Comment by Glenda Bailey-Mershon on April 30, 2011 at 18:38

Els,

 

In the states, writers seldom have control over covers. I wonder how Mr. Walsh feels about this one? The text sounds far more sensitive than the cover. Why should we not write a letter to the publisher demanding a change to the cover?

 

If we had an action page, I would place this there, with information on the publisher and writer, and a letter from us to use as a template, and ask people to write also to the publisher.

 

Nais tuke,

Glenda

Comment by Ciuin Ferrin on April 30, 2011 at 18:56

Dear Els and Glenda,

 

We can write a letter and publish it here, get signatures as we did before, and send it to the publisher. I do want to remind everyone that if the book is already published, there is nothing that can be done about the cover. We could affect their thinking in future editions, but not the one already in print.

 

We would need to be very careful about the wording of such a letter as well, since the book claims he fled from a 'secret society'. If we are not careful, the spin masters for the publishers can turn it into: "see? The secret society does not want you to see this!" It happens a lot and, unfortunately, it will help them sell more books.

 

If we do write a letter, we should have a lawyer look it over to make sure it couldn't be taken the wrong way.

 

I also think an action page is a wonderful idea. I have so many projects I feel others would be interseted in, and maybe even want to assist with.

 

And Els, I have contacted someone I know who is a webmistress for another organization I work with. I've given her the site adress so she can take a look and see if this is something she can help with.

 

Ok, gotta get my homework done!

 

Baxt,

C

Comment by Glenda Bailey-Mershon on May 2, 2011 at 14:34

Right, Ciuin, we can only affect the next edition, but that may be worthwhile. If there is one. And perhaps the goal is to make the publisher know we are watching, and how they should consider future book covers.

Comment by Glenda Bailey-Mershon on May 2, 2011 at 14:35

I missed the context of the text on the first read. A cruel interpretation, inside and out.

Comment by Glenda Bailey-Mershon on May 3, 2011 at 20:00

Els,

suggest "Quick actions" link for targets to whom we want to draw reaction. That reaction can be anything, the more creative the better. Some people who visit here will not be creative people, but those looking for info, and I think they may be more interested in clear and direct actions suggesting they write a letter, or show up at an event, or some other such direct action. Satire is a high form of protest!

Comment by Glenda Bailey-Mershon on May 3, 2011 at 22:22

Works for me, Els.

Comment by Glenda Bailey-Mershon on May 17, 2011 at 18:42

Welcome, Morgan! Most of us are focusing on the Test Europe NOW! group right now, but we'll be active here soon.

Comment by Casimire Williamsii on May 24, 2011 at 16:23

What a sad state of affairs. More and more I feel that I was totally deluded when I started this group. A total disapointment to say the least. I have been reading all these Romani Blogs, FaceBook Pages, and Web Sites for years now. All of you do an excellent job of pointing out what the problems are. Up to a point that is, most of it is very one sided and often lack journalistic integrity to give both sides of the story. I am not so deluded to think that I have any answers, I have none at all what so ever! I am however smart enough to look at History and current events to see what has been effective. I attempted to point out actions Jewish people have taken since WWII, so that they are not such an easy target. Then I gave examples of the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's. From my perspective this Brutal Genocide we face is not going to stop untill Romani people get orginized and have some solidarity. Right or wrong, real or imagined that is the reality of the situation from my perspective. Otherwise what is being accomplished with all these sites? Pointing out what the problems are is only half the solution. But really what does it amount to but collective sniveling? 

I am sure that Els has gone into this thing with the best of intent. But I have seen this situation many times before on the Indian Reservations here in the US. It is up to us to orginize and gain solidarity, not depend on anyone else. But all I can see on these pages is dissent. I tried to get something going here and all I got for my trouble was to be eighty sixed from advising content of press pack. Now we cant even keep enough solidarity to have a F/B page.

