Ara Baliozian’s short commentary, "Enough," which appeared in the December 23rd 
issue of TAR Int’l was one of the most timely and logical pieces I have read.  No doubt, 
many among us who write commentaries have tried to characterize the short-sighted 
leadership prevailing in present-day Armenia and how it has been damaging the 
homeland.  But no one, to date and to my knowledge, has characterized it so completely, 
so accurately, and in as few words, as Baliozian.


His commentary was so complete that I not only want to commend him for his genius, but 
because it’s so short, I also want to quote it in its entirety for those who may not have 
read it or for those who hurriedly passed over it.


Again and again our present problems in the Homeland are ascribed to the earthquake, the 
war in Karabagh and our Soviet legacy.  But I tend to view these factors as arguments for 
a more compassionate and just society.

Why should past abuses of power justify present ones?

Why should a natural disaster promote corruption?

Why should a war in which young men die be a source of profit to old men?

If past corruption justifies present corruption, why should not present corruption justify 
future corruption?	

If we allow war profiteers to have their way, what will motivate them to make peace?

To say that, in a few years, when the effects of the earthquake, the war and Sovietism 
dissipate, Eden will be reinstated in our homeland, has the double demerit of engaging in 
wishful thinking and in legitimizing criminal conduct.

Baliozian is right.  Regardless of Armenia’s tortuous past, the time for excuses by 
well-meaning Armenians justifying Armenia’s shortcomings is over.  It only gives license 
for more of the same.  If honor, honesty, and justice in Armenia do not prevail, Armenia 
will fail.  There’s no doubt as to the enormity of the decisions that the present leadership 
in Armenia is facing.  And, no doubt, such decisions may oftentimes involve choosing 
between nation and personal relationships.  But be that as it may, Armenia’s leaders must, 
first and foremost, come to realize that making such choices may take more courage than 
facing a hostile enemy in battle.  Fact is, in the making of all decisions, the homeland 
must always come first, regardless of whom or what’s involved.


President Harry Truman must have been facing similar problems.  He said it this way: "If 
it’s too hot in the kitchen, get out."


Joseph Vosbikian