerbaijani territory it doesn’t give Armenia right to unjustly occupy foreign lands. There are about 600,000 Armenians live here in Los Angeles County and I would really like to see Armenians try to establish an independent Armenian State here in Southern California. Does that make any sense to you. More and more people are learning about the issues relating Armenians everyday and finding out facts that are presented by Armenians actually aren’t the facts at all. I for once always felt for Armenians and always defended and supported their agenda as far as the genocide issue goes, but reading a little about it and doing a few minute researches made me question a few things.
I refuse to sit here and read Armenian Media bad mouthing the president we loved, supported and elected with difficulties after many years of mismanagement. I hope you would understand and publish my opinions in regards to this… Thank you!!!

By: David

David — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:15:44 +0000

Did you expect more? You are all fools. The only president who ever used the words Armenian Genocide was a republican. He is going to hit all you doctors in the pocketbook as well. Next time research the man you vote for. Armenians are all religious and his strong pro abortion stance should have been enough to have you look at the other candidate. He is more concerned with muslim rights as his name suggests. How many of you speak Arabic? you should have known.

By: H. Garabedian

H. Garabedian — Sat, 16 May 2009 12:49:31 +0000

What is Obama’s Obligation to Armenians?

Let’s start with the bottom line. Whatever his commitment to Armenians it is secondary to his commitment to act in the best interests of the US. As an American, albeit of Armenian lineage, that is what I expect of him. Anyone who takes campaign statements as gospel just doesn’t understand the process. The commitments during campaigns are voluminous. They are about direction and intention. Once elected now the focus turns to making tradeoffs and implementation within a changing reality.

Turkey is an important part of the reconciliation process between Syria and Israel. Turkey has a role to play in supporting our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lack of cooperation from Turkey makes Iraq more difficult for the US and our troops. The relationship between the USA/West and Turkey is a demonstration that being a Muslim country doesn’t necessarily mean a hostile relationship to the West. Turkey being influential in the Caucasus helps the US offset Russia influence.

Does anyone really expect the President to put aside vital US interests to keep a campaign promise? The President had a difficult choice—a tradeoff between serving US interests and keeping a campaign promise. He is a pragmatist and a realist, and he made a predictable choice.

By: Arpy

Arpy — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:37:37 +0000

I mean “word” genocide.

By: Arpy

Arpy — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:35:09 +0000

I knew Obama was NOT going to do use the work genocide. Why should he? What can Armenia and Armenians do for him besides get him elected? I’m sure Hillary talked him out of it. What I want to know is what Joe Biden is doing? After all, supposedly, he was a big supporter of us. All politicians have to walk a tightrope to make negotiations. I knew he was trying to not upset Turkey by using his words carefully. If he used the G word, it would have alienated Turkey from the start. Nevertheless, I know ALL politicians lie and use Armenians for votes. When are you going to realize this? As long as Turkey is a NATO ally, NOTHING will change. All of these talks and negotiations are all pointless. We are nearing the 100-year mark of the genocide. Pretty soon, there will be no more survivors and each generation will lose hope. The only thing I am upset about is that the aid to Armenia is being decreased and the one to Azeris is being increased. I’m sure someone high up in U.S. government received a bribe to betray us and it was planned from the start. Everyone knows politicians lie.

By: RootArmo

RootArmo — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:26:53 +0000

“Armen” what is your point? That until the United States recognizes its own genocides…however you may want to define that…it has not moral standing to recognize the Armenian Genocide.? If Turkey did as much atonement for its past crimes as the United States we wouldn’t have this issue.