All I can say and the only message I have is that if we don't orginize and have some solidarity then our culture will go the way of many other indigenous peoples all over the world. If you keep in mind that a very brutal genocide is being applied to all of us then it should be easier to be focused. Jewish people have taken steps to insure their survival. Get a clue from the Civil Rights Movement.

That is all I have to say, that is how I feel.

Casimire

AKA Jello Man   

 

 

 

Comment by Ciuin Ferrin on May 24, 2011 at 18:02

My dear Casimire,

I understand your feelings. I understand your frustration. Welcome to the world I and many others have been struggling with for years. There are some things you must consider first:

1. Every Roma out there is frustrated.

2. Everyone things they have an answer.

3. Most answers are different.

4. All answers are correct.

 

You can compare what we need to do the work of King or Ghandi or the Jewish movement, but only to an extent. We do not fit any model perfectly.

 

1. We are divided by language. Romanes has so many different dialects that in many cases, two Roma from different countries can't understand each other even if speaking Romanes. They may catch a word or two, but not the entire conversation. Due to this fact, many Roma, including Dr. Hancock, have said that we must standardize the language before we can get any work completed.

 

2. We are divided by our own individuality and ideas. Every Roma is as individual as any other person. Ever gotten into a political discussion with someone who thinks they can solve the world's problems "if only the President would do _____!" and you know with all your heart this person is wrong? He believes he is right and he knows you are wrong. Every Roma has the "answer", from reforming education to radical armed attacks. And everyone has the right to put up a website and bitch.

3. We are divided by our own agendas. Everyone's opinions have merit and could be argued anywhere. There were African Americans who did not agree with King. There were Indians who did not agree with Ghandi. And there are Roma who don't agree with us. Nothing is surprising here, nor is it new. And if they feel their mission is to encourage others to join them in their crusade against _____, then God bless them.

 

My point is that you have started a movement here that is doing something. I find it a little distressing that you may think that all we do is sit and bitch. A team has been working to get this organization into a functioning, legal organization with power and members to affect action. Another team has been working on the Press Pack, which is not yet finished, nor has it even been edited. Other teams have been writing letters, researching contacts, recruiting members,  researching event possibilities, and work still continues on the Rome for Roma event.

 

How many organizations are out there that claim to have the answer to world hunger? How many to end poverty? Shelter the homeless? Dozens, if not hundreds. If other websites distress you by their whining, then stop searching the web and focus on what is going on here. But never give up. If I gave up everytime I read an anti-Roma webpage or listened to hate speach, I'd have been out of this business the year after I began.

 

I began my work in 1996. I researched, wrote, spoke, educated, anything I could do. By the end of 1997, I was frustrated. I was told by several different Romani and non-Romani organizations that I was "doing it wrong", "going about social change in an incorrect fashion" and that I was "dreaming", "deluded", and even "uneducated." Yet today I speak at high schools, universities, and the occasional social club. I am backed by a university and I feel my work has done something, even if it is "only" to educate others, be they Roma or non-Roma, about the need for change, for education, and even for unity. I get depressed often about the situation, but I believe that what I am doing is right. I believe my work can affect change. I believe in the good in this world and that people, if given the opportunity, will do the right thing.

 

You are in control of your actions and your emotions. Don't let the enemy win by convincing you that you've lost before the battle has even begun.

Comment by Glenda Bailey-Mershon on May 24, 2011 at 20:22

Casimire, I understand what you are saying, I think. But I disagree with your conclusion. I am quite proud of the way a wonderful working group toiled together to limit the damage done by Marko and to support our cause on FB. That was a small thing, but important. Also, since we no longer have a dissension-creator (my private word is more crude, I'm afraid) among us, we have made progress on planning a more modest but still significant program of summer activities. The discussion over at Test Europe Now! has been very enlightening and positive and we are moving along.

Also, I have tried to ask your input on the press packet, but you have not responded to my emails. Perhaps they were lost? I will send them again.

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