Comments on: Evading the Monolithuania

By: From USA

From USA — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:28:43 +0000

The websites articles I referenced include the following:

http://vakarai.us/news/136/ART.....01-17.html – here Udrys mentions he did not get a list;
http://vakarai.us/news/136/ART.....01-23.html – Udrys’ reaction to Maciunas’ press conference
http://www.alietuvis.us/al/index.php?news=86 – Udrys’ resignation letter
http://www.alietuvis.us/al/index.php?news=118 – more info
http://www.alietuvis.us/al/index.php?news=132 – Maciunas press conference
http://lrytas.lt/naujienos/120.....spektyvos/

Hope this helps.

By: Jorge C.

Jorge C. — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 16:28:17 +0000

Could someone direct me to the “Lithuanian websites” commentaries? I’m trying to view the original comments. Thank you in advance.

By: From USA

From USA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:27:36 +0000

It is a fair question to ask why Mr. Udrys resigned with such fanfare. Perhaps, and this is just my speculation based on the tidbits of info presented in the Lithuanian press, he became so frustrated with the poor dialog, lack of openness, and weak arguments on the part of JAV LB that he decided he had enough and choose to quit with a bang. Hopefully, Mr. Udrys will address his reasons on this.

By: L.A. Lithuanian

L.A. Lithuanian — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:26:56 +0000

I don’t agree with Sokiu Sventes decision to summarily deny Udrio proposal without more careful consideration. In the least, they miscalculated the negative PR impact, and, if they weren’t volunteers, they should fired for completely mis-handling the situation.

However, I think that Udrys was equally short-sighted in this matter. As president of local JAVLB chapter, he should have had better (common) sense of his fiduciary duty to JAVLB, and all L.A. Lithuanians. I don’t understand why he chose to sensationalize his resignation the way he did by sending his letters to the Lithuanian and Jewish press at the same time without first having some honest closed-door discussions with JAVLB and Sokiu Svente Committee, and actually trying to negotiate an agreement. He’s acting like a whistle-blower, which while applaudable in corporate situations, is a mis-guided approach in an ethnic community. He forgets that this is not just about JAVLB’s or Sokiu Svente’s image. It is about all American-Lithuanians. You and me. Thanks to him, we are now all anti-semites in the eyes of the Jewish community. You think I’m exaggerating? Just read some of the comments in the Jewish Journal where news of Udrio Resignation were published.

Overall, I am dissapointed by both sides because now the L.A. Sokiu Svente, an event meant to be a celebration of our culture, will forever have negative political connotations. It will always be know the svente with the “Yidish dance group scandal.” I hope Udrys will at least get something out of this.

By: From USA

From USA — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:26:24 +0000

Yes, it is sad Mr. Udrys resigned rather than continue the battle. However, Mr. Udrys in his resignation letter did indicate conversations with specific dates he had with Maciunas and Joga. Udrys also stated in an interview he asked for a list of contacts in Joga’s sokiu sventes committee and he was denied. Compare this to Maciunas’ letter published after the Jewish Journal published an article on this. In Maciunas’ response he attacked Mr. Udrys presenting no real facts about the decision process. We are seeing JAV LB’s true colors here. I would like to emphasize that JAV LB does NOT reflect the beliefs of mainstream Lithuanians in the U.S. Just like you stated, tolerant, modern Lithuanians in the States have a hard time joining this organization because of their views.

By the way I was very impressed with your letter published in Lietuvos Rytas. Many Lithuanian-Americans have no idea how important the Jewish community was in Vilnius before WW2 and how for many generations Lithuanian-Jews lived in harmony with other Lithuanians. Hopefully, more articles on the Jewish contributions to Lithuania will be published helping to inform those involved with bendruomene.

By: moacir

moacir — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:26:01 +0000

Well, it’s tough to decide what to do as a course of events. Udrys resigned rather than stick it out and work with people with whom he obviously disagrees. As I wrote, I’m sad that he felt the need to resign, but I can’t say I would have done differently were I in his position. In fact, it is my own personal disinterest in finding myself in Udrio position that keeps me from joining JAVLB (or any LB) with more gusto.

The cover Maciūnas and Joga have provided for anti-Semites, however, is disturbing.

By: From USA

From USA — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:25:39 +0000

Not only is the level of hatred found in commentaries concerning this issue in Lithuanian websites appalling but the response from the National Committee is absolutely disgusting. Mr. Udrys proposed an idea that even the president of the Lithuanian-American Community called positive had it been “better prepared” and had this proposal been submitted months earlier. We now see a vile campaign of personal attacks against Mr. Udrys. Can Lithuanian-Americans stoop any lower? This may truly become a defining moment for the Lithuanian-American Community – will they continue the mindset of a backward 19th century Lithuanian village and become the laughing stock of other ethnic organizations in the US? Or will they move forward to the 21st century and become an open, tolerant, forward-looking organization that all generations, all immigration waves can be proud of. Its no accident only about 5000 Lithuanian-Americans voted in this leadership back in 2006, with about a half million eligible voters throughout the US